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One of the biggest challenges of studying abroad is focusing on simple daily tasks such as preparing essays, doing homework or/and revising everything, as much as possible, before the exams. It can be stressful, especially if you share a house or a flat with other housemates. There is noise even behind four walls. Believe me, sooner or later you will need to find a quieter space to study.
If you live in a city like London, there are other kinds of temptations to be worried about too! The city is filled with new bars, restaurants, museums and loads of sightseeing waiting to be explored. It could be difficult to find an escape from this if you don’t have enough willpower!
In this case, it’s essential to be organised enough to make the most of your studies and at the same time enjoy what the Big Smoke has to offer. So why not grab your books and go outside your comfort zone?
London has excellent public spaces that will make your study days much more pleasant. From libraries to secret gardens, the quietness you need is ready to be discovered.
Do the libraries
It’s not new to say libraries are the best spaces to get your business done. But not just that, they also provide private study booths that can be booked by anyone. So, what are you waiting for?
The British Library is well known, by both tourists and Londoners, for being a great spot to research and see amazing exhibitions. It’s also a perfect spot to get your business done! Private study booths are available. It’s a free space and if you have a lot of stuff to catch up on, the coffee shop of the British Library will provide the energy boost you need to keep going. Located next to Kings Cross and St. Pancras stations, this incredible library is open seven days a week…so no excuses!
Another favourite is The Barbican. An amazing complex of buildings in the heart of the City of London. It is also what we can literally call a concrete jungle, though there is plenty of greenery, resident birds and empty spaces to explore.
There are so many things happening here that it has its own tour. But I don’t think you will need a guide to find the Barbican library. The library is open every day, except Sundays. And it’s also a great public space to study if you want to do it outside. Don`t forget to visit its conservatory. A masterpiece in the middle of the city and a top public space to study in London!
Parklife
London is one of the greenest city in Europe. You probably recognised most of the city’s parks from postcards, films and photos. They’re a great spot to relax, exercise and of course…study. Where else could you find a free quiet place with such an amazing view?
Hyde Park: Despite being in a famous area of London that attracts million of tourists, Hyde Park is a very tranquil site too. It’s one of the biggest urban parks in the world, so there is no excuse not to find a space (under one of its 4,000 trees) to study. Don`t forget to bring some snacks and beverages because you may feel like having a picnic too!
Bushy Park: If you never thought about putting Bushy Park in your list of favourite London parks to go to, it’s time to make a rearrangement. It’s the second largest Royal park and is in one of the most bucolic settings in the city. An inspiring place that is easily accessed by bus or train. There is so much to appreciate in this park, so careful not to get too distracted from your studies while you’re there!
Independent Coffee Club
Forget Starbucks or Costa. You can do it better by visiting one of the seemingly countless, cosy and quirky, independent coffee shops in London. But you can always just stick with your favourite one.
There is no secret to it: quality brew, cosy table and a good soundtrack are what makes a coffee shop a must. Remember to reward your hard work afterwards with a slice (or two) of your favourite cake.
To give you more ideas of quirky coffee places I would recommend Look Mum No Hands. Seriously though…who wouldn’t want to visit a coffee shop with a name like this?
Look Mum No Hands is a gem in central Shoreditch. There is only one problem here: it’s a famous spot and it is probably always packed. So, it would be a great idea to have your headphones on before immersing yourself in some study there. Or you can always visit its co-partner Look Mum no Hands Kitchen in Whitechapel. This is a huge bar, with plenty of tables, nice food and roasted coffee, of course.
Don’t forget to bring the books, pens, and notebooks to any of these places. After all, the idea is making the most of them to get some quality study done in this bustling city.
