The biggest myth I was ever told about academia was that it’s only for a special group of people who’ve somehow earned some kind of mystical privilege to practice scholarship. The truth is, knowledge belongs to all. Very cliché, but still worth repeating. For me, Scholar Square is the place where you can be independent, in a program, or just a curious mind, and still find people who share the same sentiment: that scholarship isn’t earned through competition, but grows out of interest, passion and love for knowledge. It’s celebrating, sharing and joining in moments, nerding out together, learning from each other, and finding “sameness” with a group built on support and care.

I had joined Scholar Square unsure of whether I will continue after the first month, but it was the first meeting that happened a day later that changed my mind. I’m now always in co-working sessions (where there is almost always someone else working with you), or in parlour sessions (where it’s always fun to catch-up with people and talk about our interests inside and outside of academia). It’s a really positive, fun, and inspiring community and I look forward to spending time there everyday.

A community of scholars supporting each other in their individual journeys - regular study sessions, research discussions, and emotional support during gatherings. What differentiates Scholar Square from other scholarly communities is the vision it intends to bring to the world!

As a young scholar and science teacher-to-be, just starting to take my baby steps, Scholar Square made me realize that scholarship needn't be taken alone. It's such a delight to talk to, learn from, and work with like-minded scholars. While the webinars hosted by professional organizations out there were great, the community-based mentorship that Scholar Square has, where we share our practices and knowledge as freely and wholeheartedly, and with the same rigor as we produce our own work creates an irreplaceable experience of togetherness unbounded by institution, country, nor discipline. All these helped me develop my own understanding of scholarship, teaching, and learning, which is, ultimately, a steady exercise of humility

I absolutely love the study / co-working sessions at Scholar Square! They’ve been a huge help in keeping me focused and on top of my tasks. Connecting with the community has been equally valuable - I’ve been exposed to such a diverse range of research, ideas, and perspectives. It’s comforting to be around a supportive group of curious learners and creatives who genuinely relate to the stresses of working in academia. Plus, the parlor sessions are a fun way to unwind after a long day 😀

As an independent researcher with ambitions to pursue further study, I have been seeking out a community in which I could feel welcome in. Online spaces can be tough to navigate through. I sought a community where I did not feel like I had to perform, or feel like I needed to produce something so curated for people to connect with me. What I enjoy most about being in Scholar Square is that we are not limited to discussions about our ambitions or what we have encountered as scholars, but that we appreciate, discuss, and construct what scholarship means as a whole: how scholarship affects the world around us regardless of our fields, and what we can do to enact positive changes where we can. Scholar Square is an inclusive space that welcomes folks from around the world, from various disciplines with inquisitive minds. I am proud to be part of this community and I am eager to always learn something new from fellow members.

I was *this* close to not joining Scholar Square. Paying for a newly emerging community I knew nothing about didn’t sound like the smartest move? Spoiler: It absolutely was. Amidst a highly competitive atmosphere we all find ourselves in, this is a place that reminds me why I wanted to be a scholar in the first place. The sessions, serious discussions, and insightful discourses were expected but new friends, endless chats, and unexpected fun were the added bonuses I didn’t see coming but the ones I am sticking around for.

Scholar Square has become a steady anchor in my academic life. The thoughtful conversation, mutual encouragement, and shared commitment to scholarship create a genuine sense of belonging. I’ve remained part of the community because its positive, welcoming culture and support that feels both purposeful and sustaining.

You have no idea how much of a difference Scholar Square is making in my life to be here, I feel less isolated, and honestly, the study sessions are making me waaay more eager to get things done! The power of accountability. But, honestly, the best part is getting to know so many amazing individuals, it is so inspiring to be part of a community that aims to share knowledge. And the difference that it is making in my mental health is incredible. Scholar Square is making me fall in love with academia once again. The power of sharing knowledge with others who want to create knowledge reminds me of why I wanted to pursue this career in the first place.

I am a PhD student and resident physician from Romania. Scholar Square was indeed a breath of fresh air in the lonely and confusing journey of trying to approach knowledge in a truthful and conscious way. The fact that I found likeminded people that valued high-quality research, slow thinking, profound inquiries and transparent practices encouraged me to choose what I feel is best for my own journey. I had acces through Scholar Square to a seminar on AI in research hosted by an amazing professor which offered food for thought for honest academic practices and also many other seminar-like discussions where other scholars from the square shared their experience with note taking, their area of expertise,etc. I highly encourage you to enter the community if you are searching for a place where people are serious and conscientious about their research journey.

At Scholar Square, we are a community of researchers that lift one another up, with multiple study and co-working sessions weekly where we quietly check-off our tasks in sweet company; virtual get-togethers where we chat just about anything; seminars where we exchange research tips; and whatnot. I joined the community as someone who had no researcher friends and just supervisors to turn to for guidance, and it’s been one of the best decisions for myself this year.