Spring has sprung
Easter Term with your libraries by your side
Easter Term at the University of Cambridge, the easter chocolate is no more and it's time for exams and final assignments. There are lots of ways your libraries can help.
The libraries offer all kinds of study spaces across the city, skills sessions, one-to-one support with library staff, and even help with your academic writing from a Royal Literary Fellow. All free for students.
Skills
Help with your academic writing from a Royal Literary Fellow
For help with your academic writing, in any subject, at any level, book a 50-minute one-to-one session. You can either meet in person at the University Library or online.
Cambridge alumnus, biographer and professional writer, Alexander Masters is available to all current University of Cambridge students, to offer free personalised advice on any aspect of academic writing, in a confidential and friendly environment.
To book, please email: alexander.masters@rlfeducation.org.uk
Skills courses
You can choose as many skills courses as you'd like. Some are taught courses and some you can download straight away.
Academic skills
Academic skills training includes Academic Writing Workshops, Critical Reading for Research in STEMM, and Note-making for Dissertations.
Research skills
Research skills training includes Literature Searching, Managing your References, Open Access Essentials and Research Metrics.
One-to-one sessions with library staff
You can book one-to-one sessions tailored to your needs, from finding a book to help with a literature search.
To book a one-to-one session email ris@lib.cam.ac.uk
College libraries and faculty and department libraries also run additional specialist skills courses and welcome any requests for help. Ask in the library or email the library directly.
Study spaces
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.
All University of Cambridge students are automatically members of the University Library. Everyone is welcome.
As well as your own college and faculty libraries, most faculty and department libraries are open to all students and researchers across subjects too.
Criminology Library
Criminology Library
You can study in a space that suits you for different tasks, different days, and different moods – with friends or alone, background noise or a quiet space.
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.
First floor, desks amongst the books with a window to the courtyard
First floor, desks amongst the books with a window to the courtyard
Single Bookable Room. South Wing. Third Floor. UL.
Single Bookable Room. South Wing. Third Floor. UL.
The Commonwealth Room
The Commonwealth Room
North Reading Room
North Reading Room
West 4 (4th Floor) - air conditioning, good for hot days!
West 4 (4th Floor) - air conditioning, good for hot days!
The Main Reading Room
The Main Reading Room
South Reading Room
South Reading Room
Many libraries open late in Easter Term
Cambridge University Library
9am to 9:45pm Monday to Friday
The Entrance Hall, Locker Room and Car Park remain open until 10pm.
(9am to 4:45pm on Saturdays. Closed Sundays)
Opening times for specific rooms may vary: see full opening times
The Seeley Library
The Seeley Library, currently based in the UL, will be open the same later opening hours as the University Library.
The Seeley Library inside the University Library
The Seeley Library inside the University Library
Many other faculty and deparment libraries will be open late during Easter Term. Check their websites or ask in the libraries.
Are you based in the Hills Road area of Cambridge?
The Education Library welcomes students from across the University, whatever your discipline. If you are looking for a study space around Hills Road, why not visit and enjoy:
- A light and bright plant-rich environment with beautiful views, including a perfect spot for squirrel watching from the Lower Ground Floor bench!
- ·A variety of seating options in over 100 spaces including standing desks, high back chairs, armchairs, and the choice of tables or benches (read more on our FYI blog).
- ·Two soundproof acoustic pods for silent working or for online meetings and calls.
- Study support equipment and accessories such as laptop stands, extra screens to connect to your laptop, book chairs, lamps and blankets.
- A ‘Library Living Room’ with a sofa and beanbags to relax in – plus ‘essentials’ such as phone chargers and coloured reading overlays to relax your eyes (explore the #EdFacLibraryLivingRoom on Instagram).
You can contact the Education Library at library@educ.cam.ac.uk
Struggling to find your flow?
Visit our new Living Water exhibition
Need a break?
Step into our new exhibition Living Water and take ten minutes to explore art, poetry, and the fight for clean rivers.
You’ll find the gallery just off the entrance hall in the University Library.
There's also a step-free alternative entrance before you come into the Library (to the right of the main entrance steps.)
As well as the exhibition gallery, you can pause along the corridor on the first floor to immerse yourself in the photography of Susan Derges, or take a seat in the reading nook and discover a new poem.
Susan Derges, Passage 2012, Digital C-type print
Susan Derges, Passage 2012, Digital C-type print
Living Water is free and open to all. No booking required. Open six days a week (Monday to Saturday). Read more.
Library Late
Join us after hours for the UL's biggest event of the year!
There will be workshops, live performances and games inspired by Living Water.
Soak up the atmosphere while listening to our DJ and enjoying a cocktail from the bar.
Thursday 18 June: 7:30pm till 10pm.
We're here to help you
Librarians can be your guides to anything you need to know.
Visit any of the libraries or email readerservices@lib.cam.ac.uk
Need a refresher on all the resources available to you? You can still access the Student Guide to University of Cambridge Libraries and Archives.
If you have any feedback on this termly update or suggestions for what you'd like to see in the next one, please do let us know at stories@lib.cam.ac.uk
Follow us on social media
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news, events, resources and service updates.
You can can find Cambridge University Library on all social media channels, and many faculty and department libraries have their own social media too.