As a busy student with no shortage of deadlines and to-do lists, sometimes lacking motivation actually has everything to do with the atmosphere of your study space. Never underestimate the power of a change in scenery—it can do wonders for your mood and motivation. Stepping away from your usual study spot can kick start enthusiasm and inspiration you didn’t know was in you.
Luckily, I’ve got you covered with a hefty list of libraries, cafés, and public spaces in Melbourne where the coffee is strong and the Wi-Fi signal is stronger. With every corner you turn, you will without a doubt find a new nook worth putting your feet up at, accompanied with a large flat white. Your days of struggling to find a cubicle in the university library are over...
Melbourne City Library
Misery loves company, so why not get some work done in one of the many libraries in the city? Studying definitely feels a bit more bearable when you realize so many people are in the same boat. Depending on your location, there are plenty of local libraries, for example the City Library which has six branches located in different areas. Specifically, the Library at the Dock showcases beautiful views of the harbor (which hopefully won’t worsen your procrastination).
State Library of Victoria
Image credit: WIL (Flickr)
Located in central Melbourne, the State Library of Victoria is a popular spot with students due to its stunning architecture and variety of workspaces, with options for those like dead silence as well as those who prefer a little background noise. Get those brain juices flowing and take advantage of the speedy Wi-Fi, computers and printers, extensive research resources, and selection of books available.
Queensberry Pour House
For unlimited coffee for only a few bucks (yes, you read that right), pull up a chair at Queensberry Pour House, where the staff put a lot of emphasis on making people feel at home. The natural light beaming from the floor-to-ceiling windows is sure to feel like a great upgrade from your stuffy dorm room.
The Pancake Parlour
If you’re a night owl looking for a late night cramming session that will also satisfy your sweet tooth, check out The Pancake Parlour for fresh pancake and crepe choices until 3am on the weekends (they also have student deals).
Mr. Tulk
A prime location for all RMIT and University of Melbourne students, Mr Tulk (named after the State Library’s first ever librarian) is a very spacious café ideal for study sessions with a few friends. Whether you want to sip on a latte or glass of vino (Friday happy hour is from 5:30-6:30, enough said), this is the perfect spot to chow down on some brain food from their breakfast, lunch, or dinner menu. It’s definitely not hard to spend the whole day getting some work done here.
Mantra Lounge
Or for the more health conscious among you, Mantra Lounge’s vegan menu and upstairs gallery has become a favorite spot for students looking for a place to set up shop for the day.
Seven Seeds
Another ideal location for group work is Seven Seeds, a converted warehouse which is perfect for smashing out a project, with an extremely effective vibe for studying.
Royal Botanical Gardens
Studying doesn’t mean having to be cooped up indoors for hours on end; there are a ton of outdoor spaces and parks which provide relaxing atmospheres for getting some work done. Get away from the computer screen for a few hours and grab your notepad for an electronics-free study sesh out in the sunshine. The Royal Botanical Gardens, located conveniently right outside the central business district, is a great spot to grab your cue cards and enjoy the outdoor scenery, and there are heaps of other parks around the city.
Federation Square
Across the road from Flinders Street Station, Federation Square is the heart of Melbourne’s major cultural attractions. Fed Square has become the heart and soul of Melbourne, and is the perfect spot to get some fresh air while surfing the net with the free Wi-Fi. You can also people watch your heart out at this modern piazza space and take in the buzz of the city.
Queen Victoria Market
Another public space that offers free, speedy Wi-Fi is Queen Victoria Market. If you’re someone who doesn’t get bothered by hustle and bustle, this space offers an energetic atmosphere ideal for kicking back with a cup of coffee. It might be a good idea to bring along some headphones, though, to avoid being too distracted by background noise.
