Student Voice: My favourite study spots at AIU – Kathryn STEELE,The University of Sheffield, U.K.

Kathryn STEELE from The University of Sheffield, U.K. is participating in our exchange program for Fall 2024, Winter Program 2025 and Spring 2025. We would like to introduce her experience at AIU.

　In this article, I will introduce some of my favourite study spots around the AIU campus. I chose these particular ones as I think they provide a range of study environments for different moods and study methods.

1. College café

I find studying in the café very relaxing as you can sit with friends and enjoy a hot drink or snack while working. 

There is a choice of indoor and outdoor seating so you can study comfortably no matter the weather. There are a mix of low and high tables which you can pick to your preference. It is usually not too busy even during mealtimes and there is soft music playing in the background. 

The café has large windows so you can study with a good view of the campus.

2. LDIC

The LDIC is next to Nakajima library and has lots of reading material for language learners. It is usually fairly quiet, and has different areas depending on your preferred method of study.

There are low tables by the large windows so you can work on your laptop or read a book with a view of the trees, and there are higher tables that are better suited to more focused or paper-based study.

3. Outside under the trees

This spot is great in Summer when you need to study but still want to enjoy the warm weather outside. 

There are several picnic benches to sit on, so there is plenty of room for a group.

As long as the wind is not too strong, this is a good place to study, chat with friends and relax.

Having these spots on campus has allowed me to enjoy studying more. I feel more motivated to leave my room and get things done, enjoying a cup of coffee and a lovely view whilst doing so.

My life now as a student after being here for a few months has become very busy, with all my homework and extracurricular activities. But I find it very fulfilling to be in an environment which allows me to complete everything I set my mind to.

To future students who are planning on studying abroad, I would urge you to try as many new things as possible, such as clubs, menu items or study spots, as you never know what you might fall in love with.