We’ve curated a comprehensive list of the best places on campus to study, all nearby and with pleasant views to motivate you.
Morisset Library
Studying in the library is a classic! The fourth floor of Morisset has many seating options throughout the space, including lounge chairs near the elevators and desks on either side of them.
Pros: This is a quiet space, and the desk seating includes dividers, which offer privacy. You can also book study rooms through the library booking system. You can even check the Occuspace website to see how busy Morriset Library is in real time.
Cons: Can get busy and lighting is mainly artificial.
CRX (Learning Crossroads) - second and fifth floors
CRX is a very popular study spot on campus. There are a variety of seating options, along with several study rooms that you can reserve through the library booking system.
Pros: The area features many seating areas with natural light and very comfortable chairs. A Tim Hortons on the first floor is perfect for students in search of study-fuel.
Cons: This popular study location can get very crowded during peak hours so you may have trouble finding a spot.
FSS building
FSS (or the Social Sciences building) is one of the most popular study spaces on campus due to its spacious work areas and oxygenating blend of greenery: the magnificent plant wall.
Pros: Many seats to accommodate a large number of students, with a bakery in the building from which to buy study break snacks.
Cons: Given its popularity, it’s usually busy. The area can get a little noisy at times, especially the first floor, but tends to be quieter on the higher floors.
FSS Library
The FSS Library, located on the second floor, offers a quiet study space open from early morning to late evening.
Pros: You’ll also find computers equipped with specialized software such as SPSS, ArcGIS, and NVivo.
Cons: It is slightly hidden away and the clickety clack of keyboards can be a distraction for some.
Hamelin-Simard connecting bridge
This bridge, which connects Hamelin and Simard, is equipped with lounge seating as well as tables and chairs. To get there, use either Hamelin or Simard entrances and take the elevator or stairs to the second floor.
Pros: Quiet, pleasant space filled with natural light and featuring beautiful views of the surrounding buildings.
Cons: The path can get busy between classes and seating is limited.
Lamoureux Hall (LMX) - first floor
The first floor LMX study room/cafeteria is undoubtedly one of the most convenient spots to study on campus. What’s better than having a Thai Express right next to your study spot?
Pros: Many seats, and a variety of seating options, are available. This area is right next to a Thai Express, so eating while studying is allowed. It features good natural lighting.
Cons: May be a little noisy, especially during peak hours. Some students may be put off by the strong aroma of food or other people munching.
SITE building
The SITE building is an aesthetic marvel that incorporates the latest in high-tech and energy efficiency. For fans of futuristic architecture, SITE is the perfect study space!
Pros: Numerous seating options, and a Tim Hortons is located inside the building so students can grab a snack when hungry. Beautiful natural lighting.
Cons: Located a little bit further away. May be noisy at times. The first floor is usually busy, but higher floors may be a little less crowded.
Desmarais Building (DMS)
In addition to study rooms, there are plenty of places to sit and study in Desmarais Hall. Many corridors are lined with tables and benches; there are even a few study pods and comfier chairs on the third floor.
Pros: Easy access to many spots and you can grab a Starbucks coffee on the first floor to keep you going.
Cons: There can be quite a few passersby in the corridors.
Management Library
Situated on the second floor of the Desmarais Building, down the hall from the Financial Research and Learning Lab (another hidden gem on campus that’s open to everyone), this quiet space has flexible study and collaboration areas. You can meet with a management librarian for help with research strategies and course assignments.
Pros: The space has lots of nice natural lighting, and there are ergonomic workstations in the silent zone. On your way up to the library, you can get yourself a coffee at the Starbucks on the ground floor.
Cons: It’s a bit out of the way if you’re not taking classes in the Desmarais Building.
The Brian Dickson Law Library
Another great location, being pretty much a competition to Morisset Library, is The Brian Dickson Law Library, located on the 4th and 5th floors of Fauteux Hall.
Pros: The “red zone” of the Brian Dickson Law Library has a no-noise policy (where "speaking in a non-whisper tone is practically illegal," according to one Reddit user).
Cons: Some tables are reserved for Faculty of Law students.
Biosciences Complex (BSC) - first floor
A quiet and very calm study space for those who want to really focus. It also features a fish tank, which may make studying less boring! Located right across from CRX (Learning Crossroad), it is also very close to the uOttawa LRT station.
Pros: A quiet study space located near the uOttawa LRT station and CRX building. Eating inside may be allowed.
Cons: Not very well lit, this space has fewer tables and chairs, and cannot accommodate large numbers of students. Since the space is meant for intensive study, students are expected to be quiet.
Extra study spaces during exam period
Looking for a place to study? Don't look any further. During the exam period, several classrooms will be temporarily converted into study halls to allow you to study on campus. From December 4 to 17, 2025, the following rooms will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Lees Campus Library
Here’s a brand-new addition to uOttawa’s state-of-the-art facilities. The Lees Campus Library is located in Room 147 at 200 Lees, inside the $130-million Faculty of Health Sciences building, which opened just two years ago.
Pros: If you’re studying anything to do with the Faculty of Health Sciences, you can stay on the Lees Campus. There’s a regular shuttle service to the main campus as well. The library offers quiet study areas for research and reflection as well as collaborative spaces. It also has the LendIt machine, where you can directly pick up books.
Cons: Perhaps it’s not a practical study location if you’re not based on the Lees Campus.
Off campus
You could also go to the Ottawa Public Library or nurse a coffee while studying at a nearby café. Here’s a quick view of some nearby options if you need a change of scenery.
