Our libraries offer computer desks and study spaces in a range of different zones, so that you can study in a way that suits your preferred learning style.
There are over 1,000 individual and group study spaces across our libraries, with over 350 PCs, 200 laptops and a range of printers for student and staff use. We also have Macs available for those on eligible courses. If you would prefer to use your own device, we offer Wi-Fi access and docking stations that connect to a monitor, keyboard and mouse.
We provide height-adjustable desks that can be raised and lowered to a range of heights, allowing for standing study spaces if required.
Visit finding a computer for more information on the range and location of PCs and Macs available for use across all campuses.
You can view maps of both Augustine House and the Salomons Institute to help you navigate these spaces.
Choosing the right zone for you
We’re all different and have varied requirements from a study space. Your own study needs will likely differ throughout the academic year. We have a range of different study zones in Augustine House and bookable group study rooms to help you find a space that will suit your preferences.
Silent zones feature a range of individual study spaces designed to maximize your focus.
- work independently free from noise and distractions.
- keep your phone on silent, then take your phone call in the atrium.
- use headphones but please ensure others can’t hear what you’re listening to.
- have a bite to eat. You can have a drink or eat cold food here but please eat hot meals in the atrium.
- let us know if you’re being disturbed. Let a member of staff know as soon as possible; we’re proud of our spaces and keen to make sure they’re being used appropriately and that everyone can get the best out of them. At Augustine House, you can report noise issues here.
Collaborative zones are flexible spaces where you can work in groups or work independently if you prefer activity around you as opposed to silence. You can:
- work in pairs or groups, collaborate on shared assignments and projects.
- work independently and enjoy activity around you because not everyone works best in silence.
- use equipment to help you collaborate. Make use of a whiteboard or book a group study room for a big screen.
- take phone calls, leave your phone on vibrate and avoid taking your call on loud speaker.
- use headphones but please ensure others can’t hear what you’re listening to.
- have a bite to eat. You can have a drink or eat cold food here but please eat hot meals in the atrium.
Canterbury
Postgraduate students can access the Graduate College study spaces in Erasmus at our North Holmes Road campus.
The Augustine House Postgraduate Study Space is co-located within the third-floor Collaborative zone, in front of the moving shelves.
Postgraduates are offered priority for the seating and computers in this location and we promote students connecting with their peers whilst studying in the space. The remainder of the third-floor Collaborative zone is for all student users.
Medway
Medway postgraduate study room (DC118) on the first floor of the Drill Hall Library provides a dedicated space for all Medway postgraduate students (both taught and research) to study and network.
Augustine House Atrium Spaces
The atrium spaces are perfect if you like to socialise whilst you study or want to take a well-earned break. You can:
- work together and socialise, feel free to chat and relax.
- work independently and enjoy activity around you because not everyone works best in silence.
- take a break, make use of the StressLess resources on the second-floor atrium and take a break with a craft activity, puzzle, board game, Lego and more. The second-floor terrace area is perfect for soaking up some rays of sunshine.
- stay connected. You can use this area for video chat, online meetings, lectures or catching up with friends and family.
- take phone calls. You can leave your phone's ringer on when you’re in the atrium, perfect if you're expecting an important call.
- enjoy a meal. However hard you're studying, it's important to stop for food. Have a hot or cold meal and take time to refuel. You can use the café on the ground floor or bring food into the building. There’s a microwave by the café if you want to heat something up.
Other Canterbury Locations
Students have access to many social study spaces across the university, including:
- Touchdown Cafe in Laud, in addition to the study spaces outside the Bookshop
- Verena Holmes atrium spaces on the second and third floor
- St George's Centre and coffee shop
Visit our webpages here for more information on all catering outlets.
In the first, second and third floor collaborative zones, you will also find six bookable group study rooms, each with a PC and large screen. You can use these rooms to collaborate, such as for group assignments or practising presentations.
- Rooms can be booked no further than 14 days in advance.
- Bookings can be of a maximum of 4 hours in length.
- You can make one booking for the group study rooms each day.
You can book a group study room in Augustine House using MyBookings.
Facilities to support your studies
We provide a range of facilities to support your studies when in our libraries. You'll find:
- short-term lockers so you can keep your belongings secure whilst you are studying (Augustine House). These digital lockers can be used for 12 hours at a time.
- faith spaces in Augustine House and Lucy Fildes Building (Salomons) for the use of students and staff. See prayer and faith support for more information.
- baby changing and breast-feeding facilities at both Augustine House and Lucy Fildes Building. A family study room is available at the Drill Hall library (DC016).
- a sensory room for students who require some form of sensory input or exclusion. There is a range of seating, sound and lighting options, with sensory activities available.
- quick access PCs in the ground floor atrium of Augustine House, for quick tasks like checking emails or printing
- a visitor access PC for visitors and external members.
- cold water dispensers are available on every floor of Augustine House. On the ground floor you'll find one situated near the café. On floors 1-3 you'll find them in the collaborative zones.
Shared expectations
We appreciate every library visitor has their own unique study preferences. To ensure we are able to offer a range of suitable learning environments, we ask all users to kindly follow our shared expectations, as outlined in our Regulations and Terms of Service.
We expect shared respect and dignity, which means we will not tolerate the following anti-social behaviour from or towards anyone:
- Demeaning, abusive, indecent, or offensive language or comments
- Shouting and/or use of aggressive or inappropriate gestures
- Threatening behaviour
- Verbal or physical harassment
- Any form of discrimination
If you have examples of disrespectful behaviour, please visit our Expect-Respect webpages
All Library users should use their University ID card to access the building.
Where required, users should be prepared to present their University ID card for identification and for borrowing resources.
- All users are expected to respect the zone rules for noise.
- If you are being disturbed by unreasonable noise in any of our library spaces, please do let library staff know as soon as possible – we’re proud of our spaces and keen to help make sure they are being used appropriately so that everyone can get the best out of them. At Augustine House, you can report unreasonable noise issues here.
- Headphones should be used to minimise disruptions from audio from devices and the volume should be set so that the noise does not leak and disturb others.
- Help keep the spaces neat and tidy by disposing of all litter responsibly.
- Please recycle all your rubbish using the bins provided.
- Library users are responsible for their own possessions. Personal belongings should be stored in the temporary lockers instead of left on desks or for reserving study spaces.
- Lockers are managed electronically and are time-limited. Please check instructions by each locker unit for clear instructions and time limit information.
- The library is a space for academic study, but users can use library spaces for occasional private use such as searching and applying for jobs. However, users cannot undertake paid work for external organisations or self-employment businesses using CCCU spaces or IT resources.
- We understand users may be tired from long study sessions, but the library is not a place for sleeping or naps. If you are without accommodation, please contact our Student Wellbeing Service for support.
