one of my fav study spots!! each floor has different seating options, which is super nice - my fav: the view on the 6th floor is super nice and there are outlets staff is generally quiet and leaves you alone i would definitely recommend, it's pretty quiet read more

See all

Most of the recent reviews have been complaints about student or individually, picky details, so I want to try to provide an objective evaluation of the UCI Science Library, based on my experience visiting it since 2014. You will probably not find a quieter place to study at UCI. Each floor is equipped with study tables and desks, for students and the casual reader alike. Computers are also available for those without laptops. From what I have seen, UCI updates these computers every few years, to keep up with technology advances that newer software demands. The library has several locations where you can fill up on water and use the restroom. But it is best to navigate the library yourself to find these locations, because sometimes it is easy to get lost. My favorite places to study are the fourth and fifth floor tables, across from the giant windows facing the trees and walkway. People don't usually talk, so you can enjoy some quietude on these floors. If you need to take a break from your studies or reading, take a walk outside and enjoy the architecture, or the sculptures outside depicting the life of intellectual labor. One thing to note is that due to the scandal Dr. Ayala was involved in, with regards to sexual harassment, UCI decided to remove his name from this library. For now, it is just called the "Science Library." read more

UCI Science Library - Good workspace - Libraries Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

Nick H and a Science Library? Yup..my undergrad was Biochem and this library served more purpose to me than did Berkely's. This is one of the better Science Libraries in California. Yes, everything is available on the internet, but it's nice to pick up a hard copy now and again. The library certainly earned its respect from me. Nice decor and kept really clean. This place is also ideal for studying with a ton of individual desks, group tables and chairs. The reason I write this review now is just to say that I was saddened when I found out they their hours were reduced significantly. Overall, if you are a fan of libraries..this is one to check out! Minus one star because of the limited hours. UCI Science Library..another reason the OC is the best place to live? read more

As a UCI alumni, I will just say that one of the things I miss about my undergrad career is the Science library. It's a great place to study. There are 6 floors where you can study in either your own private cubicle, tables, or a private study room (usually it's on a first-come first service basis, but you need to reserve it during finals week for a certain amount of time). I remember hiding out on either the 5th or 6th floor, where you would find me in my usual cubicle or on the computers. It's quiet and the environment is conducive to learning. Oh, how I miss thee, my dear Science library. read more

I usually go to Langston Library cause I'm an English/Sociology double major, but during my 3rd year. My friends from my vietnamese class (a bunch of bio/engineering/pub health people) suggested we study in these study rooms on the 4-6th floor. It was actually really nice here. I would definitely come here more often if it wasnt so far from my parking lot/classes... ... But this is definitely the SHADY library :) one time i went here and i heard some MOANING between the stacks.. .. and my friends tell me ppl post on craigslist to meet up here and stuff.. .. so yeah, dont go behind the stacks HAHA :) read more

The Science Library is my go-to study spot on campus! There are 6 floors, with 4 floors being designated study areas. You can reserve private study rooms online, although each person is limited to a 2 hour maximum time limit. Sometimes you can risk taking up an open room, but usually the student who reserved the room shows up, so be prepared to move your stuff fast if that happens. There are a ton of private, single person cubicles available on the 4th and 5th floors. Each cubicle is installed with its own lamp light and electrical outlet, meaning you can stay for hours studying with your laptop without fear of running out of battery! The private cubicles don't require reservation. The other open spaces are furnished with long tables that can seat four people, so you can sit there with your friends too. Now, it can get HOT in here because there is no air conditioning and the air ventilation is bad, meaning that it can feel stuffy inside. Same thing goes for Langston Library though, and that library is older so I find that place much more cramped and stuffy... There's only a few bathrooms here, and the bathrooms on the 4th, 5th, and 6th Floors are gender neutral so only one person can use it at a time. Meaning that you might see a line form at the door. Bathrooms aren't well-maintained either, and it always smells bad and is quite dirty in my experience. Finally, good luck trying to find a table here during Finals Week. Us millennial children must really love procrastinating because it's always consistently jam packed during finals at any study spot on campus, be it Gateway or the Student Center Starbucks! People bring in food, so it starts smelling bad fast and the trash cans are stuffed with empty food packaging. My favorite spot in this library is the large, open space that faces the large front windows overlooking the library entrance. You can find these spaces on the 4th and 5th Floors. This area feels the least suffocating and you get plenty of bright light in the room. It might be confusing to find at first, but keep exploring the library and walking along the walls to find it! read more

