Study Space, Guidance and Support - 2022/23
A guide to using University study spaces.
Download SeatEd - our dedicated study spaces app
SeatEd is required if you wish to pre book study space in the Main Library.
The official name of the app is:
SeatEd @ UoE
You can find the app in Apple's App Store and the Google Play Store.
A new version of SeatEd, the University of Edinburgh study space management app, has been released. The new version includes mapping functionality to show the location of all centrally managed UoE study centres along with live occupancy information for a limited number of sites at present. Live occupancy information for further sites will be added as it is made available.
More information on using the app as well as system requirements are available via the SeatEd App User Guide.
If you do not have a smartphone or cannot use the new version of SeatEd, you can still book in to a study space. To do this, enter the name of the desk (you’ll find this on the desk label under the QR code) into the study spaces booking form. If you do not have a personal laptop, phone or tablet to access the booking form with, you will need to use a study desk with a open-access computer.
Availability of study spaces from January 2023
The study spaces below are mainly for individual use. There are group study spaces available throughout the campus - details can be found on the Group Study Space web pages.
| Study Centre by area | Campus | Opening days & times | Number of Spaces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Library | Central |
24 hours, 7 days a week
|
2485 |
| Royal Infirmary Library (Chancellor’s Building) | BioQuarter |
Mon- Fri: 09:00 -16:50 Sat / Sun: Closed
|
154 |
| Vet. Library | Easter Bush |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 16:50 Sat / Sun: Closed
|
68 |
|
Medical Education Centre (including Western General Hospital Library) |
Western General |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 16:50 Sat / Sun: Closed
|
72 |
| Hugh Robson Building | Central |
Mon - Sun: 07:30 - 22:00
Access on weekdays after 17:00 and at weekends is via University card and card PIN https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/help-consultancy/it-help/card/forgotten-pin
|
216 |
| Art & Architecture Library | Central |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 16:50 Sat / Sun: Closed
|
28 |
| ECA Library (Evolution House) | Central |
Mon - Thu: 09:00 - 21:50 Fri: 09:00 - 16:50 Sat / Sun: 12:00 - 16:50
|
101 |
| Law Library | Central |
Mon - Thu: 09:00 - 21:50 Fri: 09:00 - 18:50 Sat: 09:00 - 16:50 Sun: 12:00 - 16:50
|
234 |
| Moray House Library (Dalhousie Land) | Central |
Mon - Thu: 09:00 - 21:50 Fri: 09:00 - 16:50 Sat / Sun: 12:00 - 16:.00
|
153 |
|
40 George Square (New College Library) |
Central |
Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 21:50 Sat / Sun: 12:00 - 16:50
|
61 |
| Murchison House (study spaces only) | Kings Buildings |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 23:00 Sat: 9:00 - 19:00 Sun: 12:00 - 19:00
|
288 |
| KB Nucleus | Kings Buildings |
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 23:00 Sat: 9:00 - 19:00 Sun: 12:00 - 19:00 Access to KB Nucleus after 18:00 and at weekends is by University Card and PIN https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/help-consultancy/it-help/card/forgotten-pin
|
400 |
| Murray Library | Kings Buildings |
Mon - Thu: 09:00 - 21:50 Fri: 09:00 - 16:50 Sat / Sun: 12:00 - 16:50
|
192 |
- You do not need to book a study space in advance unless you are using a space within the marked yellow zone on Floor 3, and the reading rooms on Floor 5 (silent/PG areas) of the Main Library.
- Simply turn up at a study centre and find a free desk.
- You are responsible for cleaning your study space before and after you use it. Cleaning materials are provided at cleaning stations.
- There is a small number of bookable study spaces for students who need certainty that a space will be available in the Main Library.
- If you cannot attend your booked study space, please make sure you cancel your booking so that someone else can use the space. Please give as much notice as possible.
- Bookable study spaces are located within the marked zone on Floor 3, and the reading rooms on Floor 5 (silent/PG areas) of the Main Library. There are no walk-up desks available in these areas. There are 65 bookable spaces available to PG Students only, in the red zone on the 5th Floor with an additional 59 spaces bookable to all students in the Yellow zone on the 3rd Floor as well as 104 bookable spaces on the 5th Floor, Blue zone.
- To make a booking in advance or on the day, use the SeatEd @ UoE app, or if you do not have a smartphone, you can book using the online webform. See our main study space webpage to find this form.
- Each student will be able to book a maximum of 20 hours a week, subject to availability. Bookings made on the same day will not count towards your 20 hour quota.
- Please remember to check in and check out of your booked study space by scanning the QR code with the SeatEd app.
If you’re having any issues booking study space, please contact our EdHelp team either online or if you are at the Main Library and King’s Buildings, visit the onsite team in person - they are more than happy to help.
Additional Questions
No, from 18th April 2022 face coverings are no longer mandatory in libraries and study spaces. However, health and safety remains our top priority. To keep us all safe we are still encouraging library users to:
- Wear face coverings
- Use our hand sanitising stations
- Use cleaning materials provided to clean desk surfaces and computer accessories
Yes. The Disability & Learning Support Service will communicate directly with students who have provision for accessible study rooms.
For more information, contact the Disability & Learning Support Service.