Exploring University of the Arts, London Campus Facilities
An insider's guide to UAL's libraries, labs, and creative spaces across London.
Updated 5 min read
Welcome to UAL: A Network of Creative Innovation
Ranked second in the world for Art and Design, the University of the Arts, London (UAL) offers an unparalleled environment for aspiring artists, designers, communicators, and performers. Unlike traditional campus-based universities, UAL is a sprawling, decentralized network of six world-renowned colleges. Getting to grips with the vast array of University of the Arts, London campus facilities is your first step to unlocking your creative potential during your fresher year.
Whether you are based at the futuristic East Bank campus for fashion or the historic streets of Pimlico for fine art, understanding where to find the best computer labs, how to check library hours, and where to source cheap materials will make your transition to university life seamless.
Navigating the UAL Campus Map
Because UAL is spread across London, your student ID card is your golden ticket. It grants you access to almost all of the college sites, meaning you are not just limited to the facilities at your home college. If you are a Wimbledon student wanting to access the media facilities in south-east London or a Chelsea student needing specialised printing in King's Cross, the network is yours to explore.
The six main hubs you'll find on the official campus map include:
The Six Pillars of UAL
- Camberwell College of Arts: Known for its intimate, community-focused craft and fine art studios in South London.
- Central Saint Martins (CSM): Located in a stunning converted granary building at King's Cross, famous for fashion, drama, and industrial design.
- Chelsea College of Arts: Positioned right next to Tate Britain in Pimlico, offering historic roots and incredible fine art spaces.
- London College of Communication (LCC): Elephant & Castle's media powerhouse, featuring TV studios, printing presses, and sound labs.
- London College of Fashion (LCF): Housed in a state-of-the-art unified campus at East Bank in Stratford, London's new cultural quarter.
- Wimbledon College of Arts: Nestled in South West London, specializing in theatre, performance, and screen design.
Specialist Libraries and Dedicated Study Spaces
UAL’s library network is home to one of the most comprehensive collections of art, design, and media literature in Europe. Each college site hosts a library tailored specifically to the disciplines taught there. For instance, the library at LCC contains the world-famous Stanley Kubrick Archive, while LCF's East Bank library houses over 100,000 fashion-related items, historic garments, and lookbooks.
For quiet work, collaborative projects, or late-night research, the diverse study spaces across the colleges offer both individual silent booths and group project rooms equipped with screens and whiteboards.
Understanding library hours is crucial for planning your deadlines. During the standard academic term, typical opening hours are:
- Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 22:00
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 - 20:00 (Select campuses only, such as CSM and LCC)
- Assessment Periods: Extended 24-hour access is frequently introduced at major hubs to support students during final hand-ins.
High-Tech Computer Labs and Digital Media Suites
For digital-based creatives, UAL's computer labs are second to none. Equipped with the latest industry-standard software, including the complete Adobe Creative Cloud suite, Autodesk, CAD, Rhino, and specialized video editing platforms like DaVinci Resolve, these spaces are designed to bridge the gap between education and professional industry environments.
In addition to standard desktop setups, UAL offers outstanding "Creative Technology Labs." These specialized suites include:
- Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) development suites.
- 3D digital scanning and motion capture studios.
- Dedicated high-performance render farms for complex animation and 3D modeling work.
- Digital print studios with large-format plotters and textile printers.
Creative Materials and On-Campus Shops
Art and design courses can get expensive when purchasing fabrics, clays, paints, metals, and papers. Fortunately, one of the most practical student resources at UAL is the network of on-campus material shops. These shops operate on a non-profit basis, sourcing high-quality materials directly from wholesalers and selling them to students at cost price.
Let's look at how the prices of essential creative supplies at UAL internal shops compare to external high-street art stores:
| Material / Item | High-Street Art Store Price | UAL On-Campus Shop Price | Average Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Cartridge Paper (Pack of 10) | £12.50 | £6.50 | 48% |
| 3D Printing Filament (PLA, 1kg) | £28.00 | £18.00 | 35% |
| Foam Board (A1, 5mm) | £6.00 | £3.20 | 46% |
| Acrylic Paint Set (Standard) | £19.99 | £12.50 | 37% |
Accessing Hands-On Technical Workshops
One of the crown jewels of the University of the Arts, London campus facilities is the extensive array of physical fabrication workshops. Regardless of your course, you can book inductions into workshops across different campuses once you complete safety training.
Must-Visit UAL Workshops
- Wood & Metal Workshops: Fully staffed by expert technicians who can help you build furniture, frame canvases, or weld structural metal art.
- Printmaking Studios: Equipment for screen printing, etching, lithography, and linocutting.
- Ceramic & Casting Labs: Kilns, throwing wheels, and plaster-casting facilities for pottery and sculpture.
- Weaving & Dye Labs: Industrial looms and dye facilities at LCF and Chelsea for textile experimentation.
Essential Student Resources and Support Spaces
Beyond the academic and studio spaces, UAL places a huge emphasis on student well-being and professional growth. Each campus houses a Student Services hub where you can access essential student resources, including:
- Academic Support: Free workshops on essay writing, dissertation structures, and referencing.
- The Language Centre: Free language support for international students looking to refine their academic English.
- Creative Careers: Advice on internships, freelancing, tax for creatives, and job applications.
- Counselling & Health Advice: Free, confidential mental health services and disability support.
By utilizing these comprehensive facilities, libraries, and technical spaces, your time at UAL will be defined by creative freedom and professional-grade production. Be sure to explore outside your home campus—you never know what incredible workshop or archive is waiting for you just a short Tube ride away.