Due to the limited size of LSE’s campus, and the distance between the campus our accommodations. LSE students can often struggle to find places to study. Other than the cafes such as Pret, Starbucks and Café Nero, there are many other less crowded places that students may go. I am hoping that this post will give you an insight into other accessible studying spots that are outside of campus.
The British Library
Address: 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB
Other than the fact that you have to go through security to get your bags checked and the number of tourists there during non Covid times, the British Library is a good spot for students to study, particularly the reading rooms and study spaces in the British library.
I would however recommend getting a reader pass, (which is free!), because most study spaces are quite dark and they get loud at times. Reader pass allow you to enter reading rooms where you get a small desk to yourself with a yellow lamp over it. They have strict rules about entering reading rooms – you cannot bring in any pens, highlighters, or even bottled water, and you must put everything into a see-through plastic bag that the Library provides and put the rest of your stuff in lockers, which are protected by passwords. You also need to pre-book a time slots on their website to show your proof of address and identity.
UCL Main Library
Address: Wilkins Building, Gower St, London WC1E 6BT
One good thing about going to LSE is the access to other University of London libraries. I go to the UCL library more often than I do to the LSE library now because it is closer to my hall. Another thing I love about the UCL library is the silence and the working atmosphere. As there are separate sections of the library for different subjects – you can enter other libraries that are still in the same building to get a change in environment.
To get a UCL library pass, you simply have to go online and submit a photo of yourself and proof that you are a LSE student. The process was very quick and easy.
Other recommendations:
- King College London library is opening to other University of London students in January 2022, but this might change depending on the Covid situation.
- You can also explore other UCL libraries that are also in the Bloomsbury area: the Bartlett library, UCL Science Library, UCL Institute of Education Library, etc.
- The Senate House Library is also free for University of London students, apply online with your LSE student number and email.
Address: Senate House University of London, Malet St, London WC1E 7HU
