My Study Spots: Libraries And Cafés In Dunedin

Sometimes, when I have the writer’s block or I need a different writing environment, I try to work in a ‘non-office’ spot. This strategy of changing my work environment ensures that my productivity is on-going. The University’s various libraries and Dunedin’s wide range of cafés are wonderful to work which is good news for me!



In the University, the libraries are great for me because I can use the computers, without having to carry my laptop. My favourite library is the Law Library because of its great view from the 8th floor. The Central Library is also a perfect spot for writing because it is spacious with different types of seating and tables. I particularly like both libraries as they have drinking water and microwaves available to heat up my lunch.


When I want a coffee, the Staff Club is my preferred choice. It caters for postgraduates and staff, and is strategically located in the centre of the campus. Its cosy interior provides a warm place to work on a chilly autumn or winter day. The Staff Club is a popular venue for postgraduates and staff to catch up too.

On days that I want a non-campus atmosphere, I try to visit Dunedin’s various cafés. My priority when choosing a café is to make sure that it's brightly lit and has a warm atmosphere. Most of the cafés I have visited offer comfortable places with ample chairs and tables. I like tables that allow me to work with my laptop and some extra space to work with papers. Here are some of my favourite ‘non-office’ spaces (cafés):

1. Coffee Culture, City Road, Roslyn: based in Roslyn’s old fire station. It offers free Wi-Fi and a splendid view overlooking the city and peninsula.


2. Governor’s Cafe, George Street, North Dunedin: you can let your creativity flow with customer’s paper napkin art on the walls and it provides free Wi-Fi too.



3. Morning Magpie, Lower Stuart Street, Dunedin Central: an eccentric interior with interesting magazines.



4. Vanguard Specialty Coffee Co, Princes Street, Dunedin Central: a very spacious café with excellent views of a cute giant wall art seen from its windows.



5. Croque-O-Dile, Botanical Gardens, Dunedin North: the perfect place to go for a walk in the Botanical Gardens after achieving my writing goal.



Visiting cafés run by independent business owners is fun because I can connect with the locals, learn from the general chat of Dunedin, and treat myself to some Kiwi food. Finally, a dash of good coffee from the friendly baristas makes the experience more invigorating for my brain efficiency as I try to continue my PhD work. 

This post is published on i-studentglobal.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dear PTPTN, PhD does not pay me a salary

Image
Dear Malaysians, PTPTN and Ministry of Education, I humbly ask for your permissions to service my loan after I complete my PhD degree, please? I am a Malaysian, a third-generation Chinese, born and raised in Malaysia. Self-financing my PhD study in Higher Education Development Centre, at the University of Otago, New Zealand. Without the financial support from any institutions, I have to juggle between my PhD work and the financial stress of student fees, living expenses and the poor currency exchange. Such stress would not allow me to service my undergraduate study loan, a valid reason to support my application of delaying the payment. I received the approval from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), although I was warned that the interest rate of the loan will continue to accumulate . I believe the key role of a Government is to protect its citizens. I had to count the blessing that I was reducing the chances not to be barred from travelling abroad. Trusti
Read more

My first international conference experience: the 2017 Global Studies Research Conference

Image
Searching for my first international conference on my research interest in globalisation, I stumbled upon Common Ground that hosts the Global Studies Research Network. My application was accepted and I attended the 10th Global Studies Conference (8-9 June 2017) at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Before I share my conference experience, I want to express my gratitude to be given this conference experience by the generosity of: 1. my institution, the University of Otago for providing the logistics and, 2. the Global Studies Research Network for providing free participation by selecting me as its Emerging Scholar Awardee . The 10th Global Studies Conference On my scholarly experience: Globalisation and Global Studies Globalisation is an area of study to examine the complex cross-border movements such as policies, practices, people, products and pollutions. As an emerging area of study, the Global Studies can provide a key to understanding the theory of globalisati
Read more

How to Get Academic Conference Work for a Student? (Part I)

The purpose of an academic conference is for knowledge sharing and networking. The event can be exciting for a new student to meet acquaintances and friends doing different studies but in the same field of interest; confusing for a young scholar being told to network strategically for job opportunities; nerve-breaking for an emerging academic to present her work under the scrutiny of prestigious and experienced colleagues. I have experienced all these complicated feelings and they all came from the pressure of how to make the most out of conferences. With plenty of advice and tactical like plans especially for networking can be overwhelming to decide which method might work best. In my opinion, networking will come naturally because you will bump into people. A polite hello and small self-introduction will set the ball rolling. However, how could you make yourself more relevant to a conference? Speaking from the perspective of a young scholar, I realised that if one is more involved
Read more