Although university library’s are quiet (for the most part) and lend themselves to a semi-studious environment, I prefer studying in little cafes for a more relaxed and less fluorescent environment. Here are my suggestions for places to study around Euston and Bloomsbury!
1. Seacole Social
This is definitely my all-time favourite place to study around UCL. Having opened in late August 2017 and located in between the Brunswick Centre and UCL, it’s the perfect place to study if you live around Camden or Kings Cross. All the staff are incredibly nice and helpful and I’ve found that the prices here are the best ones around. As a northerner, it was hard not to balk at the sight of inflated prices everywhere in London, so to come here and find a cup of tea for less than £2 was something well-received from me! Inside there is plenty of seating, and a beautiful display of sandwiches, pizzas, pastries and cakes when you enter the cafe. The only downside is that, as an independent cafe, it doesn’t open at the weekends and generally the cafe shuts quite early. If you’re a little cheeky, you can sometimes stay within the cafe after it shuts but only for an extra half hour.
- Plugs: Yes
- Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8am-4pm
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
- Prices:
- Tea: £1.90
- Espresso: £2.20
- Latte: £2.40
- Cappuccino: £2.45
- Hot Chocolate: £2.45
- Flat White: £2.45
- Mocho: £2.55
2. Bloomsbury Coffee House
This cafe is no secret to any other UCL student. Located opposite Seacole Social, in between UCL and the Brunswick Centre, this underground cafe is known for its vintage, rustic look and yummy homemade lunches! A popular spot for students, this cafe comes with a humble environment which is good for studying. However, as it is underground, I find that if you want to work in plenty of natural lighting, then Bloomsbury Coffee House is not for you!
- Plugs: Yes
- Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8am-6pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 8am-1:30pm
- Prices:
- Tea: £2.60
- Latte: £2.60
- Cappuchino: £2.60
- Mocha: £2.75
3. Senate House Student Hub
This location is not a cafe. Owned by SOAS, there is an open space for working within the building. All you need to get inside is a valid student ID card. This space is particularly nice to work with friends. As an open area of study there are couches and open plan seating areas designed for groups of all sizes. What I particularly love about this location is the natural light that fills the room from the glass roof making it a great place to work. Located in a SOAS building, there is a cafe and canteen in the corner of the working space with a variety of foods at a reasonable price.
All in all, this is a great place if you are looking for an in-between cafe/library.
- Plugs: Yes
- Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 9am-5pm
- Friday: 9am-6:30pm
- Saturday: 9:45am-5:30pm
- Sunday: Closed
4. Photography Gallery
This is another location which is generally new to the area. This minimalistic cafe can also promise a warm place to sit and work. They also provide
- Plugs: Yes
- Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:30am-6pm
- Saturday: 10am-6pm
- Sunday: Closed
- Prices:
- Tea: £2.20 (a pot)
- Espresso: £2.20
- Latte: £2.80
- Cappuccino: £2.70
- Hot Chocolate: £3.00
- Flat White: £2.70
- Mocho: £3.00
5. Tap Coffee
Lying a little out of the way, Tap Coffee is the furthest cafe away. Located near Russell Square, this cafe is perfect for those who attend SOAS, live near Russell Square, or attend the UCL School of Pharmacy. This cafe perfectly embodies what you would imagine an indie cafe to look like. With the green plants that flow across the ceiling, the delicious and healthy food and the interesting choice of hot drinks available.
Here, there is less seating than Seacole Social, or Senate House, however it does lie at the perfect location in which to people watch.
- Plugs: Yes
- Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 7:30am-5pm
- Saturday-Sunday: 9:30am-5pm
