Best study spots for autumn
Whether you are new to uni life in Leeds or are back for your final year of study, it’s always good to mix things up and try some new ways of studying instead of retreating to the same old places.
Studying in the autumn can actually be a really cosy and productive experience, especially if you find the right spot. So, here are some of the best places for Leeds’ students to get their heads down this autumn…
Your Home Hub
Where? At home
Although it’s great to get out of the house sometimes and try somewhere new, it’s also worth thinking about the setup of your own student home hub first, making sure that it’s fit for purpose when you do need to work from home. If you need help and advice to make your student room more relaxing and better for studying, then check out some of our other handy blog guides!
Hyde Park Book Club
Where? Headingley Lane, Hyde Park
The Hyde Park Book Club is a perfect place to pop in and get your work done with a coffee in hand. It’s open from 9am until midnight every day, so you can eat your way through the breakfast, lunch and dinner menu and then relax with a beer when your working day is done. Plus, when you need a break in between the projects, there are plenty of cool books and board games to keep you occupied during a well-earned rest.
Chancellors Court
Where? University of Leeds
If you fancy a spot of fresh air studying, then Chancellors Court is the grass area located near the Sustainable Garden within the University of Leeds. There are some benches where you can sit and work, all while being immersed in nature and breathing in fresh air! Also, depending on where you sit, you may be able to still tap into the wifi too! It’s also apparently a favourite spot for the University rabbits to hop by, so hopefully they won’t distract you too much!
Sociable Folk
Where? Wellington Place, Leeds city centre
In the heart of Wellington Place among an oasis of quality independent cafes, bars and restaurants, you will find one of our favourite spots to hang out - Sociable Folk. Here, you can find amazing coffee and breakfast faves like bagels, porridge and eggs to keep your brain fuelled for a day of studying. There is good indoor and outdoor seating available for you and your laptop, so you can keep your options open, depending on the weather.
Brotherton Library,
Where? University of Leeds
The Brotherton Library is a 1936 Grade II listed Beaux-Arts building with art deco fittings, wooden desks and magnificent dome ceilings. It’s a stunning place to work, but unfortunately there is still a no-food policy in place there, so don’t arrive hungry. Arrive early and stroll around the different rooms and different floors to find your very own perfect little study spot. You’ll be able to find all the latest new books there, but you’ll also find gems from the 19th century that could give you some interesting content for your next essay.
Santander Work Café
Where? Leeds, Park Row
If you want to feel like real working professional for the day, then head down to the The Santander Work Café. It opened in the UK at Leeds, Park Row in July 2019 and provides state-of-the-art facilities for public use, including free co-working spaces, free bookable meeting rooms and free high-speed wifi - plus a café for coffee and snacks. The Co-working spaces are available on a first come first served basis, with no time limits on how long you can stay. Just take a seat, log in and power up your tech.
The Edit Room
Where? Edward Boyle Library
Based on the ground floor of the Edward Boyle Library, The Edit Room is perfect for University of Leeds students who need a little study session in-between their classes. It sells delicious craft coffee, drinks, salads and sandwiches from local suppliers, plus, it’s got loads of USB sockets so you can settle down for a bit without worrying you’ll run out of power. There’s no need to book, so just turn up with your laptop between 8am until midnight on weekdays.
IF
Where? York Place
Well-known by locals as one of the best coffee haunts in the city, IF is a favourite spot for both take-out and sit-in caffeine experiences. Just a 5-minute walk from Leeds station, IF serves up breakfast, sandwiches and fresh bakes on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It also offers a bustling spot for brainstorming ideas and catching up on class notes when you need a little inspiration and a new vibe. There are also a couple of other IFs in town to try too, such as the one on Call Lane, Vicar Lane and their new place on East Parade.
200 degrees
Where? Bond Street
Based on Bond Street, 200 Degrees is the perfect place for students and remote workers to pitch up for a few hours. Strong coffee, good wifi and friendly staff make it a great place to hang out when you need a break from the library or your bedroom. Interestingly, they also run barista courses, so if you want to learn a new skill for employment or just to know how to prepare better coffee for your friends at home, then this could be a cool place to start. (Course from £59).
Don’t forget to check out our other student friendly blog posts to get the best out of your Leeds student experience!