As a student new to Canada, exploring Vancouver is an activity I engage in a lot. In my blog: Discovering Vancouver, I shared 4 hidden gems I found in my first year in the city. 

The SFU Burnaby campus is no different and I have learned to look for cool study spots while at it. Studying is a daily activity we engage in, and it can be exhausting. Being stuck in the same cycle for a long period can begin to be repetitive and ineffective. However, switching up your routine can create a fun environment and atmosphere to study. Here are 5 study spaces on the SFU Burnaby campus that are good spots for comfort, scenery, and great lighting while studying: 

This is a newly renovated study spot on campus that opened in the Fall semester. It got installed with new furniture to create a more beautiful and effective study and chill lounge area. The use of massive windows to increase the natural lighting helps to make the space nicely lit for an indoor and outdoor effect. 

Blusson Hall is located close to the cornerstone transportation bay. This spot is located on the 2nd floor of Blusson Hall across the outdoor courtyard. This space also has lots of good lighting and outdoor spaces with study couches and sockets for charging. 

Right above the renaissance café floor, up a flight of stairs, there’s a study space located in the Criminology Department of Saywell Hall. This space has soft couches and sitting benches, in front of a row of large windows which makes the room wider and more spacious. The area is very quiet and serene during the weekends and not very crowded. 

On the 5th floor, there are various study sections, including a large table to work on close to the elevators. This space is a good study space because of the amount of natural light that comes into the space. The scenic views in this space can only be offered at SFU, however due to the higher altitude, it tends to get cold or hot depending on the season hence you can dress accordingly.  

The AQ 6th floor has various study spaces spread across the entire floor with a view of different areas of the campus. Some spots have more comfortable couches than others while some have a more conventional study space with tables and chairs, depending on your preference of what you like to study in.  

As a student myself, I enjoy studying when I am in a comfortable environment, not too packed with people and a view I can look at while taking a break. Switching between study spots helps to make the process of studying more fun and engaging. Once you find a study spot that suits you, the next step is to engage in an effective study session. Below are links to articles on great study tips.