When it comes to fostering innovation and creativity, UQ leads the way with its remarkable range of learning spaces, from cutting-edge labs to immersive outdoor environments.
With the help of Meng Zhang, who just completed her PhD with the Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation, let’s uncover some of UQ’s coolest spaces that inspire learning, collaboration, and discovery.
1. UQ Innovate: Bringing your ideas to life
Located in the Engineering precinct, UQ Innovate is a unique makerspace and playground for inventors and innovators. Equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines and prototyping tools, this space is perfect for students who want to bring their ideas to life.
Whether you're designing a drone, developing your fabrication project or want to tinker in the Electronics Workshop, this is where creativity meets technology. Plus, it’s open to all students!
2. Central Library: Your go-to learning space
“My favourite learning space is the Central Library,” shares Meng. “You can choose between a quiet space – which is good for concentrating on your work or preparing for an exam - or somewhere more collaborative.”
More than just books, the Central Library is a hub for all students at UQ, and you can find a spot to study that’s completely tailored to your needs. For example, there are low-light spaces, soundproof booths, training rooms with projectors and whiteboards, a presentation room to simulate a lecture theatre, and plenty of group spaces for when you’re working with others.
3. UQ’s outdoor classrooms: Learning beyond four walls
With the incredible weather in Brisbane, you’ll want to spend a lot of time outside. Fortunately, the UQ campus has plenty of outdoor spaces for you to enjoy.
“I like an outdoor learning space… soak up the sun, read, grab a refreshment – just get out of a room!” says Meng.
Unlike many other campuses around the world, UQ encourages you to sit on the grass and study under the trees. The Great Court is the perfect spot for that.
“The best thing is the effect on your mental health,” Meng explains. “As a research student, sitting in your office and facing your computer screen for so long every day, learning in an outdoor space is about getting some sunlight and vitamin D.”
4. The Experimental Mine Site: Learning below the surface
Situated at Indooroopilly, UQ’s Experimental Mine Site – a former silver and lead mine – is totally unique to mining schools in Australia, and the perfect hands-on learning environment.
This fully operational underground mine allows mining and geological engineering students to gain experience in a controlled setting.
5. Francis Baron Burnett Simulation Centre: Training tomorrow’s heroes
Located at the Greenslopes Clinical Unit, the Centre features simulated emergency bays, operating theatres and hospital wards. With high-tech dummies and realistic scenarios, this space provides invaluable training for future doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.
6. Gatton Farms: Where science meets sustainability
UQ’s Gatton campus, 80 kilometres west of Brisbane, is home to the 1,086 hectares of Gatton Farms. Featuring a dairy, a sheep and goat herd, horticultural fields, post-harvest facilities, greenhouses and machinery, this is a haven for agricultural enthusiasts. From crop science to animal husbandry, this learning space is tailored for students in veterinary science, agriculture and food sustainability.
7. The Televic conference room: Communication in action
UQ’s Televic Conference Room is an interactive space designed for professional-level discussions and presentations – it uses the same interpreting technology as the United Nations! It’s where you can practise teamwork and decision-making.
8. Science meets learning spaces: World-class student hubs
From the Chemistry Podium – a terrace for studying, relaxing and socialising –to the Interactive Learning Centre, a modern computing facility. Not to mention the Goddard Labs and their dedicated microscopy facility, and the Heron Island Research Station located on the Great Barrier Reef. UQ houses the largest grouping of science-based teaching and research spaces in Queensland, with plenty of locations for formal and informal learning.
9. The Advanced Engineering Building’s GHD Auditorium: Sustainable design in action
The GHD Auditorium isn’t just a learning space; it’s a showcase of sustainable architecture. Designed to minimise environmental impact, this award-winning building integrates natural ventilation, smart lighting, and green materials, inspiring students to think about sustainability in their fields. It’s also the largest auditorium at UQ!
Finding the perfect space for you
“UQ does a very good job of giving students more autonomy and agency, providing them good facilities to navigate their learning,” shares Meng. “For me, I think having the right space is a very fundamental first step.”
At UQ, you will always find a learning space to suit your needs – you just need to explore your campus! Take a campus tour or use the UQ Maps app to explore study areas or simply walk around to find your perfect spot.
“I explored by walking around, or was recommended spaces by friends and colleagues,” explains Meng.
What space would you love to explore first? Let us know!
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