The best places to study on campus

Whether you're a UNSW freshie or a campus veteran, discover your new lock-in spot.

Published on the 10 August 2026 by Madeline Kahl

Madeline Kahl

UNSW 2025 General campus images Kensington

Exam season is upon us. It’s that time of term when everyone remembers that uni is not all fun and games, and patting llamas at Stress Less Week, but actually about learning.

More importantly, it’s about locking in. Yet with our ginormous campus (literally spanning three postcodes), it can be quite daunting to find the right vibe to settle into your studying groove.

Fear not, let this trusty guide and my years of UNSW knowledge help you out so you can ace your upcoming exams and assignments.

1. Science & Engineering Study Space

The Science and Engineering building, affectionately known to UNSW-ians as SEB, is actually quite an underrated study spot. Despite being literally underground, do not be alarmed if you feel like you're walking into a dungeon.

SEB has plenty of space and lighting, so there’s always a seat for you to crash in. I have had many a group project meeting in there and I always manage to pump out a page of notes or two beforehand. Also, when the sun aligns, SEB gets the most gorgeous overhead lighting. Makes life worth living in these stu(dying) times.

2. Squarehouse rooftop

This is ‘my hear me out’ study spot. During exam season, no amount of interior design or ergonomic study lounges will save your brain from study boredom. In that instance, touching grass is truly your best bet. And where better than the rooftop? With a direct view of the UNSW campus, the Squarehouse rooftop is the best place to meet up with a study group and compare notes. It’s also a great spot to remind yourself that life is bigger than Week 11.

3. UNSW Business School Study Space

As a Business student myself, I may be biased. But I really love the Business building. Something about the echoes of LinkedIn Connections past really makes me lock in. It also helps that there are vending machines aplenty in the Business building. It is the perfect place for some isolated study when you have procrastinated so much you have no other option than to do your work. I also have the majority of my classes in this building, so perhaps I've been conditioned to work here.

4. Main Library

Although I am usually a lower campus warrior, the Main Library is so much better than the Law Library. BREAKING MY SILENCE. The thing I love the most about the Main Library is that there is always so much going on.

From friends playing Minecraft games and planet exhibitions to random maps in the hallways, there’s plenty of stimuli to fill your study breaks. If anything, the Main Library makes me more motivated to do my work because I so badly want to be a part of these side quests.

5. Morven Brown Study Space

Morven Brown is truly the hidden gem of campus. I, myself, stumbled across this room because it was raining and I wanted to eat my Subway in peace, but stayed for the immaculate vibes.

Studying in this tiny nook on campus sort of feels like studying in a friend's living room. Maybe it’s because of how cozy it is, or how small the space really is. But either way, it is an elite campus study spot.

6. Paddington Library

Yes, this is a ‘best study spaces on campus’ article. But I never said which campus! There will come a time in every UNSW student’s life when the thought of coming to Kensington campus makes your skin crawl.

When this happens, I implore you to visit our sister campus in Paddington. Perfect for a side quest, Paddington Library (in fact the campus as a whole) is so underrated.

Every student there is doing and making and creating something so incredible, you will have literally no choice but to feel passionate about learning.

7. Anita B. Lawrence Gallery study space

Anita B Lawrence is honestly one of the most beautiful buildings we have on the Kensington campus. From the open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows, the whole space just feels so open and collaborative. It is truly the perfect place to drink a matcha, pop some headphones in and watch a lecture (or three) on two-times speed.

There you have it! The best places to study on campus. I wish you the best of luck with all your exams and assignments, but please remember that it's. Never. That. Deep.