As term has just started, it’s important to nail down your favourite study spots. These spaces will become your second home during term time, and they often become the place where all your friends will gather during the day. There’s so much choice, on and off campus, that you should check out. If you’re unsure where to start, look no further than this guide to the best study spots in Exeter.
Queen’s Café
This on-campus study space became my second home in my final year. Located in the languages building, Queens, this study spot has an excellent coffee selection, plenty of tables with plug sockets, and is right in the middle of campus. My favourite autumn drink from the café was a cinnamon bun latte, which was as delicious as it sounds. It has plenty of big tables for all your friends to gather around.
Amory Silent Study
If you really need to lock in and get those readings done, head to the Amory Silent Study on campus. Conveniently located at the bottom of Forum Hill, this silent study is the perfect place for concentrated study. There’s a café close by, and the desks are separated into little cubicles, so you can’t get distracted by your neighbour. Unsurprisingly, it is not the best place to congregate with your friends, but when you all have an essay due imminently, the Amory Silent Study will become your best friend.
Forum Library
It’s a bit basic, but it had to have a mention. This library in the centre of campus is separated into three sections: a floor for chatty groupwork, a floor for quiet study, and a floor for silent study. You’ll find it’s the place people head to between classes, to bump into friends and do their readings. Located directly opposite the Pret and the Marketplace, you’ll practically live here during exam season.
St Luke’s Library
The sport / health campus on Heavitree Road is very pretty, with a recently refurbished library. You can choose your floor based on how chatty you want it to be (much like the Forum Library). With all the sciencey books you may need, plenty of tables with charging points, and vending machines, this modern library has it all.
Cross Keys Café
Also on St Luke’s campus, Cross Keys is arguably the superior Exeter campus café. Unsurprisingly, it is slightly noisier than the library, but it does make the perfect study spot with friends. My go-to order was an oat flat white with a cookie dough brownie (!!!). There’s a mixture of sofas, big tables for all your friends, and smaller tables, and plenty of plugs dotted around. You don’t have to be a St Luke’s student to study here or at the library, just make sure to bring your Exeter student card.
Devon and Exeter Institute
Whilst the libraries on campus are modern, they’re not the most beautiful. However, the Devon and Exeter Institute located near the Cathedral in the city centre will fill that void. This historic and galleried library boasts a unique book selection, with lots of painting, portraits, and bits of history everywhere. Membership is free if you’re a university student, and you can sign up via their website.
The Undergrad
This café is many Exeter students’ favourite study spot. It’s in town, but located right next to some off-campus student accommodation. You’ll often find students crowded around tables, writing essays. The coffee and matcha selection is unmatched and good wifi. It’s a good place to meet with your friends to study somewhere.
Sunset Society
My personal favourite study spot is the Sunset Society. Located near a big student housing area on Old Tiverton Road, this café is the best place to meet up with your friends, whilst you do your readings. This café can fill up really quickly, so try to time it well. They do incredible french toast, which is my go to.
Waterstones Café
The best place to study is surrounded by books. The Waterstones Café on the high street is the place to head to for a study session. They have good WiFi, good cake, and good coffee. It can fill up quite quickly, particularly around lunchtime, so try to time your visit well. I practically paid their light bill during my second year, that’s how much I liked it there.
There are so many good study spots in Exeter, on and off campus. Make sure to bring your student card as some libraries will require them, and also at some cafés it will give you a student discount!
Hi, I’m Rachel! I’m a French and International Relations student at the University of Exeter. When I’m not studying, I’m usually reading a good fiction book or listening to pop culture podcasts! Or, you’ll find me reading the guests’ essays from the New York Times.