Between studying, extracurricular activities and other responsibilities, it's important to remember to take breaks throughout your day; it can help you focus and concentrate in class and when studying.
Check out some of these great spots to eat lunch, read a book, be with friends, and take time for yourself.
Outdoor Spaces
Downtown Campus
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Lower Field: The Field is usually packed with students, faculty and staff taking their lunch break. You can sit on the grass or use the benches and picnic tables. There's also space to toss a Frisbee or football, or skate during the Winter.
Find it: In front of Redpath Museum
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Mount Royal: Great for a walk or a picnic. Check out the Chalet for great views and Beaver Lake for a skating rink in the Winter.
Find it: To the North of the Downtown Campus -
Visitor's Garden: Also known as James Sculpture Garden or James Square, this space has artwork and terraced lawns that are perfect for a break between classes.
Find it: Near Milton Gates and McConnell Engineering
Macdonald Campus
- McEwen Field: This field has a large lawn, picnic tables and a gazebo. In addition to relaxing, the field can be used for a variety of sporting activities.
Find it: Beside the Centennial Centre
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Park by Lac St-Louis: Take a lunch break on one of the benches and enjoy the Lakeshore.
Find it: South of Mac Campus, across from the STM bus station.
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Morgan Arboretum: The forest is about a 10-minute bike ride from Mac campus. There's free admission for Mac campus students and a small fee for all other students.
Find it: North of Mac Campus & highway 40
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EcoResidence Courtyard: Take advantage of the scenery while eating or studying on a bench or at a picnic table.
Find it: Near the EcoResidence to the East of Mac Campus
Indoor Spaces
Downtown Campus
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Birks Heritage Chapel: A place of quiet reflection, the chapel reflects the pluralism of campus and the variety of faiths at McGill.
Find it: Birks Building, second floor
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Post Graduate Students' Society (PGSS) @ Thompson House: A space for graduate students to relax, eat, drink and participate in PGSS activities.
Find it: Thomson House
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McGill's Office of Religious and Spiritual Life's Interfaith Lounge and Meditation Room: Take you mug and enjoy a cup of tea while unwinding.
Find it: 3610 Rue McTavish
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Student Association Lounges: Many faculty and departmental student associations have their own lounge space.
Find it: Varied locations
Macdonald Campus
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Eco-Niche: There are couches and a piano; check it out between classes!
Find it: Centennial Centre, first floor (near the Macdonald Campus Students' Society (MCSS) office)
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Ceilidh Pub: The bar is closed during the day, but the room and terrace are open to students. There are lots of tables and natural light.
Find it: Centennial Centre, first floor.
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Macdonald Campus Library: The library has comfy armchairs by the windows. Opt for a quick break or relaxed studying.
Find it: Barton Building
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Cafe T.W.I.G.S Gourmet coffee, healthy lunches, and snacks, all in a bright and welcoming space.
Find it: Barton/Macdonald-Stewart Building
McGill University is on land which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst Indigenous peoples, including the Haudenosaunee and Anishinabeg nations. We acknowledge and thank the diverse Indigenous peoples whose presence marks this territory on which peoples of the world now gather. Visit the Office of Indigenous Initiatives website to learn more about the Land and Peoples of Tiohtià:ke/ Montreal.