The Best Places to Study in London

Studying at university in London, you’ll find yourself in a huge city buzzing with life, events, and lots of fun. When it comes to exam season and knuckling down to study sessions, those great things about the city might present you with some distractions.

So if you’re looking for some quiet London study places to really focus, here are some of our favourite spots. 

First up, let’s look at some libraries…

The British Library

This iconic location is right at the top of our list of the best places to study in London.

There are four floors to choose from, with enough places for 1,200 people spread across multiple study spaces. The staff are friendly and helpful, and there’s a free, strong Wi-Fi connection.

For those moments when you need a break, the British Library has cafes and an outside terrace where you can get some fresh air. If you’re looking for comfort, the Reading Room has armchairs close to plug sockets. 

What better place to feel inspired than in the home of some of the most important historical artefacts in existence (including the Magna Carta)?

The National Art Library

This is a super fancy, quintessentially English setting that provides a beautiful backdrop and undoubtedly one of the best places to study in London.

Enter into a tranquil study oasis, where the only audible sounds are the hushed whispers of librarians.

Studying here, you’ll be surrounded by stunning architecture, shelves full of beautiful books, as well as the essentials like Wi-Fi and power sockets.

For energy refuel moments, there’s also a garden cafe where you can get hold of hot and cold food and drinks.

Not only that, but you’ll have access to the Victoria and Albert Museum, one of the world’s largest museums of decorative art and design. 

The London Library

Situated in the St. James neighbourhood, this library is not only one of the best places to study in London, but also gorgeously elegant.

Within this magical labyrinth setting, you’ll find old-fashioned reading rooms with plenty of desks. The friendly staff are happy to help with any of your enquiries, and you’ll be sure to get in some solid study sessions here.

The Barbican Library 

Next on our list of London study spaces is the Barbican Library, situated on the second floor of the building and free of charge for public use, with a strong Wi-Fi connection.

There are two levels to the library - one is dedicated to quiet study, while the other has a musical focus. If you can play the piano, turn on the digital pianos and play away in your study break time.

Perhaps best of all, there’s an indoor garden which is the second biggest conservatory in London, with exotic fish and over 2,000 species of tropical plants and trees. What an amazing way to de-stress during study sessions!

In the central courtyard you can also get your caffeine fix at the café, where there’s an outdoor seating area and a pond.

Central Library Islington

One of the most underrated London study places is this library, located on Holloway Road.

Peaceful and spacious, it offers everything you could possibly need for a productive study session. Power sockets, Wi-Fi, shelves full of books, and an atmosphere conducive to work. In short, one of the best places to study in London.

If you prefer to work in a café, here are some of our recommendations…

Foyles

This café in the Charing Cross Road Foyle’s branch not only serves up a mean coffee, it also offers you a selection of teas and pastries to keep you fuelled through those long study sessions.

It’s an ideal place to set up a group study session, and there’s free Wi-Fi and great views!

Costa Coffee, St. Pancras Station

Open 24 hours a day, the St Pancras Costa Coffee is paradise for those who are night owls. Once the last train has departed the station, Costa becomes very quiet, which guarantees that you’ll get the plush seat and plug socket you’d struggle to bag at other times of the day.

There’s free public Wi-Fi, charging stations for your laptop or phone and 24/7 access to scrummy snacks to keep you going.

Bea’s of Bloomsbury

Located next to the legendary St Paul’s Cathedral, this café offers a picturesque study space.

Make the most of relaxing cushioned booths, free Wi-Fi,  delicious cupcakes, coffee, duffins (donuts and muffins combined!), and an incredible view of London from the sixth floor. Bloomin’ marvellous!

Yumchaa

Looking for a quiet place to study in Soho but not a big fan of coffee? Yumchaa is the one. 

It has over 40 types of tea on the menu, as well as specialist teas. Not only that, its chilled ambience and spacious, luminous layout is ideal for getting stuck into your notebooks.

And, of course, free Wi-Fi is available!

Now for something a little different - public study zones…

Google Campus

Right in the heart of London, close to Soho and Covent Garden, Google has set up an innovative, chic work and study space with seven floors of free Wi-Fi, cafes, and comfy chairs.

Grab a coffee from one of the cafés and feel inspired in this hub for smart students and ambitious young professionals. 

So if you’re interested in doing some networking for your future career, this could be a great place for that, particularly if you want to work in the digital industries.

The Common E2

Last on our list of the best places to study in London, is The Common E2. It’s a co-working space with free Wi-Fi, exceptional coffee, and refreshing, natural light.

In your break time, you can fuel up on all-day brunch, salads, sandwiches, and fresh cakes while taking in your surroundings in this architectural design studio which over the last few years has become a favourite for students and digital nomads.

Of course, if you ever feel like staying at home or the weather is bad, you can always use the dedicated study spaces at your Yugo student accommodation in London. You don’t even have to leave the building!