Lock in in London's free-to-access research libraries!

The LSE library is an amazing resource and the perfect study space, but a few weeks into term, you’ve probably, like me, already discovered that it can be hard to find a seat, especially in peak hours. And it can get even harder during exam season, when everyone is cramming from dawn to dusk.

That’s why I was glad to discover that being an LSE student grants access to lots of other libraries around London. If you want to study in a new environment or access new resources, it could be very useful to investigate these possibilities! Here are a few libraries you can access.

You have to register to access these, but once that’s done, you can use your nifty library card to enjoy their resources and study spaces.

📕 The British Library

Perhaps the most well known library in London, just across the street from St Pancras train station! Many students don’t think of applying for a membership at the national library, but a reader pass is free for absolutely everyone, and once you get your card, you can access the reading rooms and collections for three years - so, your entire degree if you’re an undergraduate student!

The British Library offers access to over 170 million documents, from books to newspapers and maps. The Library legally receives a copy of every book published in the UK and Ireland, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

They have 11 quiet study rooms in London that you can access with your reader pass, all equipped with Wi-Fi and outlets.

And if you need a break from poring over your books, you can enjoy one of their many cafés, or visit their museum.

🕐 Opening times:
Monday 10:00-20:00
Tuesday-Thursday 9:30-20:00
Friday-Saturday 09:30-17:00
Closed Sunday

📕 University of London libraries

Did you know that since LSE is part of the University of London, you can access the libraries of most of the other London universities? This could be useful if you’re looking for a specific collection item, or just for a change of scenery -  some of these universities have extremely beautiful libraries.

• If your thing is the dark academia vibe, look no further than King’s beautiful Maughan Library, which hosts the sciences and humanities collections - and, as a bonus, it’s a stone throw away from LSE. To use this library, you will need to apply online for a pass. It’s completely free of course, and the process is very straightforward. This pass can be valid for up to three months.

🕐 Opening times:
Monday-Friday 09:00-19:00
Saturday and Sunday 10:00-18:00

• You can apply for full-year membership at University College London libraries. You will also need to complete an online form, and it is, of course, also free. The main UCL building, where the main library (home to the social sciences and humanities collections) is located, is such a vibe with its iconic columns.

🕐 Opening times:
Weekdays 08:30-00:00
Weekends 11:00-21:00

📕 Senate House Library

This one is a little bit more well-known, but a short walk away from campus, you can visit this slightly intimidating building for a unique study experience. Most days, you will be surrounded by very serious-looking people, which is sure to motivate you to focus.

The area around this library is also very quiet, with lots of places to get a sweet treat as a way to congratulate yourself after a productive day. If you want a longer break, there’s also a tiny museum across the street, it’s very small and niche, so you might not have heard of it, but I don’t want to gatekeep it: it's called the British Museum.

Membership is free for University of London students. You will also need to apply for membership online to access the study rooms and collections.

If, like me, you are a History student, the Institute of Historical Research, which is a bit more niche, is hosted in the same building (just across the hall, in fact). It holds plenty of amazing resources, and not everyone thinks of using it.

🕐 Opening times:
Monday-Friday 09:00-23:00
Saturday-Sunday 09:45-21:00

London is such a vibrant student city, full of world-class institutions (one of which is our very own School, of course). Even if using these libraries might require a few extra steps, in my opinion, it’s a shame to not take full advantage of everything that is available to you. Plus, as someone who loves academia (and studying in beautiful buildings), it’s so cool to be fully part of the London academic community.

Happy studying! 📚