The LSE Library is an amazing space for all students not only because of the wide variety of resources available but also thanks to its vast number of study spaces catered to the needs of all students. However, around exam season, the library often gets really crowded and it is more difficult to find good and spacious study spots, especially if one values peace and silence. Luckily, however, the LSE campus has many more other buildings and places where students can go and study which are equally attractive. Below I present some of my favourite places to study on campus, besides the library, which will hopefully encourage you to explore the campus a little more and find a new favourite for long hours of study and revision.
Some of my favourite places to study on campus are located inside the Cheng Kin Ku Building (CKK), home to the LSE Law School. Though a significant part of the building is taken by classrooms and offices, there are also quite a few study spaces that are usually not very crowded. The lower ground floor has a lot of small tables and seats, which makes it a perfect place for studying in groups or working together on some projects. Moving upwards, there are some great study spaces between the first and second floors. There are a few tables with charging outlets located both in the centre and on the side next to the stairs. For those who value sunlight, the 8th floor of the CKK is the place to be. While the rooms there are sometimes booked for meetings and events if nothing is going on students can use of the many rooms to study while enjoying the beautiful views from outside the window. If the weather is nice, the balcony is also amazing to enjoy a relaxed study session surrounded by a scenic view of central London.
My favourite place in the CKK, is the law common room on the 5th floor. It is a modern space, with a large study table, sofas, and comfortable chairs all designed for students to study and socialise. Just next door there is also a small silent study zone, where students can focus without distraction, and it is a perfect place for concentration. While the common room is dedicated to law students, other departments at LSE have their own common room located around campus, and in my view, there are some of the best places to go when you need some extra motivation to finish your work. Not only are they usually less crowded than other places on campus, but you’re also surrounded by peers pursuing the same degree, which can be helpful for discussing difficult topics between each other or forming study groups.
While it can get crowded at times, the Centre Building (CBG) is a great, modern place to study with amazing spaces and facilities. There are many study booths, sofas and tables located on the ground floor, first and second floors available for everyone to use, which are perfect for both individual and group work. You could also try going to one of the upper floors of the building, home to some of LSE’s departments. While some space is occupied by offices, there are a few study spots and terraces available, all accompanied by breathtaking views of the campus!
Finally, some of the cafés on campus provide a perfect place for quiet, less crowded studying. Garrick, just across from the Old Building and next to the CBG is a nice place to grab something to drink and make the studying experience more enjoyable. The café has plenty of tables located next to windows, making it a beautiful and cosy place to study. While not perfectly silent, the place is usually not crowded, has a great atmosphere and I would certainly recommend it for more relaxed study sessions.
On the other side of campus, Café 54 inside the CKK is another amazing study location. The coffee and pastries there are very good, and there is a lot of study space that is rather silent and not crowded. Its bigger tables are perfect for group work, while stalls are great for individual, focused study sessions.
