Notes2u Blog

Should I study at home or in the library?

By Notes2u

When it comes to studying, one of the biggest decisions students face is whether to study at home or in the library. Some people thrive in the quiet solitude of their own room, while others need the structured environment of a library to focus. The reality is, there’s no universal answer—it depends on your study habits, home environment, and accessibility to good libraries.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each study space to help you decide what works best for you.

Studying at Home

Pros:

  • Comfort & Convenience – There’s no need to commute to and from your room (unless you count moving from your desk to your bed!); everything you need is also within easy reach.
  • Flexible Schedule – You can study at any time of the day or night (although we recommend always getting a good night’s sleep and keeping it regular, rather than longer - you shouldn’t be staying up past library opening hours!)
  • Customised Environment – Set up your workspace exactly how you like it (lighting, seating, noise levels, etc.). No annoying people gossiping around you (unless you count your siblings at home!)
  • No Distractions from Others – You control who’s around you (to an extent), reducing unwanted interruptions.
  • You always have a seat – exactly what this says! No more craning your neck around the interior of the State Library with a feeling of despair during HSC Trials season…

Cons:

  • Too Many Distractions – Family, pets, social media, or even your bed can be tempting distractions. We cover how to minimise these distractions (and what having them do to you) in another blog post!
  • Lack of Accountability – No one is watching, so it’s easy to procrastinate and get distracted, entering into a vicious cycle of low mood and low motivation.
  • Difficult to Stay Motivated – The home environment can feel too relaxed, and you might associate it with rest and play, making it harder to focus.
  • Limited Resources – Unless you take nearly all your notes and books from school, you may need to search online for missing materials! Although in today’s age, few people go to the library for books anyway…

Studying at the Library

Pros:

  • Fewer Distractions – Libraries are designed for studying, meaning fewer personal interruptions and much less temptation.
  • Access to Resources – You can use books, databases, and study guides that may not be available at home.
  • Study Atmosphere – Being around other focused students can help keep you motivated (lock in!).
  • Group Study Spaces – Libraries are ideal for collaborative work (think group assignments) or getting help from peers or seniors. They’re also great for holding in-person tutoring.

Cons:

  • Limited Hours – Libraries have opening and closing times, so you can’t always study when you want. Some city council libraries operate into the early hours of the morning, and still others (e.g., UNSW Law or Usyd main libraries) are open 24/7. However, getting home late from a library always proves challenging and could be less safe or majorly inconvenient for family members dropping you off.
  • Commuting – Getting there and back takes time and effort, especially if it’s not close by.
  • Crowded During Peak Times – Finding a quiet seat can be tough during exam periods.
  • Less Personalised Environment – You can’t control the temperature, lighting, or noise levels, and it’s especially bad when a bunch of rowdy junior high students are sitting near you and need shushing!

If you decide that a library is the best option for you, here are some of the most popular study spots in Sydney:

Sydney CBD

  • State Library of NSW – the classic library! It’s got historic architecture, quiet study areas, and plenty of academic resources (as well as some terrific photo exhibits for some big-brained distraction).
  • Customs House Library – Located near Circular Quay, this is an often overlooked spot that’s great for research and casual study.

Chatswood

  • Chatswood Library – A modern, spacious library with quiet study rooms and group areas, close to a beautiful pavilion and excellent transport interchange! There’s also a food market on Thursday and Friday nights!

Burwood

  • Burwood Library and Community Hub – A stylish and quiet space with excellent study facilities, close to some of the best Asian food in Sydney!

Hurstville

  • Hurstville Library – A well-equipped library with a mix of quiet zones and collaborative spaces.

Parramatta

  • Parramatta Library – One of Western Sydney’s best study hubs, with access to research materials and lots of study rooms!

Where You Study Doesn’t Matter as Much as What and How

While choosing the right study location is important, what’s even more critical is how you study. You can be in the perfect environment, but if you’re not using the right study techniques, you won’t get the results you want. Here are some key study tips, no matter where you are:

  • Plan Your Study Sessions – Set clear goals before each session so you stay on track, and include time for collaboration, distraction, and relaxation in the form of a modified POMODORO technique (check out our other blogs for info on this!)
  • Use Active Recall & Practice Testing – Don’t just read—test yourself on what you’ve learned (we cover the best software for this in other blogs!)
  • Stay Organised – Keep your notes, past papers, and resources in order so you don’t waste time searching, using digital, physical, and combined organisation.
  • Limit Distractions – Use apps like Forest or To-Do to stay focused.
  • Use High-Quality Study Materials – The right resources can save you hours of wasted effort. This tip Is the easiest to say but the hardest to do, so…

Why Don’t You Make Studying Easier with Notes2u

No matter where you study, one of the best ways to maximise your efficiency is by using high-quality study materials. At Notes2u, we provide:

  • Comprehensive Notes – Save time by accessing well-structured summaries.
  • Exemplar Essays & Extended Responses – Learn by seeing top responses in action.
  • Past Papers & Model Answers – Practice with real questions and expert solutions.

Instead of spending hours compiling notes, searching for resources, and second-guessing what works, get access to curated, high-quality study materials that help you learn smarter—not harder.

🔗 Check out Notes2u today and level up your study game!