By Olivia Hunt, Community Editor
Earlier this week, the new Sloane Robinson building opened. As a fan of study-spots (and dreading final year assignments), my housemates and I took a trip to see the new building and what it has to offer. We’ve always found it a bit of a struggle to find spaces, especially around exam season, so, here’s a quick guide to new study spots in the sparkling, brand-new building!
One thing I noticed about the new business quarter is its natural light. As you step into the ground floor, there is light everywhere that isn’t as blinding as other libraries/ study spaces on campus. It does not have a cosy atmosphere like Wills or Queens, doesn’t really host a ‘dark-academia’ vibe that some people seek, but I can picture the space, once term properly starts, to be bustling with students and staff doing all-sorts.
On this background of an almost Severance type building, they seem to have prioritised comfort. Softer chairs (perfect for reading, a hint for humanities students!) are scattered across the ground floor and on every level of the building with views of its expanse. The Sloane Robinson building is aware of its impressive design and won’t shy away from it!
If you’re an Innovation student, there is a specific common-room or study space especially for you! You first pass the ‘Bristol Innovation Lounge’ on the first floor, a space currently available for staff-led events and business opportunities, but a member of staff told us they aim to provide students with opportunities to collaborate within that space, too.
For everyone else, other than the several hundred desks, sofas and chairs on each floor, you can find the new SU Loft on the first floor. Similar to that of Senate House, the loft is a social-study space where kitchen appliances are available, too. With views of the train station and the gardens below, it fits for a pretty good study spot.
There are also a couple Source cafe's around the building, so if you're looking for a cup of coffee to aid your revision, it is available with the touch of a screen.
Now, when the weather is nice, you could sit and study (or procrastinate) on one of the balcony spaces. Yes, there are balconies! The Sloane building has plenty of outside spots fit for working at by the station and closer to the building’s entrance.
Lenny Osler
Now, we’ll see what happens to these spaces once term begins, but there should be a spot for everyone no matter the subject. The building is really impressive and useful if you’re living in Avon Point accommodation or any surrounding, out from the Clifton campus locations. The new Temple Meads station exit is also really useful.
Featured Image: 'Sloane Robinson Building' | Epigram / Olivia Hunt
Where will you study in the new Temple Quarter building?
