Unofficial study spaces

University of Leeds
5 min readAug 18, 2022

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You’ll already have checked out our study spaces on campus. However, sometimes you might be in the mood for something, well….a little more informal. You might be someone who works better when there are people around. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Here are some of our alternative spots indoors and outdoors, often where you can plug in your laptop, grab a warming drink and have some quiet time studying. Grab your bag and follow us to your new favourite workspaces.

The Edit Room

Situated on the ground floor of the Edward Boyle Library, The Edit Room is a perfect place to take an hour or two of quiet study time. It’s got loads of plug and USB sockets so you can settle down for a bit without worrying you’ll run out of power. It’s not just a great place for keeping your laptop powered up — you can refuel yourself too as The Edit Room is a popular café serving delicious food and hot drinks. Of course, there is no need to book, just turn up with your laptop.

Discover more about The Edit Room.

Recharge at The Edit Room

If you want to get some air, outside of The Edit Room are benches where you can typically get wifi! (Sadly, the bright coloured seating on the pic below is there no more, but the new ones have much more room around them.) Make sure to wrap up warm in the winter — or get a coffee to wrap your hands around on cold days.

Sitting spaces outside the Edward Boyle library — wifi, nearby coffee, fresh air.

LOMA

LOMA is another Great Food at Leeds café located on level 9 of the Worsley building. Come and enjoy a relaxed study space with food and drink available. You’ll always be at your most productive!

Discover more about LOMA Café.

Parkinson Court cafe

At the far end of Parkinson Court, closer to the Chemistry Building, you’ll find a little Costa Coffee and more spaces to sit and work. You’ll already know about the study space elsewhere in this building, but the cafe is perfect for grabbing yourself a quick drink and settling down to work in the iconic Parkinson Building.

Find out more about Parkinson Court Café.

Caffe Nero at Business School

You might already know this place if you’re a regular visitor to the Business School or Law School. Again, with opportunities to charge your devices and wifi, plus warming drinks and food, could this be your new go-to place for some studying on campus?

Caffe Nero at Business School, Western campus

Common Ground

Common Ground is a chic and busy spot in the Union where you can usually find a seat. There are some comfy chairs at the far end if you need a study break. Why not check out their varied menu too? Free wifi, frequently quiet, but never empty, this is an excellent place to get work done when it suits you.

Find out more about Common Ground.

The precinct

If you want some fresh air and a change of scenery while you are working, try the Union Precinct. There are benches along from the School of Psychology down to the Old Bar. You’ll probably get wifi, and on a sunny day, there are plenty of opportunities to take a break and watch the world go by.

Find a spot right in the heart of campus in the Union precinct

Caffe Nero — Laidlaw library

Tucked away next to the Woodhouse Lane entrance to the Laidlaw library is Caffe Nero — it’s a nice spot to do a bit of work — there are plenty of people-watching opportunities both inside or through its full-height windows overlooking the road if you need a break too!

Find out more about Caffe Nero in the Laidlaw Library.

Cafe Nero in the Laidlaw library

Chancellors Court

Chancellors Court is the grass area located near the Sustainable Garden. There are benches where you can sit and be immersed in nature while you work. Depending on where you are, there may be wifi. Be warned — you may be distracted as it’s not just students who enjoy studying — it’s a favourite spot for the University rabbits to hop by.

Share your outside study space with rabbits — at Chancellor’s court.

The Waterside cafe

Where else would the Waterside cafe be, if not next to the Roger Stevens pond? There’s usually a lot of space to hole up and catch up on reading or online learning. Depending on what time of year you’re studying, there may be an odd duck or two (or whole family if you’re lucky) gliding about on the serene waters, perfect for watching during a well-deserved screen break.

Find out more about Caffe Nero at Roger Stevens.

Take some time to treat yourself to a warming drink and settle for a bit of quiet study.

Visit Great Food at Leeds to find out opening times for their cafés and visit Leeds University Union for the latest information.

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