With New Year’s Day being a Sunday, lots of places are running different hours to accommodate the special day. But with exams and assessments coming out, we look at whether university libraries are open on New Year’s Day.
Even though it’s the festive season, lots of students still have upcoming deadlines to stress about. If you are one of them, you probably decided to take Christmas off to have a well-deserved break. However, that will mean less time to get your essays or revision done in time. If you’re heading back to campus with plans to get work done in the library, you’ll need to know if it’s open or not first.
Are University Libraries Open On New Year’s Day?
Looking at Cambridge University, the University of Bristol and the University of Nottingham, it seems that most university libraries will not be open on New Year’s Day.
Most UK universities are currently taking a winter break and therefore libraries will not reopen until either January 3 or 4. This is because January 2 is a bank holiday.
However, some libraries are still offering self-service or the option to use computer rooms. The University of Nottingham, for example, is allowed students to access computer rooms 24/7 — as long as they have their ID cards with them. Newcastle University library has also remained open throughout the winter break for students with ID cards. However, they will be closed, even for self-service on New Year’s Day.
Students at Dundee University will be able to access library services throughout the break, including New Year’s Day. They can access study spaces, and use the WiFi and computers, however, no staffed services will be available until January 4.
Lots of students have taken to studying in the library due to the increased cost of living. Unable to afford the heating in their own homes, students head to the library to make the most of the central heating. Plus, there’s usually bigger study spaces there too.
If you’re still enjoying the festivities at home, or rail strikes have delayed coming back to campus, you may be worried about what you can access.
It’s very common for universities to have lots of their library facilities available online. Clearly, you won’t be able to access the vending machine or the computers. However, you should still be able to access most books and research papers. Don’t worry if you’ve accidentally forgotten something or realised you need something from the library. Ask one of your pals to photocopy or send pictures to you. Just remember to get them to send you citation information as well. It’s a real pain but it’s not worth losing marks over.
Make sure you’re enjoying as much of the festivities as much as you can. Just don’t lose sight of your studies! Even if you can’t access your library, there are still ways to get everything you need to make your work the best it can be.