Best places to study in Melbourne

The city is brimming with a diverse range of venues where you can hit the books and ace your assessments. Whether you're into the tranquility of libraries, the buzz of cafés, or the serenity of parks, there’s something special just for you!

Public libraries in Melbourne

Public libraries are some of the best places to study in Melbourne, offering a conducive environment equipped with all the necessary resources. The State Library, a student favourite, is located in the heart of the CBD and offers extensive resources and state-of-the-art technology to aid your studies. If you’re looking for something different, try:

• Library at the Dock: With its modern facilities and serene ambience, Docklands Library provides an ideal setting for focused studying
• City Library: Located centrally in Flinders Lane, City Library offers a quiet haven for students with a comprehensive collection of study materials
• Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre: Nestled in Carlton, this library boasts a peaceful atmosphere and ample study spaces, making it a favourite among students and professionals alike

Local cafés and pubs

For those who prefer studying in a vibrant environment, Melbourne's cafés and pubs offer viable options. Consider these tips for selecting the perfect café:

• Choose less crowded cafés during off-peak hours to ensure uninterrupted study sessions
• Rotate between cafés if planning to study for an extended period to accommodate other customers
• Ensure the café has adequate charging ports to ensure you don’t run out of battery.
• Pubs with a rooftop dining area in Melbourne can be an underrated study spot. It’s recommended to visit during off-peak times such as mid-week lunches or afternoons

Torrens University

It goes without saying that our Flinders Street campus offers ample places to study and connect with fellow students! Drop by to meet our welcoming staff, and they’ll ensure you feel right at home. Who knows, you might even make a new friend or two! Toffee Café is situated right at the ground floor entry for a refuel of coffee, snacks and drinks.

Public Parks & Gardens

Nature lovers seeking a tranquil study environment can head to Melbourne's picturesque parks and gardens. Alexandra Gardens and Queen Victoria Gardens are a 10-minute walk from our Flinders St campus – so if you need a break or change of scenery, it’s a great choice. Also consider:

• Royal Botanic Gardens: if you venture further south of Queen Victoria Gardens, you’ll find this idyllic space for focused studying amidst nature's beauty
• Flagstaff Gardens: Located on the north-eastern side of the CBD at Flagstaff train station, you’ll find a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city
• Fitzroy North’s Edinburgh Gardens (colloquially dubbed 'Eddy Gardens') lies a little further out of Melbourne’s CBD, offering serene green spaces near the cultural hub of Fitzroy. It's a great choice if you want to enjoy a catch-up with friends at a nearby restaurant or pub after a study session. You can catch the 11 tram from Collins St to get there.

Co-working spaces

Did you know that nearly half of Australia’s co-working spaces are in Melbourne? Co-working spaces cater to students by offering memberships and essential amenities like printing services and meeting rooms. Additionally, these spaces provide opportunities for networking and collaboration among peers. You can find some more information on co-working spaces in Melbourne here.

Study Melbourne Hub

Study Melbourne has a hub in the CBD specifically for International students. Their spaces offer free Wi-Fi, coffee and water facilities for you while you study. You’ll need to bring your student ID with you to gain access.

Shopping centres

You may not know this, but Melbourne's iconic shopping centres offer excellent study spaces too! Some shopping centres provide designated lounges equipped with free Wi-Fi. Try St Collins Lane, or between Melbourne Central and Emporium Melbourne, there's a lounge offering wireless charging stations, ample seating, and natural lighting. Only a 16-minute walk from Flinders St campus, it’s a great place to continue studying after class (or go for a shopping spree)!