New Series: Rating Queen’s Study Spots So You Don’t Have To

So… where do Queen’s students actually get work done?

If you’ve ever spent 15 minutes walking in circles trying to find a place to study, this series is for you.

Every week, Sarah and I will be testing one of Queen’s most popular study spots, from campus staples like Stauffer and Goodes to the newly renovated JDUC, and asking the only question that really matters:

Can you actually lock in here?

We’ll score each location across five key dimensions that make or break a study session, then give it an overall Lock-In Index score out of 50.

How We’re Rating Each Spot

Here’s the breakdown of what goes into the Lock-In Index. Each dimension will be scored out of 10. 1. Noise Level

How quiet is it really? Is it library-level silent or more like a group-project war zone?

• 10 = so quiet you can hear your thoughts

• 1 = you’re basically in the ARC

2. Seat Availability

Because nothing kills motivation like wandering with your laptop praying for an outlet.

• 10 = always open seats

• 1 = you might as well sit on the floor

3. Vibe

The intangibles: lighting, layout, crowd energy, and overall study aesthetic.

• 10 = cozy, calm, and inspiring

• 1 = fluorescent lighting and existential dread

4. Proximity to Caffeine & Snacks

Because the closer the coffee, the longer the grind.

• 10 = Cogro next door or vending machine heaven

• 1 = snack desert

5. Power Outlet Access

Self-explanatory. The make-or-break for every laptop warrior.

• 10 = outlets everywhere

• 1 = one hidden plug behind a random chair

The Lock-In Index (Total Score: /50)

Each study spot will get a Lock-In Index, our overall score out of 50, based on how well it performs across all five dimensions.

Here’s how we’ll classify them:

Lock-In Index Range	Verdict	Description
45-50	🔒 Elite Lock Zone	The holy grail of focus. Bring your laptop and stay all day.
35-44	✅ Reliable Lock-In	Solid choice: you’ll get work done, maybe even enjoy it.
25-34	⚖️ Depends on the Day	Can go either way. Can be good in the morning, chaos by 3 p.m.
15-24	⚠️ Mildly Chaotic Energy	Study-adjacent. Come for the vibes, not the productivity.
0-14	❌ Fully Locked Out	You tried. But this spot isn’t it. Move along.

Why We're Doing This The truth is, not all study spots are created equal. Some have perfect lighting but no outlets. Others are peaceful, until the group next to you starts planning their next big hangout.

We’ve all been there. And after four years at Queen’s, we’ve realized that where you study matters almost as much as how you study.

Our goal with the Locked In or Out?  series is to make finding the right space easier, so you spend less time searching and more time actually… locking in.

When to Expect New Posts

We’ll be posting a new review every week, covering one Queen’s study spot at a time, complete with photos, quick scores, and honest verdicts.

Your Turn

Have a study spot you swear by, or one you think we’ll absolutely hate? Send it our way in the "Suggestions?" tab, and we’ll put it to the test!