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.
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.
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.
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.