It’s that time again, Taylor Swift has officially released her 12th original studio album: “The Life of a Showgirl”! I’m not sure how one person can write and produce so many songs. No complaints, just pure adoration.
This drop coinciding with back to uni season can mean only one thing… it’s time to lock in. As I’m sure you’re all determined to be in your academic weapon eras for this year (I know I am), pick a song from Taylor’s showgirl era to reveal where your next lock in spot should be.
The Fate of Ophelia – Burton
In the song, Taylor sings about Ophelia being saved from being driven mad by love. Burton will save you from your first academic crash out of the year. The intimidating silence will force you to get your grind on and actually finish all of those required readings for once. I can’t guarantee it won’t drive you up the walls, but hey, at least you’re being productive.
Elizabeth Taylor – Ron Cooke Hub
Under bright lights is certainly accurate. I’m not really sure that people actually do study on East, but you can’t go wrong here. It’s fun to explore all the floors, the vibes are good and the Hub Cafe also comes highly recommended. It’s biggest selling point is arguably that it’s open 24 hours all 365 days of the year, perfect for when you think you might be studying forever.
Opalite – Spring Lane Building
It’s fun, it’s fresh, and it’s popular for good reason. Much like in Opalite, studying in Spring Lane will set you on the right path. It truly does feel like dancing through lightning strikes (in a good way). Everyone loves studying here and I wouldn’t have it any other way, it is simply elite.
Father Figure – a booked seminar room
Big boss energy. People that have the confidence to book a seminar room honestly scare me, but I respect it. Ideal for protecting your image; no one can witness your faces of confusion and despair when you have your own room. It’s the perfect way to assert dominance over your studies while staying in the campus bubble.
Eldest Daughter – Morrell
Morrell has your back, and it’s never gonna leave you high and dry. A little bit of a boring study space of choice, but for a song about being reliable, it certainly is. The only time Morrell is going to let you down is at peak times when it’s flooded by Freshers and you can’t find a seat. Even at uni the youngest children always get their way.
Ruin the Friendship – your room
This song definitely took a different direction to what was expected, being something both endlessly sweet and profoundly sad. If you like this song, your ideal study spot is your room: your sanctuary. It’s giving returning home to somewhere that’s safe and yours. Studying here is peaceful, and that’s just what you need. There’s something so cozy about manifesting your little study life within your bed.
Actually Romantic – York city centre
You probably have many opps that need to be avoided if this is your favourite track. It’s not worth trying to find a spot to lock in on campus, someone you know is going to be everywhere you turn. Don’t worry though, York itself is plenty romantic. Best get yourself to Black Sheep or one of the many independent cafes for a marathon lock in to look cool and mysterious. Be prepared to spend your entire loan on local coffee trips to the centre though.
Wi$h Li$t – your department
If all you care about is your chosen subject, then this is definitely the spot for you. It’s not ideal for socialising, but it is quiet and close to your lecturers for any burning questions. Others may pay little attention to it, but you know what you want in a study space.
Wood – Fairhurst
The woodland theme in Fairhurst makes this pairing seem extremely fitting. A group lock in sesh in here is the perfect way to leave you feeling like maybe you actually understand your degree. The comfy spaces and student kitchen are just added bonuses. Try Fairhurst once and it’ll open your eyes, I promise. There’s something so comforting about this space, I can’t explain why, you just have to experience it for yourself.
CANCELLED! – Piazza
I’m not talking about the Piazza Library (because let’s face it, it’s near impossible to find a seat in there), but instead the dining area. Whilst there is the appeal of Starbucks, I don’t know how people manage to focus in here. Props to those who can, but you’ll soon find out exactly who your friends are when everyone starts yapping.
Honey – Your college
As this is my favourite song on the album, I happen to be a little bit biased. That being said, my college is one of my favourite places to study. Everyone I know has undying allegiance to their college, and it always feels like coming home when you’re back there. I couldn’t write this without shouting out my beloved Lister Hub- as Taylor says, it redefined my blues (or turquoises, I suppose).
The Life of a Showgirl – Greg’s Place
There’s something so performative about studying here, but honestly, I love it. Seasonal is one way to describe it; everyone wants summer to emerge so they can bag this coveted spot, and yet when it comes around it feels less than ideal. If you’re going to be forced to lock in on a rare good weather day in York, you may as well do it somewhere with an unforgettable view.
Whether you’re tucked away in the library or exploring the many hidden gems that line the streets of York, there’s a Taylor track – and campus corner – for any academic mood. Hopefully your next lock in spot will manage to inspire as much enthusiasm as The Life of a Showgirl.
