Skip to content

Study? As if!

The best libraries and cafes to spot McGill’s sexiest scholars.

  • by

Birks Reading Room | 3520 University
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Even celebrities need time for quiet study. Our insiders tell us that, although shoes aren’t allowed, slippers are graciously provided to all students. Join the in crowd lounging amongst the beautiful decor, quietly cozy atmosphere, and tennis ball-footed chairs.

Tapioca Thé | 1672 Maisonneuve Ouest
Monday-Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Craving something with an international twist? Stop by Tapioca Thé, home to bubble tea, chinese food, and free wifi. It’s open late, so you keeners can enjoy both lunch and dinner alongside your plethora of readings and practice problems. How trendy of you!

Kafeïn | 1429 Bishop
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Saturday: 12 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Lounge on forties style couches, sip beer, and read coursepacks—all under the same roof in this snazzy café and bar combo. Melting off a little stress has never been so productive! This locale also boasts free wifi. We’ll drink to that.

Westmount Library | 4574 Sherbrooke Ouest
Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
When the campus libraries get old, make your way to the gorgeous district of Westmount! Just a metro or bus ride west of campus, this spacious and modern library is open to all (though borrowing privileges are a members only exclusive). Major bonus: unlike the thermostat happy buildings on our campus, this nerd hang out boasts proper temperature control.

Café Névé | 151 Rachel Est
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Spotted: coffee and one-liners being served up in the Plateau. Insiders say that many of the baristas happen to moonlight as comedians. A generous tip just might get you the entire stand up act along with your double espresso. But this wise cracking hot spot doesn’t forgo the essentials: the food and coffee are delish, the wifi and outlets are abundant, and breakfast is served until 3 PM.

Islamic Studies Library | 3485 McTavish
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Next time you’re strutting the beaten path to the McLennan-Redpath library complex, try taking a detour. The Islamic Studies Library is located in Morrice Hall, right next door to Redpath. It’s home to materials on Islamic civilization along with an octogon shaped, stained glass adorned study space that makes the perfect place to get away from the cliche Cybertheque.

Burnside Hall (Walter Hitschfeld Geographic Information Centre, Edward Rosenthall Mathematics and Statistics Library) | 805 Sherbrooke Ouest
Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (6 p.m. for the Geographic Info Centre)
The dreary, prison-like basement where science students lock themselves during finals isn’t the only study space in the Burnside building! Ride the elevator up from the dungeon to the 5th floor for the Walter Hitschfeld Geographic Information Centre or to the 11th floor for the Edward Rosenthall Mathematics and Statistics Library. Enjoy the view! (And, science students: you have exclusive 24/7 access to that dungeon with the swipe of your student card. Aren’t you lucky!)