The Robbo is arguably one of Newcastle’s top study spots and has recently been renovated. With a focused atmosphere and 24-hour access for the unfortunate souls attempting to pull all-nighters, it is a student essential. Across 4 floors, it packs in all the resources you might need – books, journals, private study booths, DVDs for rental and IT clusters. Each floor is designed with different people in mind. For those that enjoy the solitude levels 3 and 4 are ideal, but if you prefer something more social, there are also collaborative zones. You can even book a study room for extra privacy to get on with your assignments and definitely not eat snacks in front of a movie…
"For those that enjoy the solitude levels 3 and 4 are ideal, but if you prefer something more social, there are also collaborative zones."
Another useful thing to note is that the Robbo has newly refurbished welcome desks and café. This little spot is perfect if you need a quite breather or to refuel after an intense study session. But if that’s not for you, there are other areas where you can sit down to eat and if it’s just a quick snack you’re after there are a few vending machines. This year the library also has a new returns system. You can now keep hold of long loan items for as long as you wish unless someone decides to reserve them, and you no longer need to pay overdue charges if no one requires them – brilliant if you’re a broke student.
"There is always someone willing to offer assistance, whether you need to find an obscure academic text or find where free seats are available."
The Robbo is also home to the Writing Development Centre. Here students can brush up on their academic writing skills in workshops or one-to-one appointments which can be extremely helpful in the long run. There is always someone willing to offer assistance, whether you need to find an obscure academic text or find where free seats are available. But if you’re not up for human interaction, there’s always the Newcastle University app.
Image: Pixabay
The app will let you know how busy the library is and where to locate the books you need and, thus, saves you from the dreaded walk of shame – quickly evacuating after your mission to find a seat or the book you were after ends in utter failure. During exam season the app becomes a serious lifeline. After all, no one wants to waste their time trekking up and down the stairs only to leave empty-handed and embarrassed.
"The library website has all the information you could ever want to know."
For freshers who might’ve found this guide a bit overwhelming the library website has all the information you could ever want to know. And if you ask around you might just hear a horror story or amusing tale about what students get up to in the Robbo: the Newcastle student’s second home.