The library is there to help and not to intimidate. Here are some tips and tricks if you are worried about venturing into the library.

It is completely fair to be intimidated by the library. There are too many eyes watching you as you walk in and the fear of sneezing is sometimes too much to bare. But despite these initial fears, the library is an extremely useful place, especially if you are like me and find it hard to focus at home.

My First Day

On my first trip to the library I didn’t even make it in. I walked over to the entrance very excited. After a summer away from uni it felt amazing to be back on campus and I even had some motivation to get some work done. Those were the days! In my rush to get there I completely forgot my student ID, meaning I was not allowed in. I had literally fallen at the first hurdle. This leads me to tip number 1 – always remember your ID.

Second-Time Lucky?

It goes without saying that instead of my day of productivity I went home and got very little done. So, the next day I was prepared. I had all my new books and my ID round my neck. Little did I know that I was still going to struggle to get in. I swiped my card with pride but nothing happened. I tried again. Still nothing. By this point I was feeling flustered and my face was definitely turning a deep red. This leads me to tip number 2 – always ask for help.

The people on the desk are so lovely and really want to help you with even the stupidest of problems. They told me that I was swiping my card the wrong way. Luckily now you only have to tap your card to get in, so you will not have to suffer this embarrassment!

Seating Dilemma

Once I’d gotten in, the next dilemma hit. Where do I sit? Everyone looked so put together and focused, which made me feel very dishevelled and unprepared after my stress at the entrance. After doing a few laps of the room, peering into all the small alcoves, I sat down at a table that looked out onto Northampton Square. If you were looking for good seat recommendation, I give this seat a 10/10 rating, as the sun streams in and you can take small breaks to people watch.

Also, if you are looking to spend the day distraction free, then there are small booths dotted around the library. These are perfect for some intense studying. I would recommend getting there early though, as they do go quick.

Book a Study Room

You can also book out study rooms that circle the library. Here you get a room where you can work on group projects or just hide from the crowds. The maximum number of people allowed to work in there is 6 so it is perfect if you like to make your trip to the library more of a social occasion.

Library Resources

It took me an embarrassingly long time to realise that there was more than one floor in the library. After a few months I found out that there are multiple floors and the further up you go the quieter things get. So, if you are looking for a silent study space, keep going up the steps and you will see a sign on each door saying the noise level of each room.

There are also so many useful resources. Computers, printers, books and information booklets. I could not recommend more taking full advantage of what the library has to offer.

After years now of studying from home, the library may appear to be an intimidating place, but in reality it is a really useful space full of people ready to help you, however stupid your question may be.