Whether you’re in the middle of deadline season or prepping for your weekly seminars, November is really when uni starts to become university. The library and your bedroom can be good places to study, but soon enough you tire of trying to find a space on D floor of George Green or staring at the pictures on your walls of your summer fun. A café is a great way to spice up your study schedule, after all, having a little reward while doing your work is always a nice incentive to get out of the house. If you’re someone who likes a bit of background noise whilst getting your head down, a café is a perfect place for you! So, here are some great spots around Notts. Maybe you’ll even find your new favourite study space!
Waterstones Café
I have to start with the place I go to the most. I only discovered this gem earlier this year and it is now one of my favourite cafes to study in. It’s one of the best places to study and I frequently find myself getting the last free table, so I am not alone in thinking it. The drinks are great, the atmosphere is perfect and it’s full of fellow workers. It’s also a nice bonus to have a little browse at the books every now and then. If you can nab a spot by the window, it has the perfect view of Nottingham city centre and feels very cosy in the winter season, ready to read some articles or start your seminar prep. Grab yourself an oat chai latte to fit with the vibes of the cold days and dark nights.
Trent Café
Think of Trent Cafe as Portland Coffee’s older, quieter, and cheaper sister. You may wonder why isn’t Portland on this list, and it is simply because this cafe does everything Portland does but better. The drinks are of the same quality and at least £1 cheaper and it is much quieter than Portland as it is less of a catch-up destination. If you get a seat in one of the cosy booths at the back, you’re one of the lucky ones but anywhere in there is a great place to get your head down and study. The one drawback is the fact it shuts at 4 pm which is early but maybe a motivational reason to get up earlier! Order the iced oat mocha for the perfect chocolate drink (yes even in winter).
200 Degrees Coffee
This is a classic study spot that does not disappoint. There are three of these around Nottingham, but my personal favourite is the one in Old Market Square. The place feels like you’re stepping back in time and is a perfect cosy spot for the colder months with it feeling quite toasty inside. The spaces at the back are my personal favourite, but it’s such a big space that you’re normally guaranteed to get a seat and it feels nice pretty much anywhere you sit, with quiet space for some serious study. Get the classic latte or cappuccino as the coffee here is lovely, maybe even treat yourself to one of their cakes if you’re feeling fancy.
Avocafe
Everyone almost rolls their eyes when you say you’re going to study here but you’ve just got to pick your time to come. No weekends and no Thursday mornings because it probably won’t be helpful to hear about Sarah’s night with Brian whilst writing a 3000-word essay on Shakespeare. I have spent many a time cramming in an essay here and plan to spend many more. If you can grab a booth, you’re quite lucky but as a solo studier, the small tables are perfect. The only downfall is it’s a bit expensive but sack off the food and get yourself a green juice or, my personal favourite, an energy booster which is basically a banana smoothie with a shot of coffee (yum).
Costa (specifically on Jubilee Campus)
Now I know there are a lot of Starbucks’ and Costa’s’ around Nottingham and although their drinks are decent, I am not a massive fan of the atmosphere. However, the one on Jubilee Campus feels different. The ones in town are normally noisy and busy with children but this one is full of students studying, which is perfect, although maybe avoid Wednesdays because sports teams gather here pre/post-match (#greenandgold). It is open until 7 pm which is fabulous if you’re a cafe goer as there are not many that stay open that late. Sit on the booth side of the 2-seaters and get settled for a good study session. Order a hot chocolate which is made even better in the Christmas season with a Terry’s Chocolate Orange version up for grabs.
There are loads of other amazing cafes around Nottingham, I would recommend trying a few out before deciding which is your favourite. Just hope someday they bring a Gails to Nottingham too…