After the closure of Teviot, the University of Edinburgh announced the opening of new study spaces in 40 George Square and Potterrow.
These new study spaces are serving as alternates for the duration of the Teviot reconstruction, which is expected to be completed in Spring 2025.
120 new social study spaces on the ground and first floor in 40 George Square have been available to students since the 25th of September.
On 16 October the third and fourth floor will be opened for students to study.
These additional 180 spaces will be focused on independent study.
This new Study Hub will, once completed, count over 350 spaces and will be open on weekdays from 9:00-17:00.
One student, who is already making use of the Study Hub, said that:
“The library can be quite intimidating at times. It’s nice to have a different space to talk and it’s a bit more casual.
“I think it could be quite nice to do group study sessions here just because you don’t have to feel bad about talking.”
Later this semester, early November 2023, current office space in Potterrow will be transformed into a: “relaxed zone for socialising, studying, and accessing Heat and Eat facilities”.
EUSA has already extended opening times for Baristo and Potterrow.
In a statement given to The Student, EUSA President Sharan Atwal said the student community lounge will be:
“Similar to Teviot’s Lounge and Dining Room as students will be able to use it for informal meetings and small events (mainly in the evening), as well as general social and community use during the day (including study)”.
These new spaces come as students have expressed their concern about the lack of study space on campus.
One student said “it does get quite busy, especially in exam season and in the main library”.
Atwal stated that:
“EUSA have been working closely with the University to open new and refurbished spaces to replace those lost by Teviot’s closure.
“This has also brought to the forefront the longstanding issue of the University’s study space shortage, an issue which we have raised with the University to work on short- and long-term solutions.”
To find more information about study spaces on campus: https://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/news/article/yourstudentspaces
Image via Maryse Bots