EUSA and Edinburgh University reach agreement on study space

The EUSA campaign regarding the lack of study space for students in the Edinburgh University library have reached a successful short-term agreement with the University.

Hugh Murdoch, EUSA’s Academic Services Convener and head of the campaign told The Journal that this was “an issue that students really care about”, particularly as the run-up to December exams increases pressure on the library to provide study space.

Mr Murdoch further stated that although EUSA felt “the medium- to long-term vision is positive”, there were concerns as the December period draws closer and the push for space once again becomes a prominent issue.

The solutions created in affiliation with the University fall into two categories: short-term and long-term. The short-term strategy, to be implemented from the beginning of December, will see additional study spaces being opened up across campus. This will include rooms becoming available in David Hume Tower from 5 December, including weekends.

Furthermore, EUSA have secured funding for a study-space map which will be available from next week, and is most likely to be distributed in and around the library. These maps will provide a better understanding for students of what spaces are available across campus and it is hoped they will reduce the pressure on the library during the December examination period.

In the long term, EUSA are looking to re-assess the need for additional study space once the library has finished being re-developed in March.

EUSA have found that the issue regarding study space has been a particularly prominent one this year, as the University has taken on more students and studying in general has become more reliant on technology.

As a result, EUSA are looking to work towards providing the services necessary for students in the additional spaces being opened.

The campaign for more study space has been based on student responses, and EUSA have found internet feedback, partly collected from a Facebook group and other web-based forums, extremely helpful in gaining an overview of student opinion.

The use of student feedback will also remain to ensure that the correct action is taken to increase access to study facilities.