If you’ve ever been in your room with the intention of plunging into work only to be distracted by the comforting, magnetic pull of your bed, then this article is for you.

Succumbing to the repose of your loving bed too frequently may cause you to mess up your academics, health and even sleep cycle. And so, especially for me personally, sometimes all it takes to get into intense study mode is a change of environment.

While most people find libraries and such study spaces to click for them the most, I love studying in my residence, Totem Park itself! This is because while I want to venture out of my room, I prefer not going too far, so that I have easy access back to my room as and when required.

Here are my favourite study spaces within Totem:

1. My floor lounge

   This is arguably the most easily accessible study space in not only Totem but every single first year residence I know of! Floor lounges are in fact meant for the very purpose of getting together with your floor mates and either engaging in quiet self study, group study and project work, or social and cultural floor activities! Nearest to your room and comfortable seating – what more do you need!
   

2. My House lounge

   Finding a good study place can be like making a new friend. After seeing each other a couple times you become more comfortable and start wanting to spend more time together. You can rely on them when you need to, but they also don’t get angry when you spend time apart. That’s what the həm’ləsəm house lounge is to me! I’m not always there because I do prefer hanging out on the floor lounges, but when I wish to be in a different room but within the same proximity, house lounge is where I will be!

3. Totem Park quiet reading room

   This room is in the commonsblock and is designed for some quiet reading time of your own! To the extent that you are literally not allowed to be loud. It’s great if you want to get out of your room but not really study with other people, enjoy some alone study time and do so alongside the picturesque view of the totem field and greenery that the floor to ceiling glass windows offer.

4. Totem Park group study room

   Want to meet with your friend from another house but don’t want to fight over whose house to meet at? This common space for study should be your best choice! Again, this is also in the commonsblock and contrary to the quiet room is meant for students all across Totem or anywhere else to come together and study in small groups. What I exceptionally find useful about this room is that it is home to other useful study resources offered in residence, namely the weekly AMS tutoring service and also the biweekly study hall at night.

5. Totem Dining hall

   This is not a very typical study space but I actually use this one the most! The totem dining hall is cozy enough to make you feel comfortable but not to an unhealthy extent that will make you feel lazy and sleepy. Plus, the view is great and nearly every table has access to a plug point, which is good for someone like me who never charges their laptop on time! Another plus: unlimited access to food (limited res dollars and limited hours the food services are open, though)

6. Outdoors between həm’ləsəm and q’ələχən house

   When Vancouver’s rain gods are in a festive mood and bestow us with sunshine and no rain, the benches and the field in between these two houses is amazing for: a picnic, a study space, or both combined! The fresh air and the relaxed atmosphere is a huge juxtaposition from any other space on campus, making this a refreshingly new idea of a study space.