Nanjing’s shared study spaces appeal to students

Several shared study spaces aimed at students have opened in Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu province.

Open 8 am - 12 pm every day, one shared study space is located in Nanjing’s Qinhuai district and come equipped with sockets, desk lamps, lockers, and free wifi, while tea and snacks are served at front desk and books can be borrowed from the facilities.

Seventy percent of seats in the study rooms are regularly booked each morning.

Another study room in Qixia district features a sign in the doorway reading, "Farewell to procrastination and noise and experience a five-star study environment here,” with rows of tables and chairs – some open, some isolated – inside.

The study room is close to a number of universities. When final exams draw near, it is expected to fill with students. Currently just a few come to prepare for postgraduate entrance examinations.

"We’ve launched a summer pricing scheme that is quite economical,” staff said, adding that for a fee slightly more than 1,000 yuan ($145.4), students can come every day in July and August.

A number of students on a review website said that it is efficient and cost-effective to work in shared study rooms.

Some said the rooms are quiet and comfortable, an ideal place to prepare for exams, and that it is hard to find seats in university libraries – which is what led them to shared study spaces.

A first-grade middle school student surnamed Yang said he often falls asleep when studying at home, but in a shared study room he’s encouraged to keep going when he sees others around him working.

Owners of the study rooms expressed cautious optimism about future plans, saying that they are exploring opportunities and will take their time.