Best Study Spots in the UK for International Students

If you’re a new student in the United Kingdom and are looking for places where you can study and chill, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of all the best study spots around the country that can help broaden your university experience outside of your chosen school.

1. The BFI Reuben Library

When you’re around London, make sure to stop by the British Film Institute’s Reuben Library, home of books and journals “about the world of film and television.” While the Reuben Library is free to the public, there is a registration card that you need to fill out to access the study areas.

Location: Belvedere Road, Lambeth, London, SE1 8XT, United Kingdom

2. Urban Coffee Emporium

Home of free Wi-Fi and the best coffee ‘on this side of the moon,’ Urban Coffee Emporium sits near the Colmore Business District in Birmingham. With its wide array of tables, Urban Coffee Emporium is perfect for both coffee lovers and students, who are looking for a quiet place to study.

Location: Colmore Business District, 30 Church St, Birmingham B3 2NP

3. John Rylands Library

With its gothic architecture and Victorian era features, the John Rylands Library is surely an attraction one must visit. However, despite being a tourist attraction, the John Rylands Library still stands as a study spot for students around Manchester.

Location: 150 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH England

4. Laboratorio Espresso

With its warm and soothing environment, matched with the large windows that overlooked the busy city, Laboratorio Espresso goes above and beyond by not only serving the best coffee but also the best study spaces for students.

Location: 93 West Nile Street, City Centre, Glasgow G1 2SH

5. Café 164

While Bakery 164 houses the most amazing sandwiches and delicious cakes, it doesn’t quite hold a candle to its larger counterpart, Café 164 with its rustic industrial features, large seating area, a wide array of food and beverage menus, as well as its in-house gallery. Café 164 is the perfect spot for coffee lovers and art enthusiasts, as well as students that need to sit down and study.

Location: Munro House, Duke St, Leeds LS9 8AG

6. Leaf

Leaf is every students’ dream study place. This Liverpool café may look calm during the day but at night, it transforms into a bar— perfect for students that are looking to relax after a hard day of hitting the books.

Location: 65-67 Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 4EZ

7. Flat Caps Coffee

With its warm ambiance partnered with the aroma of different blends and amazing food, Flat Caps Coffee is the perfect study space for students. They also pride themselves in offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly options.

Location: 9-11 Carliol Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6UF

8. Couch

Propped in the Sheffield City Centre, Couch café is a study space that captures everything you love about Sheffield— from its relaxed environment to its rugged charm, perfect for families, students, and those taking a break from work.

Location: 29–31 Campo Lane Sheffield S1 2EG

If you’re thinking of applying or looking for study opportunities abroad, IDP is here to help. Kindly fill out the inquiry form on this page to set up an appointment with an IDP Education Counselor and jumpstart your journey.

Written by: Dominique Sucgang