Love this library. It's a lot more quiet than Langson by far I guess because maybe Bio majors are the more serious students (haha) and are quiet when they're studying. Umm, minus 1 star for creepy elevators. I can't help but think of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction at Disneyland when I ride in the middle elevator. Also, the one on the far left, you can hear "voices" when you're by yourself, altho this one time, I was with this other person, and they looked pretty freaked too. The staff here are nicer too I've noticed. read more

I started going here when the name of this place was still the plain ol' "science library". I've been wondering how to say, "hey guys, I'm going to head over to the "Francisco-J.-Ayala-Science-Library". I guess I'll just keep calling it the "science library" to make things easier. As a CLS major, I usually have classes in the late afternoon and evenings and I go here at night if anything. I would give this library five stars, but I dread going to the bathrooms and individual study rooms as they are often filled with trash. As for the bathrooms, the trash bin overfills with toilet paper and paper towels frequently. Oh, and the study rooms smell musty or just simply like horrendous B.O. However, what I do like about this library is the overall quietness and the newer atmosphere in comparison to the Langson. It's too bad that I'm in the school of Social Ecology and I usually have to go to Langson since it's the Arts & Humanities library. No worries, I still prefer the science library because of the overall quieter environment to study in. I get sad during finals week because 1. I know this place is packed and 2. Because of finals. read more

Great place to study at, lots of space personally I like the study rooms or the reading rooms on the 4th and 5th floors. Little bit more serious then the social gatherings at gateway so if you're making a ruckus be prepared for dirty looks or the annoying shh's. Another positive is there really isn't a problem getting an outlet which is a huge complaint for any of the other places to study at in UCI. definitely a go to place if you need to get work especially before midterms and finals (-_0) Sameer read more

Definitely one of the best places to study at UCI. As a pharm Sci major at UCI, I often find myself studying in the library. The staff is friendly and the resources are plenty. Pro: - spacious - has a lot of resources - quiet place to study - now has wooden floor - great view of the school of medicine Cons: - restrooms definitely need some renovations and cleaning. They are absolutely horrible read more

What can I say about this wonderfully built library? There are plenty of places to study in here through multiple floors and though I think the library's size can evoke a feeling of being cold, the library sure has some comfortable chairs on the second floor. I can sum up my experience here in the following words: I came, I studied, I slept. read more

One of the very few GREAT things about UC Irvine. Yes, I am a total nerd for giving this 5 stars, but this is the best library I've ever been to. Not only is it super far from the main campus (it's actually within the campus, but borders between the biological sciences and medical sciences) but it is very, very quiet. There are a TON of study rooms to choose from, which are perfect if you are studying for exams (be sure to save one in advance, though). There are also a lot of computers for checking your e-mail or facebook. LOL. I think the best part of this library is that there is a two floor study room for graduate students. I actually got to use this alone and no one came in! It was super quiet and was great to take a nap and reflect on my studies.... Anyway, when I was an undergrad, I would come here a lot to contemplate. It's a great place, I totally recommend it! read more

As a proud anteater (2010 WHATWHATTT!) AND a BioSci major, I take it as a given to join the bandwagon of the twelve people that have reviewed this place. Sci Lib is THE library to go to if you actually want to study. Everyone on campus knows that you go to Gateway to check out other boys/girls (take your pick), not to study. More boys and girls are decked out in their freshest clothes to go to Gateway than they are for class. It's as if all the "hotties" on campus innately know to gather there and "study" while eyeing each other all night. The only plus side would be that it's open 24/7 during finals week, but at the same time it gets really crowded so you might have to grab a table and hold down the fort with a couple friends. And right across Gateway, you have Langson, which simply just doesn't have the study space a student needs to sprawl out all the books, notes, and a laptop. It definitely has a more of a public library feel to it, with shelves and shelves of endless books. Hence, ladies and gents, that leaves Sci Lib FTW. With 4 floors of study tables, numerous individual cubbies, and study rooms, it is the prime study center. It's quiet enough to get your work done, and you almost never have to worry about having to hover over an outlet. There's enough to go around so everybody's happy. =) Sci Lib has been good to me for the past three years, and I will definitely be back to pwn my last year of exams! read more

