Purpose: This paper seeks to examine the spatial patterns of student use of machines in each laboratory to whether there are underlying commonalities. Design/methodology/approach: The research was carried out by assessing the user behaviour in 16 computer laboratories at a regional university in Australia. Findings: The study found that computers within easy access to doors are disproportionately more used than computer that are further away, irrespective of other "incentive" such as windows, wall anchoring or security camera positioning. Practical implications: This paper has implications for any division within a university environment responsible for the spatial positioning of computer in a student laboratory. Originality/value: Previous research of the use of computer laboratories in schools and universities has focussed on educational issues. None of the studies so far have considered matters of situational territoriality and spatial patterning that govern human behaviour. (Contains 5 figures and 4 tables.)