5 best alternative libraries to study in

Over these past two years, we have been trapped inside our own four walls for way too long. We have grown accustomed to balancing our studies and personal lives without a physical change of place. Yet this doesn’t have to be a reality anymore: London is open!
 
But with this beautiful city having so much to offer, it can feel overwhelming to step outside again. As we haven’t been able to access campus consistently, I personally feel like it’s been challenging to discover all the opportunities that are available to us.  
 
And an important one is a change of scenery for studying. Staying at home or merely revisiting the Library on campus can make your experience feel mundane and bland. Finding a space to study, be it revision, writing an important essay, or maybe even your dissertation, shouldn’t hinder you from discovering the beautiful city. So why not hop on a tube to visit a library you have never been to before?  
 
Here are five libraries we recommend you visit! They’re located either close to campus or in central London and have comfortable study spaces and accessible literature.

1. Senate House Library

As Goldsmiths students, we have free access to the official library of the University of London. A wide range of specific academic literature for any department or field of study is located across four floors. Study spaces can be found either within the collectives, or in designated reading rooms – one of them is even named Goldsmiths! And if you don’t feel like sitting at a table, there’s always space on one of the leather couches.  
 
Find Senate House Library

2. British Library

As the name suggests, this is quite an important library – and you definitely shouldn’t miss out on it. It has 12 reading rooms, also located across four floors, to choose from for your study session. If you’re in need of sources, you can order books ahead and collect them from your chosen reading room – saving you valuable time and letting you enjoy the trip to central without worry. 
 
Find the British Library

3. Canada Water Library

By taking two stops on the Overground from campus, you can visit this public library for free. It’s located right by the station and is surrounded by cafés, so you can grab a coffee before you get lost in your work. The study spaces are located on the top floors and offer beautiful views across the Thames and into central London. And if you feel like you»’ve had enough study time, you’re just a 10-minute walk away from Southwark Park where you can see the lake, Ada Salter Rose garden and Lake Gallery!  
 
Find Canada Water Library

4. Deptford Lounge

This vibrant and beautifully golden building is located on Deptford High Street, only a 20-minute walk or bus away from campus. It’s also a community hub that hosts events to increase opportunities for the public to show and unite their creativity. But it also has a computer lab, a café and, most importantly, a free-to-access library on the ground floor. With modern-looking bookshelves and cosy study spaces, you’ll feel relaxed and inspired to work on your assessments.  
 
Find Deptford Lounge

5. Southbank Centre

If you study poetry, you have to visit the National Poetry Library in the Southbank Centre! It has the largest public collection of modern poetry in the world and offers study spaces. But, sadly, it’s restricted merely to those studying poetry (devastating news for an inspiring poet pursuing a politics degree), but the rest can envy from a very short distance. Though not technically a library, the cafés can easily be used as study spaces and offer stunning views right across the Thames and into central London. If you need to stretch your legs, there’s unrestricted access to a small gallery on the ground floor, or you could take a break and truly get inspired by visiting the Hayward Gallery. And if lunch break is approaching, the food market has an amazing variety of international food to offer!  
 
Find the Southbank Centre
 
Liz is a second-year Politics student and a Student Community Leader.