Xiaohongshu
London is full of hidden (and not so hidden!) gems that are perfect for studying in, from cosy bookshops and impressive libraries to bustling cafes with great vibes. As a 3rd year Nutrition student, this is the year where I really need to lock in! So here are some of my favourite study spots around London.
Hg Soho (Honest Greens)
I am always on the hunt for a great study space and good food around London, and Hg Soho ticks both boxes. Tucked away on St Anne’s Court, this cosy spot pairs free Wi-Fi with healthy, affordable Mediterranean bowls, so you can refuel and revise in one go without blowing your budget. The relaxed atmosphere and wholesome food keep me focused, and I can happily work there for hours. However, laptops aren’t allowed around lunchtime, so make sure to check with the staff beforehand!
The Café at Foyles
The Café at Foyles, occupying the fifth floor of Foyles Charing Cross Road, is a great spot to grab a cup of coffee or a yummy plate of food and settle in for a serious studying session. The vibe of the café is relaxed and modern, with wall-to-wall windows looking out over the backstreets of Soho and bookish décor accenting the surrounding walls. Open till 20.00 everyday (apart from Sunday – 18.00), The Café at Foyles is the perfect spot to power through your assignments.
The British Library
Just a stone’s throw from our Bloomsbury Campus, The British Library houses four floors of reading rooms, with a capacity of over 1,200! Access to the Reading Rooms requires membership, but this is available (for free) to all students over the age of 18. All reading rooms have comfy seats, free Wi-Fi, and staff you can ask for advice.
The Library Lounge, The Standard Hotel
Just across from King’s Cross station, this retro, book-lined lounge is filled with plush sofas and a mellow, laid-back buzz, making it a stylish spot for a long study session. They serve excellent coffee and freshly baked pastries throughout the day, so you’ll have all the fuel you need to power through your to-do list. Just note that there’s a no laptop policy after 18:00, so it’s best to visit during the day.
The Night Café
If you’re a night owl and prefer to get your studying in when things are quieter, you may struggle to find spaces that are open late enough to study. This is where The Night Café comes in – open until 03.00 (apart from Fridays, where it’s open until 05.00 and Saturdays, where it is closed), the Night Café is the perfect spot to settle in for an evening of studying. Entry is £7 (£10 on Fridays), and includes WiFi, complimentary tea and coffee, and plenty of cosy spots.
The Wellcome Collection
The Library at The Wellcome Collection is free to visit and open to everyone over 18, whether you're exploring the collections for research or simply curious to learn more. Located on Euston Road, it’s a perfect alternative to our study spots on the Bloomsbury Campus. You can find the library on level two of the building and will be welcomed by a calm and quiet atmosphere, with loads of desk space for individual study and research.
We hope this guide has given you some inspiration to make the most of the city you live in. Trying out a new study spot is a great way of exploring London whilst you do your degree - a change of scenery can make a real difference! So grab your laptop, invite a friend along, and try out a few of these spots around London. Good luck with your studies - you've got this!