When I first started university, I found finding places to study a little daunting and awkward, therefore I have curated a list of some of my favourite places to help you chip away at that growing catch-up list, intertwined with a few cafe recommendations.
LIBRARIES
1. university Libraries
There are plenty of libraries on campus to choose from, whether youâre looking for a quiet and serious study session in the beautiful Wills Memorial Building, or a chatty and relaxed setting on the ground floor of the Arts and Social Sciences complex (commonly known as the âASSâ). Itâs common knowledge that the ASS is the only 24/7 library on campus; especially in exam season, time in this building doesnât really exist, so take from that what you will. One of my personal favourites is the Queen’s Building library. Particularly at sunset, its windows look out onto the whole city to show an amazing view that is definitely a distraction from the boring academic article in front of you.
2. bristol city library
Besides university spaces, the city provides free public entry to its library, right next to the Bristol Cathedral on College Green. With its light atmosphere and dark wooden accents, this library is a perfect alternative to avoid the endless struggle of trying to find a seat in the University libraries, especially in exam season.
CAFES
3. chain coffee houses
Costa, Cafe Nero, Pret and SOHO coffee on the UoB campus, just off Park Street, are the perfect places to study away with a coffee and lunch just minutes away from your lectures. They have great atmospheres to accompany busy student chatters or to be plugged into your study playlist. Cafe Nero in particular is perfect for any group project work, accommodating large tables and comfy sofas in the back seating area. With early opening hours starting from 7:30 am, Pret is a great place to get that early morning study stress out the way before the dreaded 9 amâs. Just be sure to get there early enough to secure a seat before the student swarms begin for their morning coffee.
4. flour house
Not only is this a frequent brunch location, but also great for small-group study sessions. Its cute and modern decor provides a lovely relaxed atmosphere, accompanied by great coffee, food and music. Its bench seating by the window is perfect for getting some uni work done, or there are large tables available for longer stays. As if this place couldnât get any better, they also have a student discount.
5. Cloakroom CAFE
One of my favourite coffee houses in Bristol, this small cafe is right on campus, perfect for group studying with a few friends in the secret rooms out the back, and even has a student discount. Even if your headphones run out of battery, Iâve always enjoyed the music played in the background, and it’s never too busy to be distracted. This place is definitely worth a try with chic decor, plants galore, and delicious cakes.
6. MRS POTtS CHOCOLATE HOUSE
Located on Park Street, even just the smell of this place is enough to try it out. If youâre looking for a treat to reward yourself for your hard studying, this is definitely the place. Open till late evening, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of seating.
7. boston tea party
Although arguably a restaurant, all three locations in Bristol have plenty of space to get tucked away in a corner, and order as much food and drink to your table as you desire. I particularly love BTP on Park Street, itâs close to the University, has a cute outside area for when the weather is warmer and has a great view out onto the street in the upstairs seating area. Donât forget the endless vegetarian and vegan food options too. Itâs the perfect place to grab lunch and catch up on a few of those missed lectures.
University Study Spaces
8. SENATE HOUSE
One of my personal favourite places to not just study, but also to socialise with friends and take advantage of the free coffee on the 3rd and 4th floors. The Living Room is the best place to de-stress whilst being swallowed up by a sofa and typing out the last few paragraphs of that essay due at 2 pm. Due to the chatter of everyone else on the floor, I find this space a lot less intimidating than if I were in a library, and I can easily talk about the frustrations of my work with my peers. Open from 8:30 am – 10 pm on weekdays, and shorter hours on weekends, I have spent many days lounging around on the 4th floor, literally living it up to its name. Plus, you can easily move to more serious study environments on other floors if you so wish.
9. hawthorns study centre
Iâve found that not many people know about this space, even though it is literally opposite Senate House. Again, not too serious of a setting, big bay windows to sit in, plug sockets and water refills, what more could you want? I would definitely recommend this hidden gem to anyone who wants to avoid the hectic lunchtimes in Senate house.
10. beacon house
Accompanied by its own Source Cafe, Beacon house is great for more intense studying. I found the harshly bright lighting quite pressurising, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
These of course are just a small handful of the extensive list of places that Bristol has to offer, both within and outside of the University. There is a form of joy in finding your new favourite place to study, whether it’s somewhere in this article, or a place you stumble upon by chance, mixing up where you get your work done is one of my most treasured things about the University lifestyle.
An honourable mention for those who like more adventurous studying: weather permitting, I found myself doing a reading or two under a tree on Brandon Hill during the spring and summer months. I would totally recommend being accompanied by your lunch, a book or a few friends, as long as you donât mind the odd dog coming up to you.