Why study at a library

Naturally, you can always do your assignments at one of ITMO’s fancy coworking spaces. There, you can make use of all the cool facilities and truly feel a part of the student community, all working on their projects alongside you. However, there are bonuses to opting for a library, too:

• Convenient for days when you don’t have classes on campus and don’t want to commute: with the city’s abundance of libraries, there’s bound to be one near your dorm or apartment.
• Perfect for times when you need to minimize distractions: there won’t be any chatter or the usual campus distractions to shift your focus. 
• Change of scenery (can also help with focusing): depending on the place, you can get dark academia vibes, pretend you are working at a museum, or explore a new modern public space in the city.
• Additional e-resources and library access to journals.
• If you are one for old-school books, not e-books, at many libraries you can loan books in English and sometimes other languages – just don’t forget to return them on time. 

For days when you are on campus and still want to enjoy these benefits, don’t overlook ITMO’s own library with all the perks it provides.

What library to choose

Libraries are part of the city’s fabric, so we are certain you’ll be able to find one in a convenient location. You can also explore our favorites here: 

Places to See: Libraries of St. Petersburg 

The National Library of Russia: The Hogwarts of St. Petersburg 

How to sign up

At any library, you will be required to sign up and get your library card. Typically, they will require your ID or passport, as well as registration (if you want to borrow books). The process is simple — you just need to fill out a form — and you will likely get your library card on the day of your visit. Some libraries, like the National Library of Russia, even have a part of the sign-up form in English.

At this step, it’s important to find out the rules of the specific library you’ve chosen: are you allowed to bring snacks and water? Are there any rules about laptops or backpacks? What’s the loan period and how to extend it? Do they have a cafeteria? Bring along a Russian-speaking friend or your ITMO Buddy if you feel like you might not catch all the details.

Tips for a productive study

• Pack all the essentials: laptop and charger, a snack (depending on the rules, you can consume it during or after your productivity session), and water;
• Pack a second layer of clothes — a scarf or a lightweight sweater — in case you get cold in the spacious library hall;
• Consider packing a tote bag if the library doesn’t allow backpacks inside (relevant for the National Library of Russia);
• Work smarter, not harder: 
  • try out the Pomodoro Technique; 
  • set measurable and realistic goals for each library session; 
  • track your progress by ticking off your to-dos or summarizing what you’ve done each time;
• Find a study buddy to keep you accountable — you could work side by side, or you could each share your progress at prearranged meetings. 

If you are looking to get into planning and time management, check out our dedicated news tag.