DUB survey: What are the best study spots at the Utrecht Science Park library?

The library at USP celebrated its 20th anniversary in October. With its award-winning design, the building is appreciated by architecture aficionados but it needs to be more than an architectural masterpiece, according to Director Matthijs van Otegem. "We are not here to impress visitors. Rather, the library should be a place where students feel at home. They own this place." 

Meanwhile, the USP library has become an indispensable meeting place for students and a place where many enjoy studying. To find out what makes the USP library so attractive to students, DUB conducted a survey. We also talked to students about their favourite places to study at the library and what they would suggest to improve it. A total of 170 students participated in our survey.

What makes students choose a specific workplace? Silence, natural light, sockets? Our survey shows that students are surprisingly unanimous: silence is their top priority when picking a spot, with 113 votes (26.5 per cent). Natural light is a solid second with 83 votes (19.5 per cent).

Practicalities such as sockets (77 votes, 18.1 per cent) and comfortable seating (70 votes, 16.4 per cent) follow shortly after, while privacy (64 votes, 15 per cent) plays a subtle but not insignificant role in their choice. Accessibility scores remarkably low, with only 4.4 per cent considering it important. This explains why study places right by the entrance are not high in the ranking.

The top 5 favourite study spots at the USP library

5: The "orchestra pit"

Photo: DUB

The "orchestra pit" at the back of the building is number five on the ranking. Respondents have said many positive about it. With high ceilings, it almost feels like a cathedral, according to one student. "It calms me down," they say. Most respondents indicated that natural light is the main reason for choosing this particular spot. 

You can't book this spot, though, and for some students, this is a motivating factor: "You have to be there on time to get a spot, so it helps me get out of bed early." As for the natural light, one student said: "This is where I get the least depressed on exam week."

4: The communal tables on the top floors

Photo: DUB

The communal tables on the upper floors rank fourth. "Sitting with others can motivate you to study as well," writes one student. "The collective focus works very well for me," another respondent explains. For these students, the subtle social dynamic is a plus, giving them an extra push to be productive. 

3: Downstairs, in front of the window

Photo: DUB

With 44 votes, the ground floor, at the back near the windows, is one of the most popular study spots at the USP library. The large windows let in plenty of natural light, making students feel as though they are sitting outside. "Only without wind or rain," notes one respondent. 

The view not only helps them relax but also gives them a sense of freedom. "Sometimes I wave at friends walking by and, in the summer, I catch some sun and vitamin D," he says. Others say this place is an escape from the library's "gloomy" atmosphere. "It doesn't feel like a concrete box. It is free and open," explains one respondent.

2: Between the bookcases

Photo: DUB

Sometimes, surrounding yourself with knowledge is the way to go. Studying among the walls of books is another popular choice, with 60 votes. "It feels quiet and cosy between the books," said one student. This spot has no distractions, it's just you and your textbooks. It is the place for those who want to be completely immersed in their work.

1: On the top floor, overlooking the courtyard garden

Photo: DUB

The most popular place to study, with 61 votes, are the desks on the top floor, overlooking the courtyard garden. "This place offers peaceful views with the occasional bird flying by. Besides, you are not bothered much by people walking around," says one student. But that's not the only advantage: look carefully and you can even spot the Dom Tower. "The ultimate Utrecht student experience!" writes an enthusiast.

Only 1.8 per cent of respondents say they never go to the USP library. But the percentage of students who only come once a month (23.8 per cent) is not negligible. Most students come to the library often, with 34.8 per cent of respondents saying they go there weekly and another 33.5 per cent going several times a week. Going to the library is a daily routine for 6.1 per cent say of respondents.

What could be improved?
Aside from asking students to share their favourite study spots, DUB's survey also asked them to suggest improvements. Many respondents said the library could be more cosy and practical in certain aspects, namely:

• Vibe and comfort: Students would like to have areas where they could take a break, such as a communal lounge with comfortable chairs. "Adding few plants would already help," suggests one respondent.
• Affordable coffee and lunch: Students consider the supermarket Spar too expensive. "A cheaper alternative would make studying more pleasant," many respondents indicated.
• Not only gender-neutral toilets: For some students, the absence of gendered toilets is a reason to avoid the USP library.
• More light: The building is best known for its window stickers, but students complain that they make the building too dark.
• Better signage: Finding the place you reserved can be a challenge.