The Iglu Guide | Blog
6 cool study spots to check out in Sydney
Sydney is one of the best cities in the country to be a student, and part of that comes down to just how many great places there are to actually get your work done. From grand historic libraries to proper old-school cafés, the city offers a real mix of quiet, focused spaces and buzzier spots if a bit of background noise helps you concentrate. And if you’re living at Iglu in Sydney, you’ll always be able to find a great study spot close by, whichever part of the city you call home. Here’s a rundown of six of the coolest study spots worth adding to your rotation.
1. State Library of NSW
1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney
One of Sydney’s most iconic study destinations, the State Library sits right in the heart of the CBD. The Mitchell Wing is quiet and steeped in history, with soaring ceilings and reading tables that make you feel like you’re studying inside a work of art. Free Wi-Fi runs throughout with no login required, power outlets are dotted around the reading rooms, and study rooms can be booked for focused or group sessions. When you need a break, the Library Cafe on site serves coffee and light meals, so there’s no need to leave the building. It’s a handy option for UTS students, and not far from USYD either.
Students love: Grand architecture, charging points, on-site café
Close to:
- Iglu Redfern: 15 mins by train
- Iglu Waterloo: 17 mins by Metro
- Iglu Broadway, Iglu Central Park, Iglu Central: 20 mins by bus or Metro
- Iglu Chatswood: 20 mins by Metro
2. Customs House Library
31 Alfred Street, Sydney
Set inside a heritage building overlooking Circular Quay, Customs House Library spans two levels of study desks, self-service computers and free Wi-Fi, with a dedicated quiet study space for when you really need to focus. Power outlets are available throughout, and the harbour views from the upper levels make it a memorable place to get work done. It’s well connected by train, ferry, bus and light rail, making it an easy add-on for CBD-based placements or internships, even if you’re not usually based this end of the city.
Students love: Harbour views, free Wi-Fi, study desks
Close to:
- Iglu Central: 20 mins by light rail or bus
- Iglu Broadway, Iglu Central Park: 25 mins by light rail or bus
- Iglu Redfern: 20 mins by train
- Iglu Chatswood: 22 mins by Metro
- Iglu Mascot, Iglu Mascot Duo: 22 mins by train
3. Fisher Library, University of Sydney
F03 The University of Sydney, Eastern Avenue, Camperdown
The University of Sydney‘s largest library spans nine levels and is open 24/7 for USYD staff and students, with public access available during set daytime hours. It offers free Wi-Fi, bookable meeting rooms, dedicated silent zones, and plenty of desks with power access for laptops. There’s also a kitchenette and vending machines on site for a quick snack between chapters. It’s an obvious go-to for USYD students, and just as handy if you’re at UTS and want a change of scenery nearby.
Students love: Silent zones, charging access, bookable meeting rooms
Close to:
- Iglu Central Park: 15 min walk
- Iglu Broadway, Iglu Central Iglu Redfern: 20 min walk
- Iglu Summer Hill: 30 min bus
4. Green Square Library
355 Botany Road, Zetland
An architecturally striking, light-filled library in Zetland, Green Square Library is a favourite among students in the area. Expect a mix of open desks, comfortable lounge seating and bookable study rooms, along with reliable Wi-Fi and power points throughout. It’s also a solid option for UNSW students, with Kensington campus just a short bus ride away, making it a good midpoint if you’re commuting between home and lectures.
Students love: Modern design, free Wi-Fi, bookable study rooms
Close to:
- Iglu Waterloo: 10 min walk
- Iglu Redfern: 20 min walk
- Iglu Mascot, Iglu Mascot Duo: 10 min train
5. Prince Alfred Park
Chalmers Street, Surry Hills
Right next to Central Station, Prince Alfred Park is a leafy 7.5-hectare green space worth knowing about when you need a proper break rather than another desk. Grab a shady spot under the trees or spread a picnic blanket to read over notes between classes, and stop by the on-site café for a coffee while you’re there. It’s less suited to a full laptop session, but it’s a great spot to recharge before heading back to a proper study spot, and it’s especially convenient if you’re studying at UTS or USYD given how close it sits to both.
Students love: Fresh air, on-site café, central location
Close to:
- Iglu Redfern, Iglu Broadway: 6 min walk
- Iglu Central, Iglu Central Park: 10 min walk
- Iglu Waterloo: 16 min walk
- Iglu Mascot, Iglu Mascot Duo: 15 min train
- Iglu Chatswood: 20 min Metro
- Iglu Summer Hill: 20 min train
6. Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore
78 Oxford Street, Paddington
A Paddington institution since 2007, Ampersand is part café, part bookstore, spread across three cosy levels stacked with more than 30,000 books. It’s known for free Wi-Fi, quiet reading nooks and great coffee, alongside a solid food menu if you’re settling in for a longer session. It’s especially handy if you’re studying at UNSW Art & Design, which sits right in the same part of Paddington, though it’s well worth the trip for anyone after a proper change of scenery.
Students love: Great coffee, free Wi-Fi, cosy reading nooks
Close to:
- Iglu Broadway, Iglu Central: 20 min bus
- Iglu Central Park: 24 min bus
- Iglu Redfern: 25 min bus
Don’t forget what’s already at home
Before you head out, it’s worth remembering that every Iglu property has its own study spaces built in, so you don’t always need to go far to get in the zone. Every Iglu room comes with its own personal study desk, so you’ve always got a dedicated space to work without needing to leave your room. Beyond that, every Iglu building also has study spaces throughout, covering both quiet, solo-friendly zones and areas suited to group work, so there’s an option to suit however you like to study. With bills and Wi-Fi included as standard, it’s often the easiest place to start before deciding whether a change of scenery is what you actually need.
Frequently asked questions
Some of the best study spots in Sydney include the State Library of NSW, Customs House Library, Fisher Library at the University of Sydney, and Green Square Library. These locations offer free Wi-Fi, charging points and study desks, making them popular choices for students who want a change of scenery.
Yes, several free study spaces are located close to Sydney’s CBD campuses, including the State Library of NSW, Customs House Library and Fisher Library, all within easy reach of UTS, USYD, and UNSW.
Fisher Library is open to non-students during set daytime hours, though these can vary, so it’s worth checking current opening times before visiting.
Yes, every Iglu room includes a personal study desk, and each Iglu building also offers additional study spaces throughout, covering both quiet, solo-friendly areas and spaces suited to group work.
Yes, Green Square Library is a convenient option for students living or studying in the eastern suburbs area, while Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore in Paddington offers a relaxed, café-style alternative a bit further out from the usual CBD precincts.
Photo: State Library of NSW by Dominic Kurniawan Suryaputra on Unsplash
*Commute times are approximate only. Travel times will vary due to time of day, service delays and traffic.
