A UCL Student’s Guide to Free Study Spaces London

Every London university has one or several fantastic libraries that are designed to provide a study space for their students. Some seasoned London alumni, however, aren’t fans! Sure, the library is well-stocked with reading material and often quiet, but they can also be very busy. Many find their university constantly packed, and that finding a seat to study or just have lunch is a pain. But fret not, over the years, I have found a few places in and around UCL that are perfect to study or catch a breather in between classes. Whether you’re a UCL student or in the city for another reason, read on to discover the best free study spots in London.

Free Study Spaces in Museums

Wellcome Collection – Free Drinks!

Just off UCLH, there is the Wellcome Collection, which is one of the best study places that has often just the right amount of ambient noise and great study spaces. The best place to work in the Wellcome Collection is definitely the reading room. From bean bags to long tables and individual tables, it is the perfect place to study whether you like to work in a group or alone. If you would like somewhere less quiet or somewhere you can chat, the cafe at the entrance is the perfect place for you. They even give out free drink coupons at the Freshers’ fair, so keep an eye out for them!

Grant Museum Of Zoology in London

Right opposite the main UCL entrance is the Grant Museum of Zoology. It is a small, quirky museum with a variety of animal artefacts that will definitely brighten up your day. From UCL’s token jar of moles to a stuffed chicken, the museum has the perfect atmosphere and nice large table right smack in the middle perfect for studying or reading.

It’s relatively quiet most of the time and being able to browse the collection of artefacts or even adopt a specimen would be a fantastic break from a long day of studying.

For the Caffeine Crowd

Store Street Espresso – Great Coffee!

If you like ambient coffee shop noises, this would be perfect for you. While small, Store Street Espresso is perfectly cosy with the cutest window seats that are absolutely perfect to get you in the zone. While they might be busy during lunchtime, late afternoon past the lunch crowd is often the best time to go!

One Of The Best Study Places Photographer’s Gallery

Similar to Store Street Espresso, The Photographer’s Gallery is another cute cafe located near the Brunswick Centre. But unlike Store Street Espresso, the photographer’s gallery is much larger and spread across 2 floors. Seemingly made for studying, its ambient cafe music and relaxing decor will definitely make you productive.

Free Study in Bookstores

Waterstones

Waterstones? Yes. Waterstones. Dillon’s, the Cafe inside Waterstones, is in the perfect location for a quick study break. It has great ambient noise and it is often fairly easy to grab a table. They are openly welcome to students studying there and will give out free coffee coupons just outside during or before freshers’ week so make sure to keep an eye out!

PaperChase – A Great Studying Space

Yes, another bookstore. Close to Goodge Street station, Paperchase has a large and open second-floor cafe that overlooks the street. It has a good variety of seating tables and it is quiet enough to focus on your work. Plus, if you’re missing any stationery, at least you’re already in a stationery shop!

Thinking Outside the Box – Unexpected Study Spaces

Just find an empty room

I guess this is a bit of a weird one, but sometimes I’d just wander and use any room that was empty. It might not be the best idea for a long study session, but it could definitely work for a short hour or so. People will start to come in when it is time for classes, but sometimes, you might just hit the jackpot when the room is empty for several hours! If it is not, then just move along when people stream in and set out to find another empty room!

Your home!

If you’re living in London, don’t underestimate your home as a great study spot. You’re in complete control – of the layout, sounds, temperature, study pals and snack game. Of course, if you’re studying alone, it could be quite easy to get distracted. We’d recommend downloading a focus app or leaving your phone outside the room to avoid this key source of distraction!

Conclusion

Finding a place to free study spot in London when you’re at uni can be hard and filled with distractions, but with this handy guide, you won’t have any excuses to not study by saying there aren’t any spaces in the library! People often say they spend hours in the library but still do not get anything done, and if that’s you, then perhaps you should find somewhere else to go. The library might be a good place to study, but it certainly isn’t the best or only option.

If the London student experience sounds up your street, our London Career Insights programmes allow you to live and learn on the UCL campus. Check them out for a summer to remember!