How your libraries can help you this term
Find your favourite study spot, skills sessions to help you succeed, and a warm welcome with wellbeing support – from calming activities to a simple cup of tea and a chat.
You are welcome across the network of Cambridge University Libraries.
Libraries are collective spaces where, even though everyone is sometimes in their own world, we're in our own worlds together – and there's power and magic in that.
A change of scenery, camaraderie (even when unspoken), and unrivalled resources (with people to help you navigate them) can all really help. We've got you.
Study spaces for every study style
There are so many unique study spaces across Cambridge University Libraries, and you are welcome to explore.
From the times you want a relaxed space where you can confer with friends, to the times you need a block of distraction-free time, we have got you covered. Refreshments are never far away either – brain food is needed.
We've even heard of students boosting their memory by studying specific topics in specific locations – sounds like a top tip!
We don't all study in the same way, or even the same way every day. Mixing it up and a change of scenery can really help refresh your brain.
Cambridge University Library
If you think Cambridge University Library is only the Main Reading Room, think again!
We have hundreds of seats in different locations to suit every study style, including two spacious – and if you're lucky, sunny – courtyards.
View and download a map of the University Library.
Reader Services can help you find your way around and advise on some great lesser-known study spots.
There is also a dedicated accessibility team.
Arriving at the University Library: watch our guide
Many libraries open late in Easter Term
University Library, West Road
9am to 10pm Monday to Friday. (9am to 4:45pm on Saturdays. Closed Sundays.)
The Seeley Library, West Room UL
9am to 9:30pm Monday to Friday. An extension of previous Easter Term hours. (9am to 4:30pm on Saturdays. Closed Sundays.)
Many other Cambridge University Libraries are open late during Easter Term. Check their website or ask a librarian.
Single Bookable Room. South Wing. Third Floor. UL.
Single Bookable Room. South Wing. Third Floor. UL.
Acoustic Booths in the University Library (bookable)
Acoustic Booths in the University Library (bookable)
Group Study Room (South Wing, Level 3)
Group Study Room (South Wing, Level 3)
It's always cool in West 4 (temperature-wise!). Head to the Fourth Floor if there's a heatwave.
It's always cool in West 4 (temperature-wise!). Head to the Fourth Floor if there's a heatwave.
The Commonwealth Room in the UL (South Wing. Level 3)
The Commonwealth Room in the UL (South Wing. Level 3)
Relaxed South Reading Room in the UL
Relaxed South Reading Room in the UL
North Room in the UL, with height adjustable desks.
North Room in the UL, with height adjustable desks.
The new interim Seeley Library in the West Room UL
The new interim Seeley Library in the West Room UL
The famous Main Reading Room in the UL for silent focus
The famous Main Reading Room in the UL for silent focus
The Education Library
The Education Library
The Education Library
The Education Library
Squirrel spotting at the Education Library
Squirrel spotting at the Education Library
Spotlight on The Education Library
The Education Library on Hills Road invites you to study in their light and bright plant-rich environment with beautiful views – complete with squirrel watching while you're thinking!
It is a little walk, cycle or bus ride, depending on where you are, but that's all good for the brain too, and you could walk through the Cambridge University Botanic Gardens to get there (Cambridge University students get free entry and don't need to prebook).
The Education Library has over 100 spaces including standing desks, high-back chairs, armchairs, tables and benches, with study support equipment including laptop stands, extra screens to connect to your laptop, book chairs, lamps and blankets.
There's also a Library Living Room with a sofa and beanbags to relax in. Find out more.
Spotlight on The Whipple Library
The Whipple is the University’s specialist library for the History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine.
All University of Cambridge students and researchers are welcome.
The Library has 45 study spaces spread across two areas, with additional beanbags, comfy chairs, and a sofa.
Centrally located on Free School Lane, the Library is open Monday to Friday 9:15am to 7pm in term (9:15am to 5pm outside of term).
Historical scientific instruments are displayed throughout, and they are (probably) the only library in Cambridge with a laser ...
You can also find objects of historical scientific interest online in the freely available Whipple Museum Collections Portal.
Micro-projector, made by Britex Scientific Instruments Ltd, England, mid-20th century (HC16)
Micro-projector, made by Britex Scientific Instruments Ltd, England, mid-20th century (HC16)
The Whipple Library
The Whipple Library
Spectro-polarimeter, made by Adam Hilger Ltd, England, c.1910 (Wh.2539)
Spectro-polarimeter, made by Adam Hilger Ltd, England, c.1910 (Wh.2539)
A model of human skin, with layers separated to show anatomical features (HC84)
A model of human skin, with layers separated to show anatomical features (HC84)
Discover your perfectly peaceful places to focus
Brain-boosting breaks
You can take a break without breaking your flow – in fact, you can boost it.
The Main Reading Room at the University Library has a supply of colouring sheets and crosswords, as well as guides on coping with stress and exams. No need to ask staff, just borrow or take what you need.
Colouring sheets and crosswords in the University Library Main Reading Room
Colouring sheets and crosswords in the University Library Main Reading Room
Most, if not all, the libraries will have calming activities freely available especially during Easter Term. Why not give it a go and see how you feel – you might be surprised.
