Navigating the Best Study Spaces at Marshgate

These are rated according to Andria's studying preferences, but she hopes the ratings and explanations she has included in this article can help students choose their own favourite studying space.

1. Group Study Areas - Level 3 and Level 5

As a fan of public studying, these large tables are perfect for studying with friends, other students or having a group meeting. The space is not as quiet as a library, but if you're having a relaxed study day, going to lectures and catching up with friends, these smooth table tops and comfy chairs are perfect for a comfortable study session. You will not feel isolated here, as it is not extremely quiet and may help you work better and more efficiently. 

Quick tip: Level 5 is much quieter than Level 3.

This study space is perfect for you if you enjoy studying with other people and do not need an absolutely silent space while studying.

Rating:

• Comfort: 9/10
• Quiet: 7/10
• Busyness: 6/10
• View: 4/10

2. Library - Top Floor

Regardless of the endless hours I spent on these exact tables in my first semester, this is my second favourite study space in Marshgate. This space is perfect if you need complete quiet and concentration for doing an assignment. The second floor in the library offers a more spacious feeling, with high ceilings, large tables, and a lot of space between chairs. This spacious atmosphere gives a comfortable and relaxed feeling to this library. Lastly, the dimmed lighting creates a calm, eye-friendly atmosphere, since strong lighting in combination with the brightness of a computer screen usually gives me headaches.

This study space is perfect for you if you enjoy studying in libraries, want to be somewhere completely quiet or enjoy extra space. 

Rating:

• Comfort: 9/10
• Quiet: 9/10
• Busyness: 6/10
• View: 6/10

3. Private Booths - Level 6

I always underestimate these booths due to their location outside seminar rooms. However, after staying late for an assignment, I tried out this booth since I was already on Level 6 and did not want to go down the stairs. Surprisingly, these booths were very comfortable since the seating feels like a sofa and the size of the desk is perfect for a laptop, notebook and an iPad. Even though students walk by frequently, the floor in general is not very loud since seminars and lectures takes place in the rooms opposite these booths. It has a nice view of the glorious globe in Marshgate and extra lighting, if needed.

This study space is perfect for you if you prefer a private area, enjoy a lot of desk space or want to be very comfortably seated.

Rating:

• Comfort: 10/10
• Quiet: 8/10
• Busyness: 7/10
• View: 7/10

4. Project Area - Level 4

Although this area can be used for multiple purposes like studying, group meetings, lunch, or generally hanging out with friends, it is not my personal favourite for doing work. Other than the fact that it can get pretty busy and loud, the chairs are not very comfortable for a prolonged study session. However, the view from the floor to ceiling windows looking out at East London can be quite lovely after a long day of lectures.

This study space is perfect for you if you can study in busy spaces, are looking to have a quick study session and enjoy studying with a nice view.

Rating:

• Comfort: 6/10
• Quiet: 6/10
• Busyness: 9/10
• View: 10/10

If you like studying with a nice view, the Marshgate ground floor is perfect for you. The large floor to ceiling windows get a perfect view of the nature in UCL East while also catching the sunset with beautiful colours filling the sky.

On a different note, One Pool Street also has a great study spot on the first floor which wasn’t included in this article since it closes at 6pm, thereby making it inaccessible to some students. It’s a comfortable mix of the Marshgate Libary and the Level Group Study Area, but studying there after seminars and lectures is not possible due to the early closing time. If you are on campus early in the morning and are looking for a very quiet place to study, I would recommend the private booths at One Pool Street.