In a busy university city like Oxford, cute, comfortable and work-friendly coffee shops are a must for students who prefer to enjoy a coffee and a cake whilst studying and leave distractions at home.
As the start of autumn term approaches, third-year Oxford student Emily Harvey has compiled her list of laptop-friendly coffee shops that are perfect for a solo study session or a date with friends.
1. Pret A Manger- 26-27 Cornmarket St
With the popular Club Pret subscription as a handy money saver and a wide variety of open plan seating options available, Pret is the perfect place to spend a study session with friends surrounded by other likeminded students.
However, maybe don’t opt for this one in the midst of exam season as it can get quite busy.
2. Gulp Fiction – The Covered Market
Studying surrounded by books, yes please!
Gulp Fiction in covered market is both a bookshop and cafe where you can enjoy a book, alongside a warm drink, accompanied by a couple of friends.
They also host live music events and cocktail nights regularly. The best of both worlds.
3. Vaults & Garden – Located in the University Church of St Mary the Virgin
The Vaults & Garden is a top study spot in Oxford, especially in the summer months where you can enjoy sitting outside in the courtyard overlooking the Radcliffe Camera.
Well-known author R.F. Kuang said that the Vaults & Garden Cafe was an large inspiration of hers for her bestselling book ‘Babel’ as it was one of her favourite cafes in Oxford.
4. Common Ground - 37-38 Little Clarendon St, Oxford OX1 2HF
Common Ground Oxford is a cafe, community hub and workspace which offers ethically sourced coffee and provides a free workspace for students and local residents.
They have access to free Wi-Fi in a laid-back environment, with a variety of worktables, desk space and comfortable couches.
5. Joe & The Juice – Westgate Shopping Centre
Located on the bottom floor of Westgate, Joe & The Juice is a popular restaurant chain, offering healthy smoothies and juices, as well as the viral Tunacado sandwich.
This would be a perfect lunchtime study space to watch the world go by. One student claimed that Joe & The Juice in Oxford “singlehandedly saved my grades.”
6. Society Cafe - 12-16 St Michael's St
Apart from its delicious cakes and pastries, Society Cafe is a lovely place for students to study. A modern and stylish cafe, there is no shortage of plug sockets which means it is very laptop friendly.
Cosy and minimalistic, it is an ideal environment for a no distractions solo study session.
7. Waterstones Cafe - William Baker House, Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AF
On the second floor of Waterstones is the cafe, which overlooks the edge of Broad Street and Cornmarket Street. It is a bright and airy space, filled with natural light from the floor length windows.
As they serve big mugs of hot chocolate, this would be a perfect space for a cold, wintery revision day.
8. Mostro Coffee – Inside the Truck Store in Cowley Road
If you are looking for a quieter cafe, which is typically less crowded as not based in the city centre – Mostro Cafe is the one for you.
Located inside the Truck Store, an independent music shops selling CD’s and vinyl’s - Mostro has a warm and relaxing atmosphere.
Full length windows allow lots of natural light to flood through the cafe, keeping you awake if its final exam season.
9. Coffeesmith - 14-15 Golden Cross
Coffeesmith really is a hidden gem, tucked away beside Covered Market. This quaint little coffee shop not only serves freshly baked cakes every single day, but they also provide a warm and cosy environment to start planning upcoming assignments.
10. Benugo - Weston Library, Broad St
In the beautiful atrium of the Weston Library at Oxford University, the Bodleian Cafe is located near the exhibition galleries and offers a wide selection of food, including cakes, pastries and hot drinks.
Similarly to Joe & The Juice, this would be an ideal lunchtime study space for an afternoon of essays.
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