Five Favorites: University College London Edition

Happy November! As I write this blog, I was immediately struck by the realization that I have four weeks left of studying abroad at University College London (UCL). How is that even possible? It seems like yesterday that I was moving into my flat and attending orientation events around the Bloomsbury campus.

As I dread the moment my program ends, allow me to reflect on my five favorites at UCL. Located in central London, UCL offers so many things that made me fall in love with the campus (and London, even more). From diverse cuisines to intellectual activities, you will never get bored as a student here.

Rooftop at the Student Centre

The Student Centre is a highly popular study spot among UCL students. Whether you’re looking for a silent space, collaborative workspaces, or a place to eat lunch in between classes, the Student Centre is your place. With that said, it is almost impossible to find a free study space since everyone is in the Student Centre during the day! Trust me, I’ve tried looking for study spaces there at noon…It didn’t pan out well!

Despite the chaos at the Student Centre, my favorite spot there is the rooftop. The rooftop offers a spectacular view of Bloomsbury, UCL, and the BT Tower! It is a quiet place, so if you are in dire need of a respite or a silent space to have time for yourself, go to the rooftop. I have gone to the rooftop several times during lunchtime, and it has helped me recharge before class.

Cafes on campus (and off campus)

Cafe culture in central London is top-notch, especially in UCL. The Food at UCL app shows you available food options on campus, and I always check where I can get my next caffeinated drink to stay awake! My favorite cafe on campus is the DR Coffee @ Cruciform Cafe in the Cruciform Building. There is also the Bentham House Cafe, Science Library Cafe, and Student Centre Cafe, among many others! You will always be caffeinated while on campus.

If you want to try something “off campus,” there is Lever & Bloom Coffee in Byng Place, which is next to Gordon Square. It may not be off campus per se, but if you want to try something that is not UCL-based, Lever & Bloom will not disappoint with their matchas!

Grant Museum of Zoology

UCL has several museums on campus that are free to enter. The Grant Museum of Zoology is my personal favorite. If you are interested in animals and want to see specimens from around the world, this is highly recommended. The museum is also home to “The Micrarium,” which displays over 2,000 microscope slides featuring the smallest specimens in UCL's collections, and this is my personal favorite. They currently have an exhibition called the “World of Wasps” open until next January!

Law Library in the Main Library

Whenever I am on campus and need a quiet space to do work, the Law Library is my go-to. But before you enter the library, you will see John Flaxman’s imposing sculpture of St. Michael conquering Satan. It is such a picturesque model, and the light from the glass below adds a nice touch. Anyway, the Law Library has an academic atmosphere that helps me concentrate on my readings and work. I promise I am not biased as a political science major!

Coldplay was formed at UCL!

Any Coldplay fans? Okay, this isn't something visible on campus, but this is a fun fact. The four members met on their first week on campus in September 1996. It feels surreal to study in the same university where Coldplay members studied. They literally walked the same grounds as I have! Of course, there are other notable UCL alumni, such as Christopher Nolan, Alexander Graham Bell, and Junichiro Koizumi.

Once you make UCL your home, I invite you to also think about your five favorites on campus. Are you also going to fall in love with UCL and London just like I did?