The best places to knuckle down

When exam season begins, free seats are often at a premium at LMU’s central campuses. Everyone, it seems, flocks to the subject libraries to escape distractions at home. So what can you do when you really need to focus on your work?

We asked resourceful LMU students to recommend their favorite places to work or study – whether alone or in groups.

Amelie is 18 years old and studying to become a teacher. She is preparing for the upcoming exams at the new UniLounge Learning Center in the Main Building. Here is her advice:

Historicum Library

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Along with the Philologicum, the Historicum Library is one of the best-loved refuges for LMU students. Located at the heart of the university district, the subject library contains the largest collection of history resources in Germany. It offers bright and roomy workspaces with a view of the Salinenhof courtyard.

History student Lisa likes studying at this central location: “Our favorite place is the Historicum. The atmosphere is very pleasant, especially now in spring with the trees outside the large windows.”

Address: Schellingstrasse 12, 80799 Munich
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8 am to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 8 pm

Library Philologicum

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With more than 430,000 books in more than 80 languages, the Philologicum in Schellingstraße brings together vast amounts of knowledge in linguistics and literature. In the modern interior, you can read quietly in the reading room while heated debates take place in the soundproofed group study rooms.

Philosophy student Maria knows how popular the Philologicum is as a place to study and recommends: it's worth arriving early.

Address: Ludwigstraße 25, 80539 Munich
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Leo 13 Learning Center

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Where the Central Textbook Collection used to be, there are now modern workspaces in this learning center in the “Schweinchenbau” building. Quiet seating, large desks for groupwork, and comfortable armchairs offer space for studying, working, and relaxing. Refreshments are also on hand, with the “Mensa” cafeteria just a few steps away.

Mia, who is doing a master’s degree in communication science, is happy with the study facilities in Leopoldstrasse: “It looks very modern, and I love the way it’s so bright everywhere. The beanbags create a cozy atmosphere right from the off!”

Address: Leopoldstrasse 13, House 1, 80802 Munich
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9 am to 8 pm

Medical reading room library

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The Medical Reading Hall in the former villa of the singer and gallery owner Franz Josef Brakl offers medical students not only all the important publications on the subject, but also models of human bones.

As such, the Medical Reading Room is of course primarily aimed at medical students. Nevertheless, the same applies here: It's worth reserving a place online. Especially during exam periods, all the places here are sometimes booked out a week in advance.

Address: Beethovenpl. 1, 80336 Munich
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Mathematics and Physics Library

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The Mathematics and Physics Library is located at the heart of the Kunstareal museum quarter. In this place where art and science meet, the library offers ample study spaces amid collections of textbooks and specialist literature.

“The math library is my favorite spot to study. It’s the best place for concentrating, in my opinion, as the mood there is very study-focused,” says Vera, 22 years old, who is doing an Elite Graduate Program in Easter European Studies.

And if students find their concentration waning, they can always take a stroll across the lawns of the nearby art galleries. The fresh breeze helps them clear their heads while studying for exams.

Address: Theresienstrasse 37, 80333 Munich
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8 am to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 8 pm

Chemistry and Pharmacy Library

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Students outside downtown Munich can use the Chemistry and Pharmacy Library. Located on Campus Grosshadern/Martinsried, the library offers study spaces at over 120 workstations and 8 cubicles. In addition to scientific literature, the library holds a comprehensive collection of textbooks.

Patrizia, who is studying to be a chemistry and biology teacher, has some useful recommendations: “Personally, I love studying in the chemistry didactics reading room. It’s perfect for when we have to prepare draft lessons for didactics courses, because it contains schoolbooks for all years and types of school as well as educational textbooks. I also like studying every now and again in the small booths in the chemistry library. They’re located right by the reception desk, or one floor above. For anyone who might feel self-conscious while studying at open library spaces, these booths are just the ticket. You can collect the key at reception and use the booth for a certain period.”

Address: Butenandtstrasse 5-13 (House F), 81377 Munich
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9 am to 8 pm, Saturday 10 am to 8 pm

Poetry Library

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Another hidden gem is the Poetry Library at the Lyrik Kabinett, directly opposite the LMU Main Building in Amalienstrasse. Away from the usual floods of visitors at LMU facilities, the Poetry Library always has free spaces and quiet reading rooms during the week. Students can soak in the poetic atmosphere while consulting any of around 70,000 works, including volumes of poetry, magazines, and selected secondary literature. Use of the library is free of charge and ID is not required.

Address: Amalienstrasse 83 (back premises), 80799 Munich
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 5 pm

Avoiding exam stress

Even when you have secured a choice study spot, this is no guarantee of successful studying, and frustration can rear its head during exam time. But here, too, resourceful LMU students are happy to share their strategies for mastering the semester and the exams:

• Self-explanatory but always worth mentioning: Start studying early! Ideally, during the semester.
• When revising material, good old-fashioned index cards are an excellent aid. Those who prefer more contemporary solutions can create digital index cards using apps.
• The summaries and exercise sheets provided by the courses offer a good basis for structuring the entire study material.
• Study routines and a study plan make it easier to integrate exam preparations into daily life.
• Also important to remember: Look after yourself and grant yourself the occasional day off. Breaks are part and parcel of studying!
• And finally, don’t neglect your tummy! Make sure you budget properly for food and snacks.

Looking for a seat?

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Further library locations: Libraries & Locations
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