I have never been able to be in the same place for too long and I get bored with the monotony of doing the same things every day. Procrastination often has a hold on me. When doing homework in my room, I often try to take a brief break and it ends up as 3 hours of scrolling Instagram. My bed begins to look more and more welcoming and focusing is an impossibility. During my time at UT, I’ve had to find ways to combat these feelings when it comes to doing university work. I have read countless articles on how to avoid procrastination. However, I’ve found that the cure for me is a change of environment! Today, I am going to share different spots in Tartu where I feel productive and focused while studying.
The University Library is one of the best places to study for several reasons:
The silence is the best. At the dormitory, flatmates can be loud and distracting. However, the silence of the library is a haven from noisy peers and strangers. There are a lot of books there. You can easily find a book pertaining to whatever topic you are studying, or you can ask a librarian for a recommendation. The aura of the library is sublime. When everyone is busy with studying or reading, you’ll find yourself motivated just the same.
Study rooms can be reserved, and space is abundant. Sometimes, it isn’t practical to invite your friends or someone home for a study session, but you can go to the library with them! One of the services offered is study rooms that can be rented for the day. All you need to do is book a time according to the schedule with a librarian and a room will be allotted for you. This can be done for groups of any size or individuals. Booking a study room in the library is great because you will study in a specific time frame and the room is all yours, free of distractions.
Our University Library is open on workdays 09-21 and weekends 12-18.
Locally owned cafés
The benefit of studying in a café is you’re able to enjoy a snack and sip on a cup of coffee while you study. You can hunt the city for a small, niche café with a cozy, and quieter atmosphere. The beauty of locally owned cafés is that they cater to very specific tastes. They have unique interiors and atmospheres as well. There are usually several cafés in areas around campus, so you can pick one that best suits your study style. My favorite cafés to study in Tartu are Werner, Reval and Säde.
Bookstores
Most bookstores in Tartu have tables or an adjacent café. Take advantage of the proximity as well as their array of books available for free browsing. Bookstores are a study spot that is highly recommended for bookworms like me. Nothing is more conducive to writing long papers than being surrounded by books. Like art museums, bookstores usually have quiet patrons, so you can focus on your homework. My favorite bookstore in Tartu is Rahva Raamat.
The Dormitory Lounge
It is a great place to study if you’re someone who doesn’t mind a little bit of background noise. In the lobby, you’ll find students playing tennis or talking to their friends. However, you’ll also find students working on group projects, or completely in the zone studying solo. Plus, it’s convenient since it is inside the residence hall. You can easily go back to your room to fetch anything you may have forgotten. No matter what you decide to do in this space, it can be the perfect place to get some work done and take a study break. I can be often seen in the lobby of Raatuse 22.
Open Air
This study spot depends largely on the season and the day. Studying outside, even for just a short period, is a good way to relax your mind while staying productive. Studying outdoors can also make you feel more connected to the world. This helps with focusing and reduces feelings of isolation, especially when you spend the day monotonously studying. The fresh air and the greenery help clear the mind and relieve stress so you can return to your dorm, or another study area refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your term paper or task. Set up a blanket with some snacks and text your friends to make it a group study!
The Dormitory Lounge
It is a great place to study if you’re someone who doesn’t mind a little bit of background noise. In the lobby, you’ll find students playing tennis or talking to their friends. However, you’ll also find students working on group projects, or completely in the zone studying solo. Plus, it’s convenient since it is inside the residence hall. You can easily go back to your room to fetch anything you may have forgotten. No matter what you decide to do in this space, it can be the perfect place to get some work done and take a study break. I can be often seen in the lobby of Raatuse 22.
The University Workspaces
University buildings are usually equipped with common areas with tables where students can study. Early birds and night owls can utilize this free space to study peacefully. If you’re one to study with a group, you can easily gather your friends here for a group study. It is convenient for everyone, and the group can move between tables and couch areas, depending on the mood.
Delta Centre
The most beautiful and modern building of University of Tartu offers students the opportunity to use comfortable meeting and project work rooms. The rooms are on the Delta Centre’s second floor. You can rent the study rooms in the University of Tartu Delta Centre Study and Research Building by writing to delta.ruumid@lists.ut.ee. It is also of symbolic significance that Delta Center is located at the heart of Tartu, on the bank of the Emajõgi River. This choice of location brings the university closer to the city and makes our lives easier! Studying might not be everyone’s favorite activity, but it is an indispensable part of student life. Take advantage of good study space options to develop some great study habits. A new study spot may be all the inspiration you need to regain motivation and focus. Try out the spots I listed for yourself and see which one is best for you!
