In recognition that some students have personal circumstances that necessitate studying during non-traditional hours, the University of Manitoba is providing a dedicated quiet study space with on-site staff throughout the exam period. The location, St. John’s College Library (3rd Floor, St. John’s College), will be available from 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8 through 8:00 a.m. on Friday, December 19. Please note that this space is available on a first come, first served basis to UM undergraduate and graduate students (capacity is 55 students), and student ID must be shown to enter and exit. Make sure to read the terms and conditions for this space (see below) before planning a study session as there are strict rules around how the space can be used.

Although this will be the only 24/7 study space during the exam period, there are plenty of other locations available at varying hours across campus. Students are encouraged to read this UM today article for more information about the different kinds of study spaces at UM, or this UM Libraries page specifically about the many library spaces available to students.

24/7 STUDY SPACE FALL TERM EXAM PERIOD 2025:

8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8 to 8:00 a.m. on Friday, December 19
St. John’s College Library, 3rd Floor, St. John’s College

Take care of yourself!

Most importantly, remember to take care of yourself during the exam period, as it can be a stressful time for many students. Just because the St. John’s College study space is open 24/7 doesn’t mean you should be studying 24/7! A good grade should never come at the cost of your well-being, so make sure sleep is part of your schedule and check out these sleep hygiene tips.

For advice and resources to help you prepare for exams and manage your stress, read this UM Today article on exam period success. If you are new to exams or just want to brush up on the basics, you can also look to this article on exam basics that covers some of the practicalities and important policies to note.

Stay safe and best of luck this final exam period, Bisons!

CONDITIONS FOR USE

• This space will accommodate a maximum of 55 students and is available on a first come, first served basis. Students who seek entry after the maximum has been reached will be turned away.
• UM student ID cards must be produced upon entry/exit.
• This space is designated for quiet study – no socializing, music, or conversation is permitted.
• Food is allowed only if it is consumed in the study space and does not interfere with other students studying (e.g., no heated food, no pizza parties).
• No alcoholic beverages.
• Drinks must have a lid.
• No sleeping in the study space. Students unable to stay awake will be asked to leave by on-site staff.
• In the event of a fire alarm, students must exit the building as directed by on-site staff and cannot re-enter until instructed to do so.
• Students leaving the room must take their belongings with them. The University and St. John’s College are not responsible for lost or damaged items.

Libraries

A students’ first instinct for finding a study space is probably to go to the library, and that is a good thought! Students pay into the libraries and their services with their tuition, and they provide a lot of resources for students in addition to their stacks, from search aids, to support staff, to rooms to book.

The Elizabeth Dafoe Library offers a variety of options for study spaces beyond the common spaces on the first, second, and third floors. If the traffic of these areas is too much, or if arriving as soon as the library opens to get a good seat is not an easy task, fear not! The library provides some wonderful options.

The second floor of the library is designated as a “quiet zone” and the third floor is home to the Icelandic Reading room. Both locations are quite spaces where students are encouraged to work silently. Being on higher floors, these rooms are away from the bustling entrance on the main floor.

In 2024, the library introduced Quiet Pods to support students who need an individualized quiet space for calls, doing an online exam, or any other task that requires silence. Quiet Pods are located on the main floor of Dafoe and can be booked for a maximum of three hours at a time. They can be booked in advance through an online sign-up form.

For other bookings, the library also offers room bookings across the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses for group study sessions located, and study carrels for graduate students and President’s Scholars.

Other libraries offer study spaces and other services, and students are encouraged to visit different libraries to find the one that suits their needs and study requirements, as different libraries will offer different technological support and study space availability. Below is a list of libraries on both UM campuses with links to information on their study spaces:

• Architecture/Fine Arts Library (206 John A. Russel Building, 84 Curry Place)
• E. K. Williams Law Library (Room 401 Robson Hall, 224 Dysart Road)
• Eckhardt Gramatté Music Library (T257 Taché Arts Complex, 136 Dafoe Road)
• Father Harold Drake Library (Room 119, St. Paul’s College)
• Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library (2^nd Floor, Brodie Centre Atrium, 727 McDermot Avenue)
• St. John’s College Library (3^rd Floor, St. John’s College, 92 Dysart Road)
• Agriculture Building (66 Dafoe Road)
• Engineering Building (EITC E3 75B Chancellors Circle)

Other study spaces

Studying is not just limited to libraries. Although libraries offer an important space for studying, writing, and research all in the same space, sometimes all students need are a desk, a chair, and somewhere quiet.

Various faculties and departments have their own study spaces and lounges which students can use. The International Centre recently opened the Tony K. Lau Global Lounge. Located in room 541 in UMSU University Centre, this is a space for students and faculty to connect and study.

Different faculties will have different options for students. For example, the Faculty of Arts has a study space in Fletcher Argue near the Arts Students Lounge, and the School of Art allows for room bookings to support students in their studies.  Students are encouraged to reach out to their faculty or student associations to see if there are any spaces they can reserve for studying or for any other supports.

Other study spaces will pop up. Students should keep an eye out for renovations in the buildings they frequent. As the UM tunnel system was renovated, more tables and chairs were added to accommodate more options for students to study. As the UM grows, so to will its ability to help support students in their studies and their access to spaces that suit their needs.

Studying and preparing for exams can take its toll. The Student Wellness Centre is a space that students can turn to during their studies to help connect with peers and professionals for wellness support during the academic term. At the SWC, students can tend to their mental health and well-being during their studies. This space offers a break from the hectic pace of studying. After all, a key aspect of student success is a solid support system and confidence to pursue one’s studies. Student Wellness Centre hours of operation may vary during the exam period. Be sure to check their website or instagram (@healthyuofm) for hours of operation.