This library is the only thing I liked about UC Irvine. I definitely, unabashedly did not like that university and this library became the only sanctuary I could find there. The days I spent barricaded in the stacks surrounded by books on ancient wars and the brilliant generals who, with their revolutionary military strategies, bravely fought and won them inspired me to soldier on despite my unrelenting hatred of that school. Anyway, it's spacious and clean. Quiet. Lots of variation in tables and desks. It isn't swampy like Langson, breezily well ventilated, and there's always more than enough room so you can be appropriately distanced from noisy sleepers, unapologetic garlic eaters, and others unfamiliar with social etiquette. If you are at UCI and you are miserable because you chose the wrong school, go to this library. It was the only thing that made the expense and time wasted at that school worth it for me. read more

Good old Science Library. Back in my day, which wasn't too long ago...science library wasn't named after anyone. I always joked with my friends that one day when I win the lottery, rob a bank, become a gold digger, or become extremely wealthy all on my own, that I'd name the science library after me. Ayala, you have destroyed my undergrad dreams! Will I have to venture off to PSLH or MSTB now? Unless those buildings are already named... This was probably one of the best places to study on campus. Way better than Langson, Gateway, and the enginerd's love EG. It was always open late and you could spend a lot of time studying or pretending to study with all the other bio majors at UCI - so like 50% of the campus. 1st floor - This seems to be science library's take on gateway. Lots of open tables and study rooms that are dedicated mostly to LARC classes. Usually this place would open the latest and 24 hrs during finals. 2nd floor - The place to check out books if you were too cheap to buy your on books, at least 1 book would be on reserve. Sometimes you'd have to fight the 500 other students in your Bio93 class for the copy, but you'd eventually get it. I found it most amusing when there would be pages torn out of a book lol. Cut-throat! Though, I'm sure the person that did it realized they no longer want to be pre-med anyways. Besides the books on reserve there are copy machines here and a wide open space with lots of tables for studying. 3rd floor - I have no idea what is here. Possibly an alternate universe or Narnia. 4th/5th/6th all have similar layouts. Computers by the elevators if you didn't like lugging around your laptop. Lots of open tables and smaller study desks that no one really used unless it was midterms/finals week and everyone was up in the library. There are study rooms scattered throughout and hidden study spots if you looked hard enough. I liked the secret rooms that had big open windows outlooking Steinhaus and McGaugh Hall. It provided you a great view of the steps and the little sperm that is swimming towards the science library's clever artichitectural design - the enterprise if you're PC and a woman's vagina otherwise. 4th floor - In my era, this floor is where all the non science majors and frat/sorority people studied. Though most affiliated people didn't hang out on this side of campus. Who else was going to take care of flyering on ring road? 5th floor - This seemed to be where all the bio majors studied. Occasionally, you'd run into a fob that enjoyed talking loudly on his phone, but this holds true for the entire library. 6h floor - I liked to go here when I was trying to hide out from people. This floor was usually the emptiest. Thank you science library for providing me a a space to study and a space to nap between classes during my undergrad years. I miss you dearly. read more

I love this library so much. I go here all the time and i can stay here until they close. I even go here every Saturday to study because i just love this place. It's perfect for studying. Quiet, spacious, lots of information, endless shelves of books with most scientific journal articles in assigned floor and reasonable amount of computers to accommodate most people. The library has 6th floor with elevator. Good lighting. Have printer/photocopier/scanner machines in every floor but only 2nd floor has the machine that you can put more money into your UCI ID. It's 10c/page for copying and 12c for printings. (only black and white printing,no double sided) Sometimes it's kinda cold so i recommend you wear comfortable and warm clothes to study. They also have sofas for you to relax if you're tired of studying and need a quick break. You can bring drink with spill-proof tops in here. They also have three vending machine in front of the lib and smoking areas in the back ( i don't smoke but i saw people do it in the back and they have ash tray for you). i find that the my grade is directly correlated with the hours i spent in this library. I love the Science Library (renamed Francisco Ayayla) much more than the Langson Library or Gateway study on the Humanities side of the campus. If you want straight A's for your quarter, definitely come here to study. read more

