More for your ringgit
Heading to the UK? Students should check out British Airways’ special offer
The Mitchell Library. 1. LONDON, ENGLAND
If you are studying arts, culture, or film in London, the BFI Reuben Library within the British Film Institute Southbank is definitely a boon. Just fill up a simple form for access to the best collection of resources in the film and television world. The Library has individual workspaces where you can read and revise. There is also a theatre where you can relax and watch some great movies — all in the name of research! The library is closed on public holidays, Sundays and Mondays.
If film is not your cup of tea, head out to The Southbank Centre next to the BFI Reuben Library. The centre offers a panoramic view of London’s popular attractions, like the London Eye, Thames River and even the House of Parliament, making it a grand place to study or enjoy some leisure reading. If the view is too “distracting”, head over to the Royal Festival Hall within the Centre where there is a study space complete with tables and chairs and free WiFi.
2. BELFAST, IRELAND
Sometimes a change in scenery can do wonders for your power of concentration.
Manchester Library.
Head out to the Belfast City Hall Grounds for some outdoor studying, especially in the summer months. You may set up your “study station” on the grass or sit on the available picnic benches.
If you prefer to study where movie stars studied, go to the quaint Linen Hall Library opposite the City Hall. Brad Pitt once stationed himself in the Library for three days researching for his movie, The Devils Own. You can also go on a historical tour of the Library as it is one of Belfast’s most popular attractions.
3. EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland since at least the 15th century, is a historical and cultural city that offers the quintessential learning-living experience. Students looking for a less conventional place to study can try the Balcony Cafe inside the National Museum of Scotland. It is a marvellous spot to view one of Scotland’s most spectacular spaces — the Grand Gallery, with its soaring pillars and light-filled atrium.
For nights where you are cramming for exams and need some great coffee to keep you awake, try the Artisan Roast on Broughton Street. Some say they serve the best coffee and brownies in Edinburgh! An interesting highlight is a sign displayed in the Cafe, which reads “J.K. Rowling never wrote here” with a hand-written response “And I never will” right below the sign on the wall, written by J.K. Rowling herself!
4. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND
If you are a student in Glasgow, look no further than the Mitchell Library, one of Europe’s largest and most renowned public 5. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND
One of the most student-friendly cities in the UK, Manchester boasts many nooks and crannies for students to study and feed themselves. Ziferblat, with its book-shelved walls, will undoubtedly give you Hogwarts vibes. For eight pence per minute, you can eat and drink all you can at Ziferblat while researching using their free WiFi. Alternatively, you can find yourself a quiet corner at the Nordic-inspired Takk cafe in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
For those who prefer libraries, the Manchester Central Library offers soft seating throughout the building where you can curl up with a book or use your laptop. The Reading Room is ideal for a cosy read, but there are also plenty of cubicles for some desk work. Other libraries available in Manchester are the Chetham’s Library and John Ryland Library. British Airways currently operates a daily service between Kuala Lumpur and London. All flights from Kuala Lumpur arrive at London Heathrow Terminal 5. Exclusive to customers of British Airways and its sister airline Iberia, Terminal 5 offers stress-free onward connections to over 20 cities in the UK and 40 European countries. Details at ba.com.