Making Your Study More Zen

By Emi McBride

Do you ever feel sick of studying at the same place all the time? Do those law library lights hurt your eyes like they hurt mine sometimes? Do you ever wish you could study in natural light?

This blog post is for you.

2025 being my third year of university, I thought it was time I switch up where I study. I was becoming almost bored going to the same place, the same room to write my notes, to catch up on lectures, and I’m sure you know the drill. We have a beautiful campus at UQ St Lucia, and we all should take advantage of the facilities on offer – it’s where some of our money goes! I can wholeheartedly vouch that changing where I have studied has helped keep me focused on a more long-term basis.

The first location I would love to share with you is the beautiful Lake Side Cafe, offering amazing natural light and great food varieties – including nine-dollar Banh Mi’s! It is next door to our very own UQ Lakes so if you need to stretch and glance up from your computer, you have a perfect place for walk.

Next on the list is the Music Library, located in the Zelman Cohen Building, which is across from Liveris.

The Bell Top Cafe sits right at the top of the BEL building – look out for the sign on the pathway, there’s a picture of it below! There’s a scenic view with lots of natural light, plenty of tables and plenty of food options for study-fuel.

Level 1 of the BEL Building hosts a mix of outside tables and inside study rooms, with a ping pong table for a well-deserved study break with friends!

I have saved my personal favourite for last – the Art Gallery benches, located outside to the left of the entrance to the gallery. A friend I met this year in one of my classes actually introduced me to this one, so I apologise to her for revealing her not-so-hidden gem! With Darwin’s right next door, these benches are the perfect outside corner to study in.