Ayala is definitely a nice place to study. People always told me, if you want to be productive and actually study, you go to Ayala. If you want to study but still converse, you go to Langson. If you want to "study" but really play, Gateway is where it's at. I really do get a lot of stuff done here. You have so many floors to choose from. It gets quieter as you go up. There's also a computer lab and study rooms. My only thing is, the lighting can be dark. Where it makes the place seem a bit depressing. It also makes me sleepy. I realize I like a little bit of ambient noise, so I rather study at Langson. read more

I always smile a little bit when I think of the science library because I remember the cheeky little rumor of how the building's shaped and the interesting squiggly drain and floor pattern directly in front of it. Sly science dorks. Gateway pisses me off. People there don't understand the concept of a quiet, study center. The science library is peaceful even during finals week. The computers on the second and subsequent floors don't lag at all. You used to be able to reserve blocks of time for the study rooms upstairs. They'd give you a key and you could lock it and grab food real quick. Or in my case, lock out your friend and piss him off to the point where he decides to show you a full moon, courtesy of the glass door. Now the rooms are first come, first serve so if you're the only one using it you can't lock your stuff up. Only annoying change. read more

Everyone refers to this library as sci li... personally i prefer slibs I practically live at this library... Necessities to get your study on: 1. Lots of outlets -- check 2. Tables/Booths/Comfy Chairs -- check 3. Quiet Study Areas -- check 4. Study Rooms -- check 5. Wi-Fi -- (can be slow at times) but... check Overall great place to study on campus. read more

The SciLib used to be my home away from home when I commuted to UCI for undergrad. I've been back a couple times to study/do work since I've graduated, and it hasn't changed much. What I like: 1. Lots of study carrels and tables, and study rooms. Go explore all the halls--you'll find your study niche somewhere. 2. Plenty of computers here too or at the ILC. You can even borrow laptops. 3. The temperature can be just perfect on the 4th and 5th floors, and warm on the 2nd. But I'd bring a light sweater just in case. 4. Lots of natural lighting keep it feeling fresh in the day time, not at all stuffy. Check to see if the light works before settling down at night. 5. Wireless internet! yay! UCI is great about this! 6. The history behind the architecture :D 7. librarian help through chat 8. you can check the reference desk's book statuses 9. other students are normally quite courteous in keeping the silence. 10. 24hrs during finals week!! but I think it's only the downstairs study lounge. What I don't: 1. noisy rowdy groups of girls renting the study rooms and thinking no one can hear them LOL and scream and whatnot, when we actually CANN hear them. It's not sound proof, people!! 2. people are coming out of the elevator and speaking in normal tone with each other or cell phones and their normal is quite loud for a "silent library." har har. 3. The approved water bottles only/no food rule. But I'm able to sneak in my snacks just fine. Just be discreet. (no noisy bags!) read more

Needs more enforcement in quiet zones. Hard to study here if you need a quiet spot, always people talking and laughing here. Even in the so called "quiet zones". There are no signs saying you are entering a quiet zone so people don't know to be quiet. Also there are no enforcement from the library monitor, they get paid to chill behind the front desk to play on their phones. This is called a library because it has books, not because it has a single quiet space to study in. The librarians justify this by saying we should have to go all the way down to the first floor to tell them to do their job and go up all the way up to shush them. The monitors are supposed to be doing that on their own, that's your job. Your job is not to get paid to do homework. I mean where is all my tuition fees going to? To pay you to study? read more

