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Top 10 Study Spots in London

By UCL Faculty of Arts & Humanities, on 6 February 2023

UCL student Hasret Altun shares their top 10 study spots in London.

1. UCL Student Centre
The Student Centre has many floors which are great for different things! You can social study on most floors, and there are quiet study rooms that you can pre-book. Most of these rooms offer PC Desks or Study Pods. There are plenty of plugs and great wifi. This spot is open 24/7, so you can study whenever! Conveniently, the basement floor of this building has prayer and meditation facilities. There is also a cafeteria on level 3 with an awesome variety of food, a water refill station, and a microwave!

2. UCL Main Library
The UCL library is great if you want to study quietly with a spacious desk, plugs, and free wifi. The library is sectioned based on departments, which is inspirational. You can pre-book seats or find an empty seat which is usually available.

3. The British Library
This location offers free wifi and plugs. However, it can be difficult to find space, so going early is ideal. Nevertheless, if you register on the ground floor you can access the reading rooms which are emptier and for quiet studying. This also means that you can borrow items!

4. Your Local Library
This is a great option if you don’t want to travel far and want to support your community. Most public libraries offer free wifi and are perfect for quiet studying. You can check your local library on GOV.UK.

5. Dillons Coffee, Waterstones
If you prefer to be somewhere other than a library this cafe is great! There is plenty of seating, plugs, and discounted refreshments (with a Waterstones student card).

6. Paper and cup
This is a not-for-profit Cafe and bookstore, with inexpensive books and menu items. This low-key cafe tends to be quiet and has plenty of seating, so it is great for both social and quieter studying. The wifi is free and speedy!

7. Costa Coffee St Pancras
This spot is great if you like to study early morning or late at night. It is open 24 hours a day and has free wifi, plugs, and a satisfying menu. I would recommend this spot for group studying, but if you are going super early or late it is suitable for quieter studying!

8. Hyde Park
It can be calming to study in nature during the summer! Hyde Park is great for both social studying and quieter studying as it is usually not loud in certain areas. Nevertheless, there is no wifi, charging facilities, or seating. So be prepared!

9. Starbucks
Starbucks can be easily found anywhere, so it is a great option if you are on the go. Most Starbucks offer free wifi and have charging facilities. This spot is great for group projects and group studying in general.

10. The Terrace Knightsbridge
This floral cafe has many seating options. The soft lighting is great while studying and there is an amazing menu. However, this spot does not offer free wifi and can be loud, so it is an option for social studying