As the newly ranked number one university in the UK (Good University Guide), LSE has clearly demonstrated high standards of academic achievement, and this brilliant work is all conducted within the LSE campus. In this blog, I will count down the five best places to study on campus:

5. Sir Arthur Lewis Building

My number five pick is the Sir Arthur Lewis building. The main draw of this study space for me is its location. It is situated just next to the Royal Courts of Justice and right outside Lincoln’s Inn Fields, in a beautifully secluded part of the campus. Another appeal of this building is that it’s always very quiet and peaceful, with a café on the bottom floor where you can take a break and refuel if you’re studying for a long time. It’s a scenic workspace on campus with an atmosphere that encourages productivity.

4. Marshall Building

Coming in at number four on this list is the Marshall Building. This is the newest building on campus, having opened in 2022, and as such, it has a lovely modern appeal. On each floor there are comfortable, colourful study spaces with sofa-like seating connected to round tables, as well as more traditional benches and tables for quiet working. These study spaces are located around the staircase. The appeal of this space is that it’s very social and there’s plenty of room to work with friends. You can easily pop upstairs to the balcony for a great view of LSE during a study break, or head downstairs for a coffee or a bite to eat from the café. Find out more about why the Marshall Building is a must-visit in Saoirse’s blog. 

3. LSE Garrick

Starting out the top three is LSE Garrick. As a foodie, I may be biased on this one, but sometimes there’s nothing better to motivate good work than the promise of a nice meal afterwards, or even during. LSE Garrick has two floors serving food, with many LSE students choosing to set up here for the day and work in this lively establishment, with food on the go or soon to come. The restaurant’s ground-floor menu changes daily, so be sure to plan your visit, but the pizza on the top floor is always a great fuel for productive work!

2. Centre Building

Just missing out on the top spot is the Centre Building. In my first year, I didn’t explore the Centre Building as much as I should have, so be sure to check this out right away! Beyond the first two floors, which are mainly classrooms and lecture theatres, there are several more floors with sections dedicated to specific departments that contain very cool workspaces. Outside of exam time, these areas are often populated yet peaceful, making them great places to work. The reason it ranks so highly on my list, though, is because of the architecture. I love the winding staircase that starts on the third-floor interior and moves sideways as it ascends! More importantly, the views from any window beyond the fourth floor are incredible and unrivalled across campus.

1. LSE Library

Topping the list is the LSE Library. It’s the only official library LSE has, but it’s one that LSE can be very proud of. Its architecture is modern yet charming, colourful yet simple. The reason this is at the top of my list is due to the variety of study options available. You can book study rooms for private meetings, a catch-up with friends, or just to find some peace and quiet. There are silent zones on every floor for students who need a distraction-free environment. Equally, there are many open study spaces where you can work with others and chat while you work. The acoustics are such that you can’t hear a thing in certain sections of the Library, even though, once you reach the staircase, it feels like you’re back in the heart of campus. The Library strikes the perfect balance between vibrancy and productivity. Curious to know what else the Library has to offer? Read student Natallia’s blog to find out. 

I hope once you arrive, you’ll agree with my list. Be sure to try these spaces first!