Every student knows that success during midterm season means spending a lot of time studying, but it’s hard to find the right environment. The Sheaf is here to help you find the study location that fits your needs the best.

The University of Saskatchewan is home to seven separate library buildings with varying hours and amenities. The libraries can provide great spots for hunkering down and blasting through weeks of notes without distraction. If you’re on campus during the day and looking for a study spot to spend your break between classes, look no further than the Science Library, located in the Geology Building.

The Science Library is small and off the beaten path for many students, meaning it is usually sparsely populated. Head up to the second or third floor and find a private booth overlooking the main area of the library. These floors have a quiet, private feeling and are great for a short blast of concentrated study.

Another bonus is the Geology Tim Hortons located right next door for your caffeine or snack fix. The Science Library closes at 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 p.m. on Friday, though, so this library is better used as a daytime study spot.

For a longer study stint, turn to the Murray Library. The ground floor remains open through the Safe Study program until 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Snag one of the many cozy couches to curl up with your textbook, or use the computer terminals to research, print or complete homework. The Starbucks on the ground floor is open until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, so be sure to get your order in before closing time.

Another great on-campus study spot is the Marquis Culinary Centre dining room during lunchtime hours. If you head there after the initial rush, you can nab a table to yourself, spread out your study notes and enjoy a first and second helping of lunch and dessert from the delicious buffet while you learn.

If the food isn’t enough of an attraction, the spacious dining hall with high ceilings and plenty of natural light is sure to provide a boost in positive feelings. Pop in your headphones to negate the noise of student chatter and enjoy the use of the hall until 4 p.m. on weekdays.

A final campus option for studying is Louis’ Loft. Get settled at a table, order yourself an indulgent drink from their extensive beverage menu — plus maybe an order of their irresistible house-made potato chips with dill dip — and dive into your work. Louis’ Loft is perfect for meeting friends for study groups as well with its spacious tables and open-concept layout. The only downside is that they frequently close unpredictably in the late afternoon for private events, so plan your Loft studying for earlier in the day.

If you’re feeling tired of campus though, don’t worry. Saskatoon has plenty of options in the university area for students who need to stretch their legs and change up their environment.

Head to Broadway Avenue and spend some time at the Broadway Roastery, the 2015 Planet S magazine winner of “Best Coffee Shop for Work/Study,” according to popular vote. They offer free Wi-Fi, a wide range of delicious coffee and tea beverages and home-baked goods. Both their Broadway Avenue and 8th Street locations share the same laid-back, comfortable vibe that is perfect for hitting the books.

Another 8th Street option is Mystic Java, which will not disappoint. Stake out a spot in the late afternoon and order some supper from their mouth-watering menu of paninis, salads, wraps and dressed-up bagels. Later, try a latte with one of their numerous flavour shots and enjoy the foamed-milk design it comes with. Mystic Java is open until 11 p.m. every day, so you can get lots done while enjoying the refreshments and ambiance.

As students, we all dread the days leading up to an exam and the inevitable cramming. Finding a great study spot can mean a big boost in mood and productivity, though, so stay comfortable this midterm season.

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Image: Jeremy Britz / Graphics Editor