I've had on and off misgivings about undergrads and their misplaced sense of entitlement, but what happened today took levels to a new low. 

It was a relatively peaceful afternoon and 4 PGs were at our benches, working. The door was unlocked. 

In walked two UGs (Hons year, so they, of all people, should know better, but I suppose I am giving them too much credit) did not bother to acknowledge NNK who was sitting right by the door (with her back facing it) and S, who was sitting out in the middle of the lab, visible to all. They put their bags down on the couch, pulled out their computers and proceeded to pull books off our shelves for their literature search within one metre of S. S was new so he didn't ask them what they were up to. 

That's right. No permission asked, no greetings. Just walked in like its the bleddy Science Library and merrily did their thing, short of helping themselves to tea in the pantry.

Needless to say, they were told off in no uncertain terms that this was unacceptable behaviour, in the lab, when they go out to work, basically everywhere, and asked to leave. They are welcome back into the lab next time for their research, I told them, when they've got their manners back, i.e. emailing in advance or walking in and asking someone politely. One of the two, I later learnt, had been in the lab before but his attitude was dismissive and he behaved (according to the PG who let him in) like he had the right to come in and nosy around. 

To give some background, no one in the lab are TAs to the particular module they are taking. They were give a project centred about an aspect of crustacean biology so naturally, the lab is a literal gold mine.  I am personally in contact with one student who corresponded with me and asked if i can have a chat with him and I have let him into the lab to look around our shelves. This is done in my personal capacity as a researcher. I really don't mind, but is basic courtesy really too much to ask of our undergrads nowadays?