Queen Mary is the only campus-based university in central London, and it is definitely one of the things I’ve loved the most about my time here. So, to help you full take advantage of that, here’s my list of top places on campus for you to check out:
The Hub: The Students' Union Hub is home to the Students' Union Reception, The Nest, Hub social space, Multi-Faith Centre, and bookable event spaces for student groups and societies. The Nest is the our newest space for informal learning and socialising. It’s got group study tables, pods, comfy furniture and a relaxed environment. It really is a great space — if you can get a seat — so make sure to hunt one down early in the day. You can also bring your own lunch or use the microwaves to heat up your food.
Drapers: Bar & Kitchen is our on-campus bar and club-venue, as well as a good place to grab a bite during the day. The food and drinks are great and at reasonably student-friendly prices, with a recently updated menu – as well as monthly specials. By night Drapers hosts our biggest on-campus events including the monthly sports-orientated Hail Marys, Mondays' Calling, and my favourite – Poundstrecher. I can only fault its proximity to Qmotion, the on-campus gym — who needs temptations like these when you’re trying to be good and stay in shape?!
The Ground: our on-campus cafe, located between the library and the SU Hub. It offers a wide range of both hot and cold drinks as well as food and snacks (again, at student prices). Don’t forget to bring your reusable travel cup for a drinks discount! Its convenient location at the heart of campus makes it the ideal place to hang out between lectures, meet for group study or catch up with friends.
Canal side (spring/summer time): I’ve listed the space by the Mile End canal as a half-space, given the fact that it is obviously not in my top three places on campus during the autumn or winter months. However, from about mid-April to October it is one of the nicest and most relaxing places on campus, especially the grassy bank opposite the university. While that’s technically not on campus, given its accessibility, I like to consider it part of Queen Mary. It is a lovely green space which really doesn’t feel like central London!