By Samuel Loh (16A01A), Melissa Choi (16S06B) and Qiu Kexin (16A13A)
Reviews courtesy of anonymous Rafflesian contributors

With the Common Tests coming up this July, there’s no question Rafflesians all around are beginning to feel the heat and trying their hardest to catch up with studies – desperately or otherwise! Now that the mid-term break is in full swing, it’s a great opportunity to find some time, head out with your buddies and start hitting the books proper. But who says studying always has to be in the library or at home? As a follow-up to the previous Rafflesian Warrior’s Guides to study spots in the school campus, Raffles Press will feature external locations in the Holiday Edition for students to find the perfect studying getaways – reviewed by Rafflesians, for Rafflesians.

In this article, we cover Changi International Airport’s Starbucks, the Central Public Library, and Serangoon Public Library.

1. Changi Airport Starbucks (Terminal 1, 2 and 3)

Changi International Airport is always bustling with activity day and night, as globe-trotting travelers come and go to explore the world. It’s also a favorite haunt of sleep-deprived students looking to deprive themselves of more sleep as they work through those math sums. Open 24 hours everyday, Changi’s Starbucks outlet is luxuriously-furnished and guaranteed to keep your comfort-needs more than well-met as your focus on finishing school assignments. Now, did someone say coffee, tea and cakes?

The staff are really friendly! I found my white chocolate chip mocha was too sweet, and they replaced it with a full cup. It was very crowded though, so it’ll probably be hard finding a strategic seat at the start unless you come earlier!

– Year 5 Rafflesian

Note: Terminal 3’s Starbucks outlet does not allow students to stay for extended periods of time when it becomes too crowded – consider the Dunkin’ Donuts right beside it instead, or the much more friendly (and empty) Coffee Bean and Tea Leaves at Terminal 2.

Directions/Accessibility
Located in Eastern Singapore.
By MRT: Changi Airport Station (East-West Line)
By Bus: Buses 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 858.
Alight at the basement level of Changi Airport’s terminals.

Wifi Access: Wireless@SG and WiFi@Changi
Power Sockets: Available in the surrounding, though these are in short supply.
Aircon: Yes

Food Access:
24-hour cafés, fast food chains, and food courts situated in Changi Airport.
See Changi Airport’s directory for a full list.

Noise Level:
Low to moderately high.
Alright for the most part, because the large halls of Changi Airport tends to drown out ambient noise most of the time.

Predicted Productivity: 
Medium. You might spend most of your time traveling there and walking about, but once you’re seated, you’re all set!

Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday: 24 Hours

2. Central Public Library (Lee Kong Chian Reference Library Level 11)

The Central Public Library is not just a wondrous repository for knowledge seekers – with a high ceiling, natural indoor lighting, a breath-taking panoramic view of Singapore’s Civic District from the windows, and an abundance of study spaces, its Reference Libraries from Levels 7 to 11 are an ideal study spot for students.

Tips:
You can venture outside the building and explore each level, as there are always interesting exhibitions around. There’s a mid-sky garden on Level 5, plus a Study Lounge (which may get a bit noisy). The integrated greenery (The Courtyard on Level 5 and The Retreat on Level 10) and sound proofing fixtures make for great places to have a quiet read.

The basement is decked with plush arm chairs for browsing and reading, and newspaper reading tables which are tilted at an angle for easy reading. Do bring a jacket, as the airconditioning can get chilly.

Directions/Accessibility
Located in Central Singapore.
By MRT: Bras Basah Station (Circle Line); Bugis Station (East-West Line); City Hall Station (North-South and East-West Line)
By Bus: Buses 7, 32, 51, 61, 63, 80, 145, 175, 197 and 851

Wifi Access: Wireless@SG
Power Sockets: Available
Aircon: Yes

Food Access
Han’s Café (set meals are priced around $10) and shops at Bras Basah Complex

Noise Level
Low

Predicted Productivity
High – conducive for getting down to focus on work!

Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Closed at 5.00pm on eves of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year.
Closed on Public Holidays.

3. Serangoon Public Library (on NEX Rooftop, Level 4R)

Serangoon Public Library is dwarfed by the Central Public Library in terms of size when you compare the two places – and this does mean that study spots are in short supply during peak examination periods – but for many students who wake up early during the holidays just to snag a good spot there, it almost never fails their expectations with its serene environment and the comforting breeze of the aircon (do bring a jacket!). There is comfortable seating, as well as an abundance of tables for use in the Programme Zone. Just remember to come early, preferably before its opening hours, if you want to be sure of grabbing a seat!

Directions/Accessibility
Located in Central Singapore.
By MRT: Serangoon Station (North-East and Circle Line)
By Bus: Buses 22, 43, 45, 53, 58, 70, 81, 82, 100, 101, 103, 103M, 105, 107, 107M, 109, 133, 135, 147, 153, 158, 315, 317, and 853.
Alight at Serangoon Bus Interchange.

Wifi Access: Wireless@SG
Power Sockets: Available
Aircon: Yes

Food Access:
NEX’s food court, fast food chains, and restaurants.
See NEX’s directory for a full list.

Noise Level:
Low – slight noise is always present, though it is not distracting.

Predicted Productivity:
High

Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Closed at 5.00pm on eves of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year.
Closed on Public Holidays.
* The Programme Zone is available during the same timings, except when it is used for programmes. Search NLB’s Upcoming Programmes to check when it will be occupied on upcoming dates.

Study Go Where?’s Holiday Edition is an article series where we feature potential study locations in each article, accompanied by a brief overview of its suitability for studying – so you can find out without having to visit it! To read previous Study Go Where? instalments, click here.