There are stories--- that its supposed to be shaped like the Enterprise (from Star Trek - the warp nassels are pretty convincing) or that its supposed to be a uterus because its the birthplace of knowledge ... anyway whatever the story is, this is one of the most amazing jewels. Looks gorgeous at night, miss walking to my car and passing by the rabbits dining on the grass outside. The 4th floor study room, the one with the BIG windows facing Ring Road (outer ring) is great, or if you want something more low key, the sixth floor study room facing ring road, or the one on the west end (SCI-BAR)overlooking the medical school is pretty sweet too. I remember going on rounds in the "drum" (the circular part) looking for a nice long table to hog. If you are a newbie, please avoid the rookie move... When you get in the elevator on the first floor and you're going to the 3rd-6th floors, turn around ... read more

It's funny that this is a location on Yelp. UCI's Science Library is spacious, modern, and set up for serious studying. I would describe the interior to a futuristic space station (like Zenon or Star Wars). There are literally floors of laptop stations, large tables, armchairs, desks, benches, and cubicle workstations. The cavernous ceilings and icy cold temperature add to the space age feel...I'll admit it, I find the SciLi slightly dreadful. This library is equipped! Study rooms galore, computer stations, amongst the quickest elevators on campus. Points off for bizarrely Men's and Women's bathrooms alternate floors. I love the options of study spaces, although I was disappointed when they took away privileges for Honors study rooms. The wall of windows in certain rooms adds a bit of tranquility. The Science Library is perfect for people who seek quiet study environments or sterile, anonymous haunts. Peace out UCI! read more

All I can say about this place is that I'm so glad it was chosen over a football team. Goes to show you that there's still hope for the education system in America. This library has been and continues to be one of the places I run to when in need of a study/tutoring session, when my printer is broken at home and I need to print slides 5 minutes before class starts, or when I just need to focus and feel good about studying because everyone around me is equally suffering. The only thing that I haven't liked about this library so far is the major cut in hours. I understand that it's because of the economy/budget cuts/recession/whateveryouwanttocallit -- but still, I'm pretty sure that 90% of college students study when every other person should be sleeping at night, and that is exactly when the library is closed. Sad times for college kids. Still, the cut in hours isn't UCI's fault! I still love the Sci Lib! read more

This library is more quiet and ventilated than Langston, and has more books related to science majors. 1st floor is help desk. 2nd floor is open study rooms. 3rd floor is a secret. 4th floor has computers and tables. 5th floor has a lot of study rooms and computers in the front. 6th floor has 2 study rooms on either side, and lots of study tables and computers in the front. read more

Very noisy even on weekends. Students whisper all the time which is more annoying if they just talk. Also, they change the flooring from carpet to wood so it very noisy when people walk around especially the idiots who wear flip flops. I think the Langson Library is better place to study. I just study in open classrooms on campus. read more

studied on the 2nd floor for the first time...I LIKE. The tables with the multi-color outlets are pretty cool too. UNTIL THEN!! ^-^ read more

I'm not a library person. I am actually getting a knot in my stomach just thinking about writing a review about a library. I'm sorry :/ I will agree that the Science Library is the best quality of libraries in UCI. It is also the best studying area on campus--which actually means, many many rooms and corners to storm off to if people around you are talking too loudly. Another plus are the computers. The 2nd floor is flooded with computers and desks, plus each floor has an island desk of computers right in front of the elevators! For you hungry study folks, the science library is pretty isolated from any food courts so bring a bag of snacks...otherwise your study break will probably be a 10 minute walk to the nearest food court. read more

One word: study rooms. Okay that was actually two words. I should've said "one phrase." Anyways, yes, this place is AWESOME because there are study rooms! Shut out the rest of the world for a few hours while you get your studying on. Beware, during midterms and especially finals, most of the study rooms will be occupied unless you dash in right when the library opens. But fear not, if you are unable to obtain a study room, because there are rows upon rows upon rows upon floors upon rooms of tables to study at, all equipped with outlets to fuel your laptops and lights in order that you may see your studying material better and brighter. Also, tons of books to read, although they're mostly sciency. The fiction reader will want to check out Langson Library instead. Check out the aerial view of the Ayala Science Library and you will notice that it looks like a uterus OR an x-wing fighter from Star Wars...whichever you prefer. Also, the two panes of glass you see lining the front of the science library as you enter are like giant transition lenses. They darken when sunlight hits them so that your retinas don't sizzle as you are trying to read your sun-brightened textbook. read more

