A definitive ranking of all the spots to eat, drink and study at KCLSU

Sometimes the only thing that can get me up and in uni for my 9am is knowing that a nice matcha latte is waiting for me, a cosy beanbag or even a plate of loaded fries.

Whether you’re doing readings 20 minutes before class, grabbing a quick bite to eat because you forgot your meal-prepped lunch at home (that you swore you would eat), or catching up with friends – KCLSU has all the spots.

You might ask, but where is the best place to cry over your dissertation, argue on your committee group chat or eavesdrop on international students talking about their jetsetting?

Well, here’s the definitive ranking of KCLSU’s best places to eat, drink, and study based on vibes, yummy-ness and je ne sais quoi.

1. The Shack

For when you want to study in a cute cafe but also socialise with friends. 

The Shack is the spot for grabbing a casual bite or sinking into those sofas with your laptop and a coffee. It’s a not-so-hidden gem in Bush House, where the noise level is just right for some white noise study time (with a few interruptions from people you haven’t seen in weeks). The gooey brownies are a student favourite, and the coffee will keep you going through your readings. It’s perfect for a low-key study session but social enough that you won’t feel guilty taking a break to chat with friends.

Perfect for: Group projects, headphones-on-lock-in study sessions that don’t need to be Maughan level, and late-afternoon snack runs.

2. The Vault

Where studying meets socialising (with some pretty solid cheesy fries).

The Vault underneath Bush House is arguably Strand campus’ best-known spot. It’s your go-to for post-lecture drinks, thanks to its pub-like vibe and cheap drinks and food. You probably know it best for a quick lunch or, more likely, a drunken sports night, but the Vault is also a surprisingly good daytime study location for those who like a bit of background noise. In the evening, however, the Vault offers quiz nights, karaoke, and a surprisingly good selection of beers. It is not ideal for hardcore study sessions (unless you thrive in noise) but is perfect for post-library drinks with friends.

Perfect for: That Tuesday afternoon when you swear you’re going to study but end up having three beers.

3. Guy’s Cafe

For when you’re on Guy’s Campus and need to unwind.

Guy’s Cafe, over on Guy’s Campus, feels like a breath of fresh air amidst the aura of stressed, sweaty, sleep-deprived medical students that hangs over Guy’s campus. It’s perfect for some mid-day studying when you don’t want to deal with The Great War (finding a seat in New Hunts House library) or anyone just wanting to relax between classes. With affordable prices and plenty of seating, it’s ideal for a casual coffee catch-up or a solo study session.

Perfect for: Quick bites between classes or some peaceful alone time.

4. King’s Kitchen

The budget-friendly option that hits the spot.

Ok, I’ll admit that I didn’t discover this gem until last year, but King’s Kitchen, under Bush House, should be a student staple. If you’re on a tight budget (who isn’t?), this is the place for cheap eats. Top tip: The soup is so good and cheap. The salad bar and pizza section are reliable, and it’s quick enough to grab something between lectures. Seating is fantastic, with benches, booths, and tables – everything you could ever dream of for a nice lunch or a study sesh!

Perfect for: Grabbing food on the go when you’ve only got 10 minutes between lectures.

5. The Loft

It’s a classic.

Located at the top of Bush House on the eighth floor, The Loft is one of my default study spots between classes. Good luck finding a seat in the middle of the day, but with booths for group study, a chill vibe, and plenty of seats, it’s an all-around well-loved study spot with views of the London skyline. Grab a coffee down at The Shack, heat up your food in the microwaves in The Loft, and settle in for a chill place to meet with friends.

Perfect for: Catching up on emails, some chill studying or an in-between-lectures lunch break

Whether you’re looking for a caffeine fix, a chill place to study, or a place to hang out with friends – KCLSU has you covered, from pub vibes to study havens —where will you head next?

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