This article was written by Sophie Nambufu Wabulo from Brunel University
We all know that studying in the library or in your room during deadline season can get very old very quickly. If you need somewhere new to go, why not try studying in a cafe? It’s the perfect way to get a sweet treat while being productive at the same time. If you study at the University of Exeter, you’re in luck, because Exeter has many large coffee shop chains like Costa, Starbucks and Cafe Nero. We also have some smaller chains here, like Bird and Blend (an especially good one for all you tea lovers out there) and Coffee #1. What’s best about Exeter’s coffee shops, though, is that we also have a great deal of lovely – and importantly, fairly cheap – independent coffee shops and cafes for you to study in! If you’re new to Exeter or simply haven’t had the chance to explore all the coffee shops we have to offer yet, this article is for you! Read on for a list of the best coffee shops in Exeter, perfect for your next study session. 

Student favourites

The Undergrad Cafe

 
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One of the most well-loved cafes in Exeter is the Undergrad Cafe. This one is very popular with students as it is located very close to student accommodations like the Depot and Printworks. If you live in these accommodations, this cafe is a great option for a study session if you don’t want to walk the length of the city. They sell typical cafe fare like coffee, pastries and cakes, but also sell larger meals like pizzas if you’re getting peckish. The decor in here is also incredibly welcoming and soothing, thanks to the houseplant shop next door (students living around here really do have it all). However, it’s worth noting that as this cafe is rather popular yet quite small, you may have some difficulty finding a table.  Address: Unit 7, The Depot, Bampfylde St, Exeter EX1 2FW

Sunset Society

Another popular student cafe – and also one that’s convenient if you live in the Mount Pleasant area, as it’s on Old Tiverton Road – is Sunset Society. This cafe sells coffee, teas and food by day, and cocktails and pizza by night! It is owned by the same person who opened Pura Vida, so it’s a great choice if you’re still mourning that loss (me too). Sunset Society isn’t just a great place for a study session or a catch-up with friends – it becomes a music venue and sells pizza at night too! Many events like open mic nights are hosted, here and it is a popular option for many society socials too! While it’s a popular spot, there are quite a few seating options, so though you might struggle to get a seat, it’ll be nothing like the daily battle to get a seat in the Law Library.  Address: 5 Old Tiverton Rd, Exeter EX4 6LD

Artigiano Exspresso & Wine Bar

Artigiano best coffee shops in Exeter
Source: Artigiano Facebook
Another cafe that, like the Sunset Society, is a cafe by day and a music venue by night is Artigiano. Its location on the High Street means that it’s always a good option for a study session or a catch-up, as it’s never too far to walk from wherever you live! The cafe itself is quite big, with a lot of seating options both inside and outside, so you won’t be struggling to find a seat. However, if you’re willingly sitting outside during the current wintery weather, I salute you. In the daytime, the cafe serves a variety of coffee, tea and pastries, and like the Sunset Society, they serve cocktails and pizza at night! They host a variety of events during the evening, such as the popular jazz night. They also have many deals and offers, such as the Artigiano Early Riser where you can get a coffee and a pastry for £5 if you can get yourself there before 10 am. There’s some motivation to get yourself out of bed! Address: 248 High St, Exeter EX4 3PZ

Coffee shops in Exeter city centre

Dinosaur Cafe

Dinosaur Cafe coffee shops Exeter
Source: Dinosaur Cafe Facebook
If you’re looking for a cosy lunch spot, look no further than the Dinosaur Cafe! Located a few minutes’ walk from Exeter St. David’s station, this cafe serves Turkish, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food. If you’re fed up with eating pesto pasta all day every day (me too), this is the perfect place for a cheap lunch or dinner. The potions are massive, so you are getting great value for money! They also have a great deal of vegan and vegetarian options available, so they cater to anyone! Not to mention their 20% student discount! Like some of the other options on this list, the Dinosaur Cafe is open well into the evening, so it’s perfect for a late dinner to catch up with a friend or to get fuelled up for a panicked study session.  Source: 5 New N Rd, Exeter EX4 4HH

Exploding Bakery

 
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The next cafe on this list is located fairly close to the Dinosaur Cafe, next to Exeter Central train station. The Exploding Bakery Cafe serves typical cafe fare like coffees and teas but specialises in cakes, so anyone with a sweet tooth should get down here as soon as possible! It is fairly inexpensive, with coffee starting at just £2.50 and cakes and food starting at £3. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, no need to worry – the Exploding Bakery serves delicious savoury snacks and meals too. They also sell plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options to cater to everybody. This cafe is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays though, so if you’re trying to combat the Sunday Scaries with a study session, you will have to go elsewhere.  Address: Central Station Buildings, 1B, Queen St, Exeter EX4 3SB

Other coffee shops around Exeter

Veg Box

 
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If you’re willing to walk to the Quay (and you should – it’s one of the prettiest places in Exeter) you should try Veg Box. This cafe is entirely plant-based, so it’s a great spot for a study session or lunch, whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan or simply in search of a good meal. Like any cafe, they serve a range of coffee, tea and pastries, but they also serve breakfast, brunch and lunch items, so this place is perfect for a study session fuel-up, a healthy lunch or a hangover cure. In addition to coffee, they serve smoothies and milkshakes. They come in a little more expensive at just over five pounds, but if you’re feeling flush with cash when your student loan comes in, they’re well worth a try.  Address: Unit 7 , piazza terracina, Haven Banks – The Quay, Exeter EX2 8GT

Reed Hall Cafe

Located right on campus, the Reed Hall cafe is perfect for a study session as soon as you get out of a lecture. I don’t know about you, but that’s always when I feel the most productive and I have to take advantage of that motivation before it vanishes! This cafe is one of the many on-campus cafes owned by Barisca Coffee Co., but it has to be the prettiest as it is surrounded by landscaped gardens for you to look out on as you study (or, maybe more accurately, to people-watch as you procrastinate studying). The cafe is rather small, but it is not especially busy so you shouldn’t struggle too much to find a place to sit. As the cafe is on the University of Exeter’s Streatham campus, the selection of coffees, teas and food on offer is rather cheap. They also have a loyalty program where you can get a free drink if you buy enough coffee from any Barisca Coffee Co. cafe! If that doesn’t motivate you to stick around on campus instead of going home to your bed, I don’t know what will.  Address: Streatham Dr, Exeter EX4 4QR As you can see from this article, Exeter has a wide range of coffee shops on offer. From big and small chains to cute independent cafes, Exeter has a coffee shop for every dietary need, taste and budget. Looking for great coffee shops in other cities? Why not check out our other articles about the best things to do in Exeter?

Last Updated on June 12, 2025

Published on December 2, 2024

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  • Hi, my name is Lili and I am currently studying for a Psychology degree! When I'm not studying, I love swimming, reading and writing.

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  • Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.

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