As students we spend a lot of time in front of our computer, reading essays, annotating books and generally doing very little other than working. This doesn’t mean you can’t make a fun day out of it and take this opportunity to explore Exeter along the way. There are plenty of coffee shops and hidden gems around Exeter and here are some of my personal favourites.
The Undergrad
Don’t let the name fool you, postgrads are also welcome here. There are plenty of tables to sit at and a delicious assortment of snacks and coffee to choose from. The only con it has is that there are not that many plugs around the table. There is a high-top counter that does have plugs so if you want to charge your laptop you will have to either move or leave it there. The moral of the story is: charge your laptop if you are going to go.
The Exeter Library
With both a quiet floor and café, the Exeter library is the best of both worlds. If you like the background noise of chatter and coffee making or if you need absolute silence, this is the place for you. There is a mix of both individual and group tables. Their coffee might be competing with Starbucks prices for the most expensive spot, but it is worth it for the size. There is also a selection of cakes and snacks for those long tedious days during deadline season, and it is only a two minute walk away from High Street. With big windows and surrounded by nature, working in the Library is a relaxing and motivating experience.
Waterstones
If you manage to snag a seat at the Waterstones on High Street, make sure to keep it because it is one of the most pleasant environments to work in. Affordable coffee, comfortable seating areas and a beautiful view of bookshelves upon bookshelves to motivate you. Just make sure you’re not on a book buying ban when you go in.
They have now introduced a policy whereby you can only sit and have your laptop out on specific tabled designated for this purpose. This does limit the space available for working so you are better off waking up early and getting a productive start to your day to guarantee a seat. The perfect motivation for a day full of productivity.
Crankhouse coffee
Arguably one of the cutest places to work in. Located on Fore Street, this little coffee shop has it all, even their own coffee brand. The coffee shop works as both a retail place and a roastery where they make their own coffee. Their coffee is ethically sourced and constantly changing to allow for a plethora of different flavours and intensities to be served and purchased at their physical location as well as online.
It is a small coffee shop but provides the cozy vibes one is looking for when they are feeling overwhelmed by work. There are a few tables and sofas for a relaxed working environment, and they also have a selection of pastries (vegetarian and vegan options are offered depending on the dish) and their coffee will surely keep you nice and warm as you plough through that mountain of work you know you left until the last minute.
Glorious Art House
Probably the most aesthetically pleasing place to study in. Don’t let this little café fool you, there is plenty of room to study on their second floor. If you are looking for a more relaxed study day you can sit outside in their terrace with a nice drink and one of their delicious pastries. Colourful, vibrant and full of nature, this spot is what dreams are made of. You are guaranteed to stay in a good mood even on the gloomiest of days.