Almost any student studying on Tremough Campus will undoubtedly be able to recall a similar time of panic, as they were rushing around the library and neighbouring facilities in search of a non-existent workplace. The library is busy to say the least, and during the nastiness of deadlines you are lucky to bag yourself a spot. Unless of course you come in earlier than the dreaded 9AM.

With no space and plenty of students left in need, work efforts can be seriously hampered.  With the ever growing number of students, the feeling of claustrophobia among them when it comes to the library seems to be unanimous.

Press & Editorial Photography student Jake de Buriatte told Truthfal: “Plain and simply, as good as the facilities are, they’ve not been designed to cater for the ever increasing number of students that we now have.” Coinciding with a comment from fellow Truthfal reporter Maximus Carey, that the wonderful resources are ruined by the fact that “the library is always overcrowded.”

However, there could now be a solution. April 25th saw the first in a series of events hosted by Study Net, a student led project. The Facebook page for the first event highlighted the aim, “to bring together local businesses, Falmouth and Exeter University students.” Primarily working together with local businesses to identify alternative study spots outside of academic facilities. The opening event was held in the Full Bloom Tea Room on Killigrew Street and focused on creativity and mental health. It included talks, a small exhibition and an art therapy workshop, along with a free cuppa for those who attended.

Full Bloom’s owner, Rose Lartey understands the struggles faced in overcrowded work facilities, as a graduate of Falmouth University herself. More than happy to collaborate with the project, Rose welcomes any students looking for a place to study.

 

When students were questioned about these potential new areas to study being brought into light, the feedback was positive. Jake de Buriatte, an advocate of working offsite due to the previously mentioned conditions responded, “although I agree that cafes are the perfect working environment, it’s still easy to feel unwelcome as a student in certain places in Falmouth. If Study Net can successfully bridge this gap, then in my belief it will greatly benefit everyone, students and businesses.”

Cora Polland, a History and Politics student at Exeter described the project as, “a very good idea, any space designed to give students more variety as to where they work is a strong step forward regarding student satisfaction. It also means the uni wont have to worry about funding any new facilities.”