Study Spaces
To study, you need a quiet place with electricity and WiFi. There are too few of these on campus, especially during exam periods and in summer. stuv therefore campaigns for more and better study workspaces, both indoors and outdoors.
What we're campaigning for
More study workplaces
At least 1,800 additional spaces, accessible and with power and WiFi. In the long term, the number should be based on student demand.
Spaces without reservation
In the small reading rooms 1 and 2 of the central library, the bookable spaces should be free for everyone again.
Studying in the Mensateria
The upper floor of the Mensateria should be open for studying during university opening hours.
Weekends during exam periods
During study-intensive times, further branch libraries should also open at weekends.
Cool rooms in hot weather
Air-conditioned and cool rooms should be open for studying during extreme heat, ideally accessible and also at weekends.
Shady spaces outside
More shady seating and study spaces on campus, with tables, power and WiFi. The SSR and Departments will develop a concept for this.
Where we stand
In spring 2026 the StuPa wanted all students to vote on more study spaces and water dispensers. The university did not admit the student referendum, arguing that it concerned the university budget. Instead, the university management wants to tackle the issue together with stuv. We do not think that is right, but we accept the offer.
Tailwind from outside
Our demands are not alone. The Joint Working Group of University Chancellors and Student Services mentions in its paper Campus Life of the Future (July 2026) meeting places as key to an attractive campus – and explicitly asks whether canteens can be used as learning spaces. That is exactly what we are calling for on the upper floor of the Mensateria. The paper also mentions spaces where students can listen to online lectures on campus.
The Science Council recommends in its Recommendations for Higher Education in Times of Generative AI (July 2026), reviving universities as social learning spaces: with more intensive support and more opportunities for exchange amongst students and with teaching staff. This requires spaces – and it starts with enough places to study.
Good to know
The university library shows the current occupancy of its locations as a traffic light system. More information about the workspaces can be found on the university library website.
One more thing: In the small reading rooms 1 and 2 of the Central Library, you book places via the university library and confirm them on-site at the beginning. The StuPa wants these places to be freely available to everyone again.
That your Faculty Student Representation.
Are you missing a study space?
Write to the SSR about where things aren't working. It will bring your feedback into discussions with university management and the library.
Contact the SSR