Refurbished and new study spaces for 2012/13

[26 September 2012]

The University is committed to providing appropriate study spaces in convenient locations for students. We offer access to a range of facilities across the University in libraries, halls of residence and academic schools.

We are also aware of the increasing demand for study spaces for group and individual work and have embarked on a programme to expand and improve facilities, including access to wireless and power sockets for those using their laptop or mobile device. Some examples of this work are outlined below.

Computer Centre Refurbishment

As part of our ongoing commitment to improving IT facilities for students, the 24-hour computer room has been extended and fully refurbished during the summer vacation. This includes 62 new computers, a quiet room at the rear of the main room and new furniture and decor.

 

The Hawthorns

During the same time The Hawthorns has undergone major refurbishment of The Refectory, (on the lower ground floor) and Hawthorns Study Lounge, (formerly the Dining Room on the upper ground floor), converting these areas into social study spaces, where students and staff can meet, work and socialise.  It is anticipated that the Hawthorns Study Lounge should be open for use on Monday 1 October and the Refectory on Monday 8 October.

Facilities include 27 student computers, wireless coverage, 2 group work rooms and 5 group work booths, over 200 spaces to sit with your laptop and work. Colour and black & white printers / photocopiers are available in both rooms. Catering is still provided on both levels, with room opening hours extended until 9pm on weekdays. 

Wills Memorial Library (WML) Centenary Refurbishment Project 2012/13 

The project’s objective is to enhance the features of the Wills Memorial Library and improve student facilities. Work began in June 2012 and will be completed in October 2013. The project, one of a number of improvements to branch libraries across the University, is the fifth refurbishment to be undertaken since 2007 and follows the successful completion of the first and second floor redesign of the Arts and Social Sciences Library earlier this year.

The aim of the refurbishment is to achieve a modern learning environment with enhanced facilities to create a welcoming and stimulating environment for library users. This will include:

• Flexible modern study spaces including an improved wireless network and power outlets to library desks
• The creation of a more comfortable working environment through improved heating, ventilation and lighting
• Improved IT facilities
• Self-service facilities

The library will remain open during the refurbishment with the majority of works being completed within vacation periods to minimise disruption to users.  Further details can be found on the project website.

Chemistry Library

The Chemistry Library has also been refurbished. The new look library now includes:

• 40 extra study places with power sockets
• New carpets and furniture for the main study area
• 90 extra power sockets on the desks
• New network points for all of the Window seats used by postgraduates

New website providing information on study spaces

Over the summer work took place to develop a website to help you locate a computer room or a wireless hotspot in a study space and find out more about its availability for your use.

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/it-services/locations/studyspaces/