2. Belfast, Ireland

Photo by Belfast City Council

Sometimes a change in scenery can do wonders for your power of concentration. If you are a student in Belfast, 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 located 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

Photo by National Museum of 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 Café inside the National Museum of Scotland. It is a marvelous spot to view one of Scotland’s most spectacular spaces – the Grand Gallery, with its soaring pillars and lightfilled atrium. Definitely an inspirational and peaceful venue to tackle your hectic semester!

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! This perfect combination of comfort food would certainly sweeten up a stressful exam period. An interesting highlight is a sign displayed in the Café, 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!

Photo by Artisan Roast

Photo by Artisan Roast

Photo by Artisan Roast

4. Glasgow, Scotland

Photo by The Mitchell Library

If you are a student in Glasgow, look no further than the Mitchell Library, one of Europe’s largest and most renowned public libraries. So quiet that you can literally hear pins drop, the Mitchell Library allows you to shut out the world and be totally immersed in your books. A definite gem for all serious students.

For those who want to nourish stomach and mind at the same time, head out to Wilson Street Pantry, located right in the heart of the City. The eggs benedict and coffee here come highly recommended and once you have your fill, you can work on your assignments in the café’s relaxed and comfortable setting.

5. Manchester, England

One of the most student-friendly cities in the UK, Manchester boasts of 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 Wi-Fi. Alternatively, you can find yourself a quiet corner at the Nordic-inspired Takk café 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 the airline’s state-of-the-art home 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. For more information and booking, please visit ba.com.