Study environments for students
Here at Cambridge, no two PhD experiences are the same. However, whether you’re sinking your teeth into a group project or doing some solitary reading, it’s likely you’ll be studying from the get-go!
Though you’ll likely have access to fantastic departmental and College library facilities, the sheer variety of study spaces available across the city – from historic archives to local corner coffee shops – can be overwhelming.
Libraries
There are over a hundred libraries in Cambridge! Regardless of your area of study, as a University of Cambridge student you will find the resources that you need to complete your course and explore your research topic there. Most students will have access to at least three libraries at the start of their studies, see the other tabs in this box to find out more about each one. Further information on libraries can be found in the finding and using resources section of CamGuides for PhD students.
As a member of a college, you'll have access to its library – each college has its own. While college libraries may not have all of the resources you need due to their smaller size, they often have lots of study space and extensive opening hours set amongst a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. You can't usually use other college libraries. However, if you find a book that is only in another college library, speak to your librarian. They may be able to buy a copy for your library or arrange special access to consult it elsewhere.
An enormous, extraordinary research resource for all members of the university with reading rooms, study space, extensive special collections, assistive technologies, and more. With its distinctive tower and grand entrance hall, it can appear to be rather daunting so make the most of the opportunities to be shown round the building in the first weeks of term so that you feel comfortable using the University Library (known amongst students as 'the UL') throughout your studies.
Often (but not always) located within departments, the faculty and departmental libraries tend to relate to a specific subject or set of subjects, and are mostly focused around providing resources and support tailored to what students and researchers in your discipline need. Unlike college libraries, which are just for members of that college, you can register at, and use, any faculty or departmental library, whether to borrow books or just study there. However, your access may be restricted outside staffed hours.
Study space
Spacefinder is the ideal tool for you to find study spaces which meet your requirements. This software allows you to input your own preferences for a place to study, including atmosphere, noise levels and facility specifications, before highlighting the spaces across the city which meet your requirements.