New exhibition
Curious Cures: Medicine in the Medieval World
Come and see just what the doctor ordered ... in medieval times.
Our latest exhibition at the University Library will transport you back to a time when unspeakable ingredients and questionable remedies rubbed shoulders with surprisingly complex theories about how the human body functioned. Read more.
Book your FREE tickets. Open six days a week.
Curious Cures Library Late
On 19th June, join us for an evening of Curious Cures themed fun activities – see the UL like you've never seen it before, complete with a bar. Book your tickets for a medieval evening.
Drawings of urine flasks, illustrating different colours and describing the ailments. 15th century (Credit: The Master and Fellows of Trinity College, Cambridge)
Drawings of urine flasks, illustrating different colours and describing the ailments. 15th century (Credit: The Master and Fellows of Trinity College, Cambridge)
Urine flasks ... complete with medieval diagnosis
Urine flasks ... complete with medieval diagnosis
Many Cambridge University Libraries have exhibitions and book displays for you to explore.
The Faculty of Classics Library has an impressive Museum of Classical Archeology right above it, just up the stairs.
The Whipple Library has a display of its rare book collection, focusing on some of the more unusual bindings, which will remain up during Easter Term.
You can visit the Whipple and you can also view online.
Have regular little breaks while still surounded by learning – movement is so important for your mind and health, and you never know what ideas it might spark!
Recharge and refuel
Many libraries offer tea, coffee and snacks, especially during Easter Term, and there are a host of really nice cafes nestled right next to the libraries all over town.
The Tea Room at the University Library serves drinks, light lunches, snacks and cakes 9am to 3pm. On Saturdays, serving ends at 2pm. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks into the Tea Room at anytime. It's a big space that stays open (even when not serving) for people to use for both breaks and study.
A little wander, a cup of tea, or coffee – with cake – and some healthy meals too, always helps. Your brain needs fuel.
University Library Tea Room
University Library Tea Room
Skills for success
All our skills courses are free for University of Cambridge students and researchers.
You can choose as many as you'd like.
Some are taught courses and some you can download straight away.
Academic Skills
Academic Writing Workshops, Critical Reading, Literature Searching, and many more to supercharge your skills.
Research Skills
From Managing Research Data and Using Metrics Responsibly, to Publishing in Journals, we've got a skills course for you.
You can also book one-to-one sessions tailored to your needs. To book a one-to-one session email reference@lib.cam.ac.uk or ask your librarian.
Electronic Legal Deposit back online
Electronic Legal Deposit materials can be found by searching iDiscover: your first port of call for searching everything across the libraries.
You can find your nearest Electronic Legal Deposit terminal and get up to speed with the new interim system with the new user guide.
You can also request print outs of Electronic Legal Deposit content.
Currently only Electronic Legal Deposit content up to October 2023 is accessible, and the UK Web Archive remains unavailable. Work to include the newer content and improve functionality is ongoing with the British Library and the other legal deposit libraries.
Email the team: eld@lib.cam.ac.uk
Photo by Shubham Dhage on Unsplash
Photo by Shubham Dhage on Unsplash
Be kind to your mind
Many libraries, such as the English Faculty Library and the Casimir Lewy Library Faculty of Philosophy, run regular tea and biscuits breaks inside the library, with a chance to chat and share with peers and library staff. You are never alone.
And if you ever need to know something – we'd say pretty much anything – ask a librarian! We'll either know or we'll know how to find out.
Feline friends love a library. The Marshall Library of Economics.
Feline friends love a library. The Marshall Library of Economics.
Chill out your mind (even while you study)
Listening to calming background music can really help concentration and mood (without lyrics usually works best when studying). There are so many different playlists to choose from on Spotify or wherever you get your music – from chill out jazz and lofi beats, to zen yoga and nature sounds, music can calm your mind and help you concentrate.
Libraries are safe spaces
Just one small example of how much your libraries care about you ...
The Modern & Medieval Languages and Linguistics Library received a parcel with beautiful stamps of French landmarks on it – so they started sticking them onto magnetic backing to turn them into free magnets to give out to students during exam term. We might be biased, but librarians are the best. We want to support you.
Modern & Medieval Languages and Linguistics Library make free magnets for students from French stamps
Modern & Medieval Languages and Linguistics Library make free magnets for students from French stamps
Like Jo Harcus, Philosophy Librarian, Casimir Lewy Library, Faculty of Philosophy, said recently: "I think most people think we work in libraries because we love books, which we do, but we love helping people more. Whether it’s helping a postgrad get hold of that paper they need for their research or just offering some reassurance when someone’s experiencing imposter syndrome, that’s what gives us the greatest job satisfaction."
You can read more about the 'secret' lives of librarians in this Varsity article.
Student Minds has a useful guide on coping with exam stress.
Student Support from the University is available too, including counselling and mental health advice.
Summer is just around the corner
Give yourself the peace of mind of knowing you did your best, no one (not even you) can ask for more. Then head off into the sunset, head held high, for a well-deserved summer ... you're nearly there.
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