Tired of the Student Centre study spaces being full and looking for a change of scenery? Why not try some of my favourite libraries and study spaces near to and around campus?
Here are my top 5 recommendations.
1. Senate House
Just a short walk away from campus, Senate House ranks first on my list—it’s got three floors of library space, beautiful rooms and a café in the basement, what more could you want?
The building itself has a really interesting history and housed the HQ of the Ministry of Information, responsible for propaganda campaigns and censorship during WW2, which became the inspiration for the Ministry of Truth in George Orwell’s 1984. It’s also a popular filming location for films and television, such as Batman, No Time to Die, Black Mirror and The Crown.
My favourite room is definitely the sofa room located on the fourth floor, but if you’d rather sit at a desk, the Economics library has really pretty reading lamps and a stained glass window.
To start studying, simply show your UCL ID card at the reception desk on the fourth floor and get your Senate House Library card.
Open until 11pm on weekdays and until 9pm on weekends.
2. Main Library
In terms of UCL libraries, you can check seat availability in advance on the UCL website or on UCL Go. Those who love dark academia will love the law library located inside the main library for its high ceilings and dark wood features.
The main library is very convenient to visit and there are lots of nearby UCL cafés. However, my favourite part is definitely the colour coding of the books on the second floor, it’s mesmerising!!
3. IOE Library
The IOE library is nice because it has a lot of individual chairs on the top floor which helps to limit distractions.
There are plenty of rooms for group work and I love how bright and calming the space is with all the windows and plants.
4. British Library Reader’s Rooms
The British Library requires more effort to access than the other libraries because you need to get a Reader’s Pass and you must store your belongings in a locker.
However, it is definitely worth it for the stunning rooms (trust me).
It is also a bit further from campus than the other libraries, but it’s a nice walk and very close to Euston station for those who take the tube. It’s also a little different because it is open to the public, so there’s a lot fewer stressed students about!
5. UCL Science Library
Finally, I’m including a recommendation from a friend to go to the Science Library before 6pm (since it closes to non-STEM students at that time) and stay until closing.
I’ve heard there is a lovely view of the London skyline when the sun sets.
Gwenllian Griffiths, UCL European and International Social and Political Studies (EISPS)
Published: 5 December 2025