Direct to the best study spots in London and beyond this autumn

Are you back at university in London, or perhaps starting your first year? We’re sure you’ve got plenty to do already, and you might even be ready for a change of scenery. Stepping away from campus and your student accommodation can boost productivity, and there are plenty of places in the city to enjoy. 

That’s why we’ve researched the best study spots in London and beyond this autumn, perfect for getting your head down in a cosy atmosphere with your favourite seasonal drink. And don’t forget to use our 25% student discount if you’re travelling by train! 

Round-up of the best study spots along our route 

• The Cafe at Charing Cross Road (London)
• The Barbican Library (London)
• Wellcome Collection (London)
• Store Street Espresso (London)
• Eve Cafe at Ember Locke (London)
• 200 Degrees Coffee Shop (York)
• Culture House (Sunderland)
• Cafe W, Waterstones (Bradford) 

Study spots in London 

Foyles, Charing Cross 

This one’s for the book lovers! This famous historic bookshop chain has several locations across the city, and you’ll find the iconic 5-floor flagship store on Charing Cross Road. 

But this isn’t any ordinary bookshop. Inside, you’ll find The Cafe at Charing Cross Road. With the shop's Wi-Fi connection and wide selection of tasty coffees and pastries, you’ll be set for a productive study session! 

And who knows, maybe you’ll take a break and browse for your next read while you’re there? 

Location: 107 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0EB 

Closest university: University of the Arts London (UAL)

Closest tube station: Tottenham Court Road Underground Station

Free Wi-Fi available: Yes

The Barbican Library, Silk Street 

Next up, The Barbican Library! Located on the second floor of the famous Barbican Centre, this space is free to enter for those studying in London and offers a quiet atmosphere for deep concentration.

If you’re feeling something a little different, or perhaps work better with background noise, the Barbican Music Library sits on the same floor, and here you’ll find facilities to listen to CDs and audio recordings. 

You’ll also have access to: 

• Free Wi-Fi

• Computers if you’ve forgotten your laptop 

• Printing, photocopying and scanning capabilities 

• eBooks and useful online resources 

Location: Silk Street, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS 

Closest university: City St George’s, University of London 

Closest tube station: Barbican Underground Station 

Free Wi-Fi available: Yes 

The Wellcome Collection, Euston Road 

The Wellcome Collection is a completely free, multi-purpose space that combines a library, museum, and modern co-working space. 

You’ll find the library on level 2, featuring plenty of desk spaces for quiet study. Or if you study better as a group and want to make a day of it with friends from your course, there’s also a dedicated area for collaborative work. 

Visitors are invited to bring their own laptops for studying, but library members can also use the computers and on-site printers. 

Location: 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE

Closest university: University College London (UCL) 

Closest tube station: Euston Square 

Free Wi-Fi available: Yes 

Store Street Espresso, Hammersmith 

Store Street Espresso in Hammersmith is the perfect spot for study time, with access to speciality coffee and sweet treats to get you through. 

The space features work-friendly tables for solo and group study, with plug sockets, free Wi-Fi, and a calm, casual atmosphere for the perfect autumn study session. 

Location: 245 Hammersmith Road, London W6 8PW 

Closest university: Imperial College London, Charing Cross Campus 

Closest tube station: Hammersmith Underground Station 

Free Wi-Fi available: Yes 

EVE Cafe at Ember Locke 

Eve Cafe at Ember Locke is ideally set within a stylish hotel lobby space, encouraging non-guests to join them for a coffee with their laptop in tow. 

Inside, you’ll be welcomed by lush green plants, warm lighting, large windows and a calming atmosphere. 

If you stick around until lunchtime, the EVE restaurant opens at 12 and serves New York-style pizza and hearty pasta for a tasty break from your studies. 

Location: 202 Cromwell Road, London SW5 0SW 

Closest university: Imperial College London (South Kensington Campus) 

Closest tube station: Earl’s Court Station 

Free Wi-Fi available: Yes (when purchasing something from the cafe) 

Fancy taking a break from studying? 

Hoping to get away from studying for a while over the weekends? Our Grand Central trains from London King's Cross call at several major cities and coastal towns across Yorkshire and the Northeast, ideal for quick days out or full weekends away. Discover some of our most popular routes from London below: 

• London to York

• London to Eaglescliffe

• London to Halifax

• London to Northallerton 

• London to Sunderland

• London to Bradford 

• London to Hartlepool

• London to Seaham

Further study spots along our route 

Are you studying in one of the other major cities along our route? If so, below we’ve picked out some of the best spots for you: 

200 Degrees Coffee Shop, York 

For those studying in York, the 200 Degrees Coffee Shop is the ideal pick. Here you’ll find a cosy menu featuring seasonal favourites from gooey cinnamon rolls to tasty hot chocolate. Studying doesn’t get much cosier than this! 

Grab a table near the walls to secure a plug socket, or make sure your device is fully charged before you go and choose whichever spot takes your fancy. 

Location: 68 Low Petergate, York YO1 7HZ 

Closest university: University of York 

Free Wi-Fi available: Yes

Culture House, Sunderland 

Calling all University of Sunderland students! Don’t miss this new multi-storey landmark in the heart of the city centre. 

At the Atrium inside Culture House, you’ll find dedicated study spaces and quiet, cosy corners. 

You’ll also have access to: 

• Public computers

• Digital archives 

• Plug sockets 

• An onsite cafe

Location: Keel Square, Sunderland SR1 3DX 

Free Wi-Fi available: Yes 

Cafe W, Waterstones Bradford 

Arguably one of the most beautiful and unique Waterstones in the UK, Bradford’s store in the Wool Exchange is the perfect spot for university students. 

Within the stunning Victorian building sits Cafe W, with quiet, cosy seating areas perfect for hiding away with your laptop and putting in a few hours of study. 

And if you fancy having a browse while you’re there and feel like picking up your next read, those who choose a featured book of the month will benefit from a free hot or cold drink! 

Location: The Wool Exchange, Hustlergate, Bradford BD1 1BL 

Free Wi-Fi available: Yes

Study comfortably this autumn 

There’s no need to struggle in distracting student accommodations or university libraries this autumn. With all these cosy study spots along our route, you’ll never be stuck for a change of scenery. 

And for those thinking of enjoying a train ride away from their university city for a day or two over the weekend or during the upcoming reading week, be sure to take advantage of our 25% student discount!