Cozy winter study spots for TMU students

The winter semester is now upon us, which means that we’ve entered the season of icy sidewalks, snowstorms and lots of layers. I personally enjoy the cold weather, but for many students studying in downtown Toronto, it can be tough to stay motivated. That’s why it’s so important to find your go-to spot in the city where you can study, destress, hang out with friends or simply just ignore the winter season altogether. Here’s a list of some of the coziest study spots on and nearby Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) campus that will keep you motivated throughout these chilly months!  

Podium Building (POD)

One of my go-to study spots is located in the Podium Building, which has a cool brick interior that stands out from modern buildings in the city. After entering the lobby of the Student Learning Centre (SLC), make your way up to the second floor by taking the elevator or stairs. You’ll need to walk straight until you find a row of booths in the hallway just outside of the library doors. I like this space since you can use it for an independent study session or to have lunch with your friends. The booths are also pretty comfy, so you can relax (or take a nap) in between classes instead of dealing with the snow!

Library Building (LIB)

If you’re looking for a spot that’s a lot quieter, the sixth floor of the Library Building (opens in new window)  offers a variety of seating options and study areas to choose from. Besides being surrounded by books (which is my ideal environment), you can find study pods with dividers, tables with chairs, private desks with LED lamps, bookable group study rooms and a computer lab. Plus, if you need a break from artificial lighting, the floor has a few windows that let natural light in. You can get here by entering the library on the second floor of the SLC and taking one of the elevators up to the sixth floor.

Balzac’s

If you’re in need of some caffeine, you should take a visit to Balzac’s (external link, opens in new window) . This is a super cozy spot where you can order a hot beverage or bakery item, and get some studying in. I personally love the aesthetic of the building — especially its unique patterned floor tiles. Another great part about this spot is the location, since it's located directly in the heart of campus. There’s no better way to tackle the cold weather than to enjoy a hot latte!

Dineen Coffee Company

Don’t be afraid to explore outside of campus too! Dineen Coffee Co. (external link, opens in new window)  is a 10-minute walk from the Ted Rogers School of Management (TRSM) building. This is one of my favourite cafés in the city. Alongside the coffee being top tier (especially their iced vanilla lattes), I’m a huge fan of its vintage-style design and warm lighting. Its tall windows also make it the perfect place to finish an assignment or observe the city streets. This spot can get pretty busy during the week and at its peak hours, so you should check it out when you have a good chunk of extra time to spare.

Toronto Reference Library

The Toronto Reference Library (external link, opens in new window)  is a historic Toronto gem that’s only a 10-minute subway ride from Dundas Station. Established in 1977, this library is a portal into the past and hasn’t changed much of its architectural or interior design since the ‘70s. There are lots of tables, private desks and lounge areas that you can choose from. Overall, this is a unique building that stands out against a lot of the other libraries in the city. If you’re looking for a new study space, it’s only a few subway stops away from campus!

I hope this list has helped you get an idea of some of the many cozy study spots that are available here at TMU. Make sure to book a campus tour to discover all of your future study spots that will help you stay locked in during the winter semester!

Stay warm,

Claire