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SOAS students share their favourite study spots as they see it, from the peaceful Senate House Library to serene gardens and personalised desk set-ups at home.

There’s no single ‘perfect’ place to study - some thrive in the quiet hum of the library, while others get energy from the buzz of cafés and common rooms. As term two winds down and exam season approaches, we asked some our students to share their favourite study spots and give you an insight into some of their favourite spaces on campus. 

Whether you’re looking for a change of scenery or need some motivation, let these snapshots inspire your next study session.

Picture-perfect library scene

A laptop with a floral desktop image, a water bottle, and books sit on a table. People study in a library filled with bookshelves in the background.
Senate House Library by Morgane

This photo was taken in the Senate House Library. It is my favourite place to study when I have to focus. It is really calm and studious, and as it’s on campus, I can go directly after my classes. I always have my AirPods with me because listening to music really helps me to concentrate. 

I like to take notes in my notebook, but I always have my laptop with me for proper research and redaction. I can stay here for hours, so I always take my water bottle, and I usually go for a sweet treat or coffee break once in a while!

- Morgane, MA International Studies and Diplomacy

Green screen 

Laptop displaying a document on a wooden desk, with a window view of trees and a building in the background.
SOAS Library by Linshu

This is my favourite study spot in SOAS Library, on Level D by the window. The natural light here is amazing, and the colour of the wooden desk with the greenery outside makes me feel relaxed. 

There aren’t many distractions outside the window, and usually, it's very quiet. Plus, it’s easy to find the study references I need. It's an ideal place for me to concentrate and get work done.

- Linshu Shen, MA History of Art and Archaeology

A few of my favourite things

Cozy study desk setup with a laptop displaying a website, surrounded by colourful flowers and fairy lights, books, stationery, pink tumbler, headphones, and a planner.
Home desk by Adjua

With exam season approaching, I’ve been spending more time curating my desk space with items that help me feel both productive and comfortable. My laptop and headphones are essentials for my study sessions, allowing me to block out distractions and set the right atmosphere to bring my ideas to life, whether I’m writing, researching, or revising. 

Surrounding them are my agenda, where I keep track of deadlines and organise my to-do lists, and my notebook, which is perfect for when I want to put pen to paper, create mind maps, or simply exercise my creativity in a more tactile way. My books, stacked nearby, are sources of inspiration and perfect for when I need a break. 

Finally, to make my workspace feel more inviting, I’ve started adding personal touches, like a vase of colourful tulips, bringing warmth to my desk and serving as a reminder that a new season is just around the corner. This space is my favourite study spot because it reflects who I am and leaves room for both creativity and structure.

- Adjua Dokponnou Atauri, BA International Relations

Room with a view

Laptop on a wooden table outdoors in a sunny park, with an open notebook and a stainless steel travel mug.
Mecklenburg Garden at The Goodenough College by Yovin

This is my favourite study spot. This is Mecklenburg Garden at The Goodenough College. It is really peaceful, with lots of birds chirping and lots of nice flowers blooming in the spring. It is spectacular on a sunny day.

-Yovin, LLM 

A change of screen-ary

A desk with a monitor and laptop screens showing artistic desktop wallpaper , a lilac chequered tablecloth, a lilac basket and a stack of books.
Home desk at Goodenough College by Lilly

As much as I enjoy a cosy coffee shop, my best essay-writing happens at my desk, where I can sound out my syntax and make copious amounts of Earl Grey tea without judgment. Fortunately, I live at Goodenough College - a postgraduate haven just 10-minutes from SOAS - so most of my neighbours are also buried under exams and existential crises. 

My study setup? Blue light reading glasses (because my screen time is appalling), an ergonomic keyboard (my wrists thank me), and, of course, my ever-changing laptop background. I switch it up every week or so to keep things fresh. (ps. check out SOAS Dr Somnath Batabyal's recent novel Red River in my book stack!). 

- Lilly Clausen, MA Cultural Studies 

UOL study buddy

Laptop on a table in a modern cafeteria setting with colourful chairs and tables in the background. A book called 'Arab World Cinemas', a sandwich, fruit salad, and orange are next to the laptop.
Garden Halls by Haodong

This is a study spot in the common area of Garden Halls, a University of London accommodation. As a SOAS student, I love studying here, surrounded by students from different universities across London. 

The curved booth is super cosy and makes it easy to stay focused. It’s not a silent space, which is exactly why I like it. I prefer a relaxed environment with a bit of background noise - it keeps me engaged without feeling isolated.

- Haodong Bai, MA Comparative Literature 

Now it’s your turn - what’s your favourite study space? Share it with us by tagging @soasuni on Instagram or emailing us at marketing@soas.ac.uk.  

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