These are our top 10 best places to study in Cardiff

A guide for those who don’t get the luxury of reading week

6 months ago | UPDATED 6 months ago

It’s reading week, and although some students have gone home, some don’t get the privilege.

Instead, many students will be flocking to the many libraries and coffee shops strewn over the city with their triple shot lattes and MacBooks as they prepare for their essays and assessments. Not sure where to study? Don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best spots to work here in Cardiff.

Bricks N Mortar (Brodies Coffee Co)

For the unfortunate first years trapped in the Talybont Halls, Bricks N Mortar is the most convenient coffee shop to study in.

The interior is cosy and the lighting is nice and bright to keep you from falling asleep on your laptop as you catch up on your lecture notes. The music choice is top tier, (lots of Taylor Swift, which is a big yes from us). If you get bored, you can also sit and watch the trails of students hiking to and from Taly out the front window which opts for quite interesting viewing.

One thing to note though is it’s quite small, so if you’re planning on an all day study session you may want to get there early to bag a seat.

Wetherspoons

We know it’s not exactly the most aesthetic place to work as you sit amongst the day drinkers and mothers’ meetings, but Spoons is actually a hidden gem when it comes to study spots.

First and foremost, it’s cheap. Secondly, the beauty of the app means you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your chair when you want to quench your thirst with a cheeky diet coke. Their food menu is also extensive and their small plates are the perfect mid essay snack. The final icing on the cake? The free Wi-Fi.

Judge all you like, but we think Wetherspoons is good for more than just a night out.

Barker Coffee House

If you want to fuel your inner dark academic, Barker Coffee House is the ultimate place.

Nestled away in the stunning Castle Arcade, the interior is extremely boujee and makes you feel like you’ve just stepped foot into a vintage, Parisian cafe. Although it is slightly on the pricey side, the drinks are amazing (the Nutella hot chocolate is an absolute must) and the food is delicious.

If you’ve still got some of your student loan left, it’s definitely worth treating yourself to a study trip here.

Big Moose Coffee Co

If you want to make a difference with your latte purchase, the Big Moose Coffee Co is an amazing, ethical option.

Their profits go towards helping the homeless get back into work and society and they train and provide jobs to disadvantaged individuals in their city centre cafe.

Their brunch menu offers lots of delicious options as well as an extensive drinks list and the cafe is nice and quiet which makes it the perfect place to study.

SU Lounge

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Students’ Union.

With its recent swishy refurbishments, the study lounge is equipped with the coolest seating including swinging chairs, comfy sofas and even bike desks for those looking to kill two birds with one stone and work on their summer bods while they write their essay.

The table service function on the SU app also means Starbucks iced lattes and the famous Taf loaded fries can be delivered straight to your table. If you’re strapped for cash this term, there’s a free hot drink facility and a microwave available so you can bring your own lunch. There’s even a ping pong table to hand if you need an essay break.

Science Library

If you prefer to work somewhere more formal, the main building’s your guy.

Situated on the top floor, the science library is an extremely fancy study spot. It’s also silent, so if you aren’t a fan of the hustle and bustle of coffee shops then this may be the place for you.

There’s also a plethora of charger ports and private study desks which is another big pro.

Pret

If you’re looking to put in a proper shift, Pret may be the best option for you.

They currently offer monthly subscriptions which consist of FIVE free drinks a day, including both hot and cold options. Fuelling you with an endless supply of hot chocolates and iced coffees, Pret is a great option to push you through your dissertation writing.

Coffi Clwb

If you’re studying in town, Coffi Clwb is a great local and independent option situated by the Central Square train station.

Their drinks are cheap, they offer free Wi-Fi, have plenty of seating with tables and lots of extension plugs. What more can you ask for?

As it’s tucked away in the centre of the city, it’s also usually really quiet which makes it a great place to crack on with some work.

The Plan Cafe

Another slightly upmarket option, The Plan is a boujee, gourmet cafe based in the centre of the beautiful Morgan Arcade.

It’s definitely worth the trek into town to check out this place as its cosy, rustic interior wraps you up in a warm blanket and keeps you motivated as you trudge through your essay.

They also serve a Bailey’s hot chocolate if things get tough this exam season.