Ehh not my place to study. I know some of my sorority sisters LOVE this place to study. I personally prefer Starbucks or a place with ambient noise in the background, can't stand silence. I just guess I'm not a big fan of libraries since my mother use to be a librarian and I spent a whole deal of my childhood in a library, but that's another story. I mainly come here because my LARC tutoring sessions are here other than that not exactly a fan. The only time I do find myself studying in here is right before my LARC session but even then I usually just walk over to BC cavers and study there. But hey, If you like a quiet place to study, there is a lot of room too. This is the place for you. read more

At SLIB, there's always some place to study in comparison to Langson/Gateway. The study areas are pretty private so you don't get distracted as much. Unlike Langson, if you sit in the right place, you have a big view of what's outside. The cell phone reception/wifi can get wacky at times. I usually prefer the fourth floor to study because I think it has the most study spots. I think you can actually bring food here since they repainted the no food signs awhile back. :) read more

BASIC services like power, wifi and bathrooms are extremely hit or miss.

My favorite for UCI study places would have to be gateway, Langdon, and then Ayala. Ayala is fairly big but the internet gets funky at times and won't work well in all parts of the building. It usually gets very crowded in there during midterms and finals time which is suspected. People tend to hog the study rooms so if you have a lot of friends then you better fight to get a room and rotate with them so you'll have a room to hold onto. They have less of a selection of general books compared to langson so I recommend there if you want more of a broad range of selections. read more

I was it at the cyber in the fall 2017 semester. I was attracted to this location because it was open until 3 AM. I was actually able to study until after 4 AM as I was not interrupted in my study room. I enjoy late night study very much and I had a very good experience. The only complaint I have is the fact that parking was $10 for an entire day... read more

I appreciated the library the most when I went on the "off" days. This meant avoiding the first week of the quarter when students resolve to "do better this quarter by studying even harder" and the 5th and 10th week when students have to make up for the hours spent on Facebook. You avoid those times and you'll notice there's ample space, lots of natural light going in (unless you like the sterile fluorescent lights, then there's study rooms for you), and the environment screams academia motivating you to get down and dirty with your Biochemistry book. Speaking of the study rooms, some people think it's soundproof when in reality it's not. Unfortunately, they don't realize this while playing their hippity-hop or conversing loudly. Thus, ends my vent. When you don't feel like studying, I suggest perusing the research journals on the 2nd floor. The topics are interesting and it beats wasting your brain on Bejeweled Blitz. read more

Being a UCI student, you can study anywhere you want on campus. The middle of the park, in the gateway, in an empty classroom - but my favorite place is the science library. This lib. I'm not even a science related major, but that doesn't mean I love to come here for my study grind. There are rows and rows of tables, cubicles, and study rooms. Wherever you would like with all the resources at your fingertips. It was a little intimidating when I first went there to study.. But now I'm a regular and even have my favorite spot to sit. In the next four years of my education... I plan to make this place my home. Home away from home II. read more

Oh, the Science Library. Where I spend most of my free time :). It's always pretty quiet in here, and there are plenty of study spaces. The graduate study areas are THEE best places to study, I've only had a chance to sneak in once though :(. To be continued.. read more

Science Library, you are so good to me. You're always quiet and nicely air-conditioned, unlike Gateway, and you don't smell bad, unlike Gateway. It's just too bad you tend to attract Asian FOBs who love to chit and chat on their cell phones :| read more

this library has a lot of morons shouting all the time. There is an essential problem dude: this f**king library is not noisy enough! this library is originally designed to be a ball room gathering people who believe themselves to be blithering idiots. So next time when you enter this library(a ball room actually). Please stop being quite. read more

Studying is at its best on the 4th and 5th floor. Ppl on the sixth floor are too talk-a-tive and just wouldn't shut up. But overall its a great place to study. I love how they have placed good computers on every floor. Definately a good place to study :D read more