The best places to study in Newcastle when you’re bored of the library

Whether you’re a fresher, nearing graduation, or somewhere in between, you’ll inevitably end up in the uni library at some point this year.

For those with healthy attention spans, cramming in that assignment before the 4pm deadline can easily be done in bed. For the rest of us, the nagging impulse to check every notification that pops up on your home screen is just too intense. You try to put it away, but in the blink of an eye you’re already scrolling through stories on Instagram.

The library forces us to concentrate, although the uni building vibes can get a bit jarring after a while. But fear not, there are plenty of study spots in and around Newcastle, where you’ll be able to get a little work done whilst enjoying whatever vibe you’re feeling.

The Cat Cafés

Inside CatPawCino

There are actually two cat cafés in Newcastle: CatPawCino on the Quayside, and Mog on the Tyne further into the city centre. Due to the nature of them, the cafés are relaxed to keep the cats calm, with relaxed, ambient music usually playing.

This is the perfect for taking your laptop or notes with you and trying to get an hour of studying in, whilst being surrounded by sweet company.

Café Nero

There are currently four of these in the Toon, and another in Jesmond too, so you’re quite spoiled for choice with Café Nero.

The café’s soft lighting, bookcases and fancy furniture definitely make it a great place to go and study with a coffee or hot chocolate – which will be particularly comforting during the winter months.

The Baltic

The Baltic, from the Millennium bridge

Just across the millennium bridge on the Quayside, the Baltic is a huge art gallery housed in a former flour mill.

It’s free entry, and has a few study spots dotted around the building, including a small library. You can even see which exhibitions are currently on display while there.

Ouseburn

The Ouse

Just besides the Quayside and Shieldfield, Ouseburn is a calm area, less rowdy than being right in the centre.

As well as being home to a couple of pubs, cafés, ice cream shops, and even a farm, Ouseburn also has plenty of open space along the river and further into the woodland where you can sit and enjoy some sunlight when studying (weather permitting).

The Lit & Phil

If you’re just bored of the uni library and fancy going to a different one, the Lit & Phil. Just a couple of minutes away from Central Station, is also free and open to everyone.

The library opened in 1825 and is pretty impressive inside, feeling simultaneously like a museum (one for the history students). Despite being very old, the atmosphere is still fairly relaxed, so you can take a drink and won’t be shushed for talking too much.

Starbucks

Considering its popularity, it seemed wrong not to include Starbucks, as you’ll rarely walk into a lecture without seeing at least a dozen Starbucks cups dotted around next to people, not least the sound of ice swishing around as someone tries to drain the last of their iced coffee. