What is the Quiet Pod at Loughton and how do I use it?
Answer
Location
Our Quiet Pod is located with the Library and IT Centre on the Loughton campus.
Pod Facilities
The pod is suitable for individual study or for a group of 2 and is ideal for users who wish to attend a Zoom/Teams meeting, online class or study skills session. The pod has its own lighting system which can be dimmed or brightened, an air filter which can be adjusted, 1 mains plug socket and 2 USB ports. Bring your own device to use in the pod or borrow one of our laptops from our Laptop Loans service available in the library.
The pod has sound muffling to reduce noise but is not entirely soundproofed, so headphones/earbuds are recommended. The pod cannot be used as a rehearsal space.
There is a small step as you enter the pod - please take care!
Booking
The Quiet Pod is available for students and staff to use via the online booking system. Please note: The pod must be booked in advance and may not be available for booking same day.
Terms & Conditions
- Bookings can be made for the quiet pod between 8:30 am - 11 pm, Monday to Friday, and 11:00am - 17:00 pm Saturday.
- You can make one booking per day up to a maximum of 3 hours in total (minimum 30 minutes), depending on availability. There is a weekly booking limit of 4 hours, and bookings can be made up to two weeks in advance.
- The pod is for study, quiet in-person (maximum 2 people) or zoom meetings only. It is not a rehearsal space and is not suitable for singing practice. It is also not a teaching space.
- Maximum 2 people in the pod.
- Arrive at the pod within 10 minutes from the start of your booking and leave promptly at the end.
- Leave the pod clean and tidy, taking all belongings with you.
- In the event of a fire alarm, evacuate the pod immediately and safely exit the building. Please Note: The quiet pod has some sound muffling but is not totally soundproof and you cannot lock it.
- There are no PCs in the pods, please bring your own device or borrow from our Laptop Loans.
- No food please and all drinks must have lids. Unattended property may be removed.
- Children (under 16) are unable to accompany you whilst studying in the library.
- If you no longer require the pod, please cancel your booking either online via the link in the confirmation email or by contacting us.
- Please report any faults in the study pod to the Library Helpdesk or by emailing libline@essex.ac.uk during unstaffed hours.
- If you find the pod is occupied at the time you have booked it, you should make the people in the pod aware. If they are unwilling to leave, speak to library staff, who will check the bookings and take action as appropriate. The pod can only be used by those with a booking.
- You can book at any time at the library helpdesk or online. This is to ensure fair availability to everyone. If you are found using the pod without a booking you will be asked to make one that covers the duration of your use and may be asked to leave if you have exceeded your weekly limit.
- If the above Terms and Conditions are not adhered to, you may be prevented from further bookings.
Feedback
If you would like to give us some feedback on our pods or booking system, please complete our feedback form