The best places to study in London: libraries, cafes and free study spaces

As a student in London, you’re likely to have some excellent study facilities right on your doorstep. But, sometimes, you might fancy a change of scenery from your campus and student accommodation when the time comes for studying.
 

Luckily, the city is packed with cafes, libraries and other spaces that are great for knuckling down when you need to get some work done. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to study in London.

Best libraries in London for studying

London is home to the some of the world’s finest libraries. If you’re able to steer yourself away from the shelves and find a free desk, these locations serve as excellent settings for some quiet study.

The British Library

One of the world’s largest libraries, 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 the free Wi-Fi is ever reliable.

Most of the study spaces at the British Library are free and open to the public, but you’ll need to register for a British Library Reader Pass (also free) to access the quieter and more secluded reading rooms.

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

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

Address: 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB

Nearest tube station: King's Cross St Pancras

The National Art Library

This is a super fancy, quintessentially English setting that provides a beautiful backdrop and is 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, and all the usual essentials including Wi-Fi and power sockets.

There aren’t any restrictions on who can use the National Art Library either – just make sure to bring some form of photo identification with you, which will grant access to its marvellous study spaces.

For when you need to take a break, the library also has a garden cafe where you can get hold of drinks and hot food. 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. 

Address: Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL

Nearest tube station: South Kensington

The London Library

Situated in the swanky central London neighbourhood of St. James, the London Library is not only one of the best places to study in London, but also extravagantly elegant.

Within this magical labyrinthine 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.

In keeping with its upmarket surroundings, London Library does charge a membership fee. However, a discounted rate is available for applicants aged 16 to 29, so it may still be worth considering – especially if you’re looking for a more exclusive study space in London.

Address: 14 St James's Square, SW1Y 4LG

Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus

The Barbican Library 

Next on our list of London study spaces is the Barbican Library, situated on the second floor of the iconic Barbican Centre and free of charge for all those who live, work or study in the City of London.

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.

Address: Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS

Nearest tube station: Barbican

Central Library Islington

Arguably one of the most underrated libraries in London, Islington Central Library is an excellent option for students based in North London. Anyone can join for free, regardless of whether you live or study in the borough.

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

Address: 2 Fieldway Cres, N5 1PF

Nearest tube station: Highbury & Islington

Best cafes to study in London

Prefer the gentle buzz or a cafe for your studies? Or is it the ready availability of caffeine to keep up your energy levels? Whatever the motive, here are some of the best cafes to study in London.

H32: Foyles, Charing Cross Road

Leading bookseller Foyles has several locations across London, but it’s best known for its flagship shop on Charing Cross Road. This store has an excellent cafe that’s one of the most popular places to study in London – particularly for bookworms!

The cafe not only serves up a mean coffee, it but also offers you a selection of teas and pastries to keep you fuelled through those long study sessions.

With strong Wi-Fi and some great views, it’s an ideal place to set up a group study session or just work independently.

Address: 107 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0EB

Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road

Pear Tree Cafe, Battersea

If you’re looking for a peaceful study space south of the river, Pear Tree Cafe is an excellent choice. Located at the eastern end of Battersea Park, this cafe has a lovely atmosphere with views overlooking the boating lake.

Outdoor seating is available for when the sun is out, and the kitchen serves up hot food if you fancy a bite to eat. When it’s time for a break, take a stroll around the park and do a bit of nature watching.

Address: Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ

Nearest tube station: Battersea Power Station

Redemption Roasters, Covent Garden

“Reducing reoffending through coffee” – that’s the mission of Redemption Roasters, a cafe chain and social enterprise that trains and employs ex-convicts. Not only does the chain have a strong social impact, but it’s also home to some of the best cafes in London for studying.

Of its 13 locations across the city, we’ve picked out the Covent Garden branch, which offers ample seating across two floors. Along with excellent coffee, Redemption Roasters also offers a selection of delicious cakes and pastries to keep you fuelled through your study sessions.

Address: 40 Drury Lane, WC2B 5RR

Nearest tube station: Covent Garden

Polo Bar

This one’s for the night owls! Based right outside Liverpool Street Station, Polo Bar is laid-back cafe and restaurant serving up great coffee and classic British food. What’s special about this place? It’s open 24 hours a day, which isn’t easy to find in London.

That makes Polo Bar the place to go if you’re planning on burning the midnight oil. Just make sure to charge your laptop beforehand as it can be difficult to find a free socket during peak hours.

Address: 176 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4NQ

Nearest tube station: Liverpool Street

FWD:Coffee, Whitecross Street

FWD:Coffee is an independent coffee chain with four cafes spread across central London, all serving as fantastic study spaces. We’ve picked out the cafe on Whitecross Street for its trendy interiors and wide array of seating, which includes cushioned leather sofas.

The chain is known for its speciality coffees and variety of baked snacks, including cakes, pastries and muffins. It’s popular for both students and professionals seeking a change from their usual surroundings.

Address: 161A Whitecross Street, EC1Y 8JL

Nearest tube station: Old Street

The best alternative study spaces in London

Looking for something a little different? You’ll be glad to know there are other options beyond the libraries and cafes listed above. From public parks to co-working spaces, here are our best alternative study spaces in London.

WeWork, Waterhouse Square

One of the key pioneers of co-working spaces, WeWork has several locations dotted across London where you can hire anything from an individual desk to a private office. We’ve picked out its Waterhouse Square space for its breakout areas and variety of seating.

Typically used by businesses, students can also benefit from WeWork’s co-working spaces by renting a dedicated desk or meeting room for group study. Along with excellent Wi-Fi, one of the main perks that comes with hiring a space is the unlimited supply of coffee.

Address: 1 Waterhouse Square, EC1N 2ST

Nearest tube station: Farringdon

Hyde Park

During the warmer summer months, when you may be cramming in your last bit of revision or doing some preparatory reading for the following year, London’s many parks make for a nice change of scenery.

There are plenty to pick from, but with its easily accessible location, Hyde Park is an obvious choice. Whether you want to make use of cafe Wi-Fi or sit on the grass with a book, there’s no shortage of space for some more casual study.

Address: Hyde Park, W2 2UH

Nearest tube station: Hyde Park Corner

The Common E2

Last but by no means least 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, healthy food and plenty of natural light to aid study.

In your break time, you can fuel up on all-day brunch, salads, sandwiches, and fresh cakes while watching the comings and goings from the adjoining design studio. 

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

Now that you’re acquainted with London’s best study spaces, why not check out our guide on the top things for students to do in the city? Or, if you’re planning a night out, have a read of our blog on the best student bars in London.