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.

Luckily, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) offers a variety of free resources aimed at helping students find success in their studies.

For some of the University of Manitoba’s notoriously challenging courses, peer leaders (students who have previously completed these courses) guide students through free weekly Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions. Noor Imran, a Faculty of Science student, SI leader, and content tutor, shared that, “these sessions […] helped me stay on top of the course material and identify knowledge gaps so I could address them more effectively. It was also a great opportunity to connect with people and see the thought process of my peers.” Other past participants have shared similarly positive experiences from these sessions, including SI’s value for test preparation and improving problem-solving capacity.  As an SI leader, Noor further noted that these sessions can help students better understand how to approach their courses, and university studies more generally, and build valuable study habits and time-management skills.

Content and study skills tutors are available both in-person and online for free one-to-one appointments. These peer tutors can help students address a variety of concerns related to learning and studying. Noor shared that, “Some of the most common things that students talk about are time management, content help, exam preparation, note-taking strategies and additional resources for academic support.” She also explained that “there are students who are not sure why they are not succeeding in their courses. In those cases, our appointments are almost a diagnostic session where I help them discover shortcomings in their study style/strategies that they might need to improve or change completely. I find that those appointments are fulfilling for the students since they end up with a concrete plan on how to improve their strategies.”

The ALC also offers a variety of other resources and workshops designed to help you hone your skills and gain confidence in your learning.

There are many other supports available across campus, too. Noor explained that “The Science Students’ Association (SSA) has a tutoring program… Student clubs like Undergraduate Microbiology Students’ Club (MiSC) and Chem Club provide academic services for students like exam banks and study nights. For help with mathematics-based courses, the Math Help Centre and the Stats Help Centre are also very useful resources.” Try reaching out to your department, faculty, instructors or student group(s) to see what other resources might be available to you.

There are also many strategies you can explore on your own. Noor recommended making a study schedule, finding a study group and trying out some different study strategies. “I recommend the ‘study guide method’ to students, which is something that works for me. The method allows me to re-explain the concepts to myself through re-writing my notes and customize my study guides in a way that will help me remember and connect concepts (e.g. drawing diagrams, making tables for compare and contrast purposes, making flowcharts for mechanism, etc.). I find this method to be more effective and explanatory than making flashcards or passively copying down the slide’s text,” Noor explained.  As you continue on your learning journey, just know that one size does not fit all; it can be challenging, but taking the time to find the strategies that work for you is very worthwhile!

Make sure to take some time to care for yourself while you attend to your studies. Along with the resources for learning and studying, UM offers resources and services aimed at promoting and fostering student well-being. You can find more information at the Student Wellness website.

https://www.tiktok.com/@umstudent/video/7307720584618593541

@umstudent

Super fun study spot, and there’s plenty of tables! #umanitoba #umstudent #weareallbisons #student #studentlife

♬ original sound – jern

@umstudent

Makes for a great nap spot too:) #umanitoba #umstudent #weareallbisons #student #studentlife

♬ original sound – TikToker

https://www.tiktok.com/@umstudent/video/7141462276845964550

The Academic Learning Centre (ALC) offers a variety of free tutoring services including content and study skills tutoring in more than 120 UM courses. Our experienced content and study skills tutors have been entrusted with the task of helping students reach their highest academic objectives throughout the school year.

Have you ever heard of the line, ‘work smarter, not harder’? The ALC content and study skills tutors can provide clarification on course concepts, tips to succeed in the course, strategies for creating your study schedule, and exam taking strategies. Their goal is to help you learn improved study habits and subject knowledge, so you feel confident moving forward

Preparing for Finals workshop | Wednesday, April 20, 3-4pm

As we head into the final exam period, we’ll recap effective learning strategies and time management tips introduced in earlier workshops. We’ll also discuss how to prioritize your health and well-being so that you feel well-rested and ready to tackle your final exams.

Reaching out made simple | Make an appointment for a virtual tutor session

See tutor bios and make an appointment for free tutoring that fits your schedule. Online video tutoring means you can benefit from tutoring without ever leaving your home!

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Here’s the list of courses in which students can get support from ALC Content and Study Skills Tutors (note: be sure to check the tutor bios to see which tutors specialize in which courses):

BIOLOGY: BIOL1020, BIOL1030, BIOL2500, BIO2520, BIO2380;, BIOL3500; BIOL3542; BIOL2520, BIOL2410, BIOL4650 BIOL1410, BIOL1412

MICROBIOLOGY: MBIO1010, MBIO2360, MBIO3000, MBIO2020; MBIO2420, MBIO3410, MBIO4020; MBIO1220, MBIO2370, MBIO3000, MBIO3010, MBIO3410

CHEMISTRY: CHEM 1010; CHEM1100, CHEM1120, CHEM1300, CHEM1310; CHEM2370; CHEM2210, CHEM2220, CHEM2360 CHEM/MBIO2020, CHEM/MBIO2360

STATISTICS: STAT1000, STAT 2000 STAT3000; STAT2220.

PSYCHOLOGY: PSYC1200, PSYC2440, 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: ENVR1000, ENVR2000;

HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES: HNSC1200. HNSC1210;

MATHEMATICS: MATH1500 MATH1010; MATH1210, MATH1240, MATH1300, MATH1700, MATH2130, MATH2132, MATH3132; MATH1500, MATH1700;.

BIOENGINEERING: BGEN3024.

ANTHROPOLOGY: ANTH1220, ANTH2560

COMPUTER SCIENCE: COMP1010. COMP1012; COMP1020, COMP2140, COMP3190, COMP2160, COMP2080, COMP2150; 

ENGLISH: ENGL1400,  ENGL1340.

BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING: BGEN3022, BGEN3024;

PLANT SCIENCE: PLNT3140, PLNT4330, PLNT4610.

PHYSICS: PHYS1020, PHYS1030; PHYS1050, PHYS1070;

ENGINEERING: ENG1440, ENG1450;ENG1460, ENG2040, ENG3020; 

ECONOMICS: ECON1010, ECON1020, ECON1430, ECON1440, ECON1450; ECON1011, ECON1021, ECON1220, ECON1221, ECON2010, ECON2020, ECON2030, ECON2040, ECON2350, ECON2451, ECON2461, ECON2471, ECON2481, ECON2670, ECON3010, ECON3020, ECON3030, ECON3392, ECON3394, ECON3640, ECON3641, ECON3650, ECON3651, ECON3670, ECON3680.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

MECH2202, MECH2222, MECH2150, MECH2262, MECH2272, MECH3492, MECH3502, MECH2542; 

RELIGIOUS STUDIES: RLGN1324

FRENCH: FREN1152, FREN1154 

SOCIOLOGY: SOC1200

MANAGEMENT: GMGT1010

UNPLUG ELECTRONICS: When you’re not using your electronics, make sure you unplug them to prevent phantom power or use a smart strip/power bar to prevent energy from being wasted. Phantom energy is when electronics use small amounts of energy even when they are turned off. According to Natural Resources Canada, phantom or standby power “can account for 5 to 10% of a household’s electricity bill.” In Canada, phantom power use totals about 5.4 TWh, which is the equivalent of the annual power use for 300,000 households (Hydro Quebec).

TAKE A BREAK: Take a break from electronics and screens! Try to take a break from your laptop, television and phone when possible. When you do so, make sure to power them down to reduce power consumption. Try reading a book, repurposing something in your house, making a craft, meditating, trying yoga or taking a walk (while social distancing). Having this small break in your day will let your mind refocus and in the end, help with productivity.

GO PAPERLESS: Even though classes are online and the majority of people are on the computer, it is still important to be mindful of your paper consumption. By reducing your printing and taking notes on your laptop versus paper, you can save trees, resources…and money! If you do have to print, make sure you always print in economy mode to save ink and double-sided to save paper. Make sure to recycle old ink cartridges – many office supplies stores will take them back or refill them for you.

BUNDLE UP: Spring is in the air, but it’s still a bit chilly out. Avoid cranking the heat in your house. Instead, try putting on a sweater, cozying up with a blanket, making your favourite hot drink and taking small activity breaks to increase blood flow. These cozy ideas will allow you to turn down the thermostat to conserve energy and money while still working comfortably. Also, try opening the blinds during hours of sunlight to naturally warm the house.

USE DAYLIGHT: Sunlight will not only save you from turning on lights and using excess power but also help to increase brain productivity. Natural light is proven to keep the human brain more alert. Open blinds to let the light in, and turn off any lights you don’t need. In the evening, ensure only the lights you are using are on.

POWER DOWN YOUR COMPUTER: By shutting off your computer at night, turning off the monitor when you’re away and setting your computer to turn your monitor or screen off after a set period, you can conserve power and save money on your electricity bill. In addition, powering down prolongs your electronics’ life, meaning you purchase less and save more of our Earth’s resources.

GO GREEN: Getting yourself a plant for your home office can help clean the air, reduce stress and even provide sustainable food for you if you choose to plant a vegetable. Having living green around you has health and wellness benefits.

Exam cheating at the U of M is defined as “…the purposeful circumventing of fair testing procedures. Such acts may be premeditated/planned or may be unintentional or opportunistic” (Student Discipline Bylaw).

Examples of cheating include:

• Letting another student look at your exam;
• Helping a friend on an exam;
• Using a cell phone during an exam; or
• Continuing to write an exam once the time has elapsed.

 It’s important to check what materials can be brought into an exam. For example, if you are found with a cell phone on you during an exam, you may appear to be cheating, even if you didn’t intend to. This could result in disciplinary action. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules, so you don’t accidentally break one.  

 Visit the Academic Integrity website to learn more about the University of Manitoba’s exam policies. Review the Final Examinations & Final Grades Policy for more information.