Studying at home can get noisy, distracting and demotivating. It can also be tough to concentrate with the looming temptation of your bed and a million papers scattered across your desk.
Sometimes, a change of scenery is all you need. Here are seven of Hong Kong’s best study spots outside the home where you can revise for your next test.
1. Public libraries
With at least one in every district of the city, public libraries are an accessible escape from the chaos at home. They are also equipped with desks, chairs, power outlets, air conditioning and free Wi-fi, making them an ideal location for deep work sessions.
The Hong Kong Central Library even overlooks the lush greenery of Victoria Park and has floor-to-ceiling windows. Although there are often many other students at work, Hong Kong’s libraries have a tranquil, focused atmosphere, making it a lot easier to get into the zone.
2. Cafes with free Wi-fi
Find a table at a major chain cafe like Pacific Coffee, Elephant Grounds or Uuro where you won’t feel too rushed. For inexpensive eats, McDonald’s is also a popular option.
3. Parks and gardens
Most of Hong Kong’s public parks have free Wi-fi, refreshment kiosks and water dispensers. With picnic blankets and a couple of study partners, studying outdoors is a fantastic way to soak up some sun while working.
However, strong sunlight tends to reflect off laptop screens, making it difficult to see what you are working on. If you are planning to work outside, working on paper or from textbooks is probably a better option.
4. Shopping malls
As convenient, air-conditioned spaces, shopping centres can be great for light studying or casual reading. Malls such as IFC and Central Market, both in Central, offer spacious, semi-outdoor seating that is open to the public. Alternatively, food courts during off-peak hours are a great spot to study with your friends if you cannot commit to a single cuisine.
5. Paid co-working spaces
Paid study spaces are popular in Hong Kong for their high-speed Wi-fi and complimentary refreshments. Places such as Desk One and Oonique have multiple locations and offer daily passes, with special rates for students.
6. Study rooms
There are nearly 200 study rooms around Hong Kong, providing quiet areas for research and revision. A list of all free study rooms, organised by district, is available on the Education Bureau website under “Study Rooms”.
7. Home and Youth Affairs Bureau youth spaces
After registering as a Youth Link member via the “HKYouth” mobile application, people aged 12 to 39 can access the bureau’s free, multipurpose venues, which are fitted with quiet pods, co-working spaces and lounge areas. Youth Link in Nam Cheong and HYAB JC Y Cube in Chai Wan are relaxed environments that also offer workshops and hobby spaces, making them ideal spots to work on projects or finish homework with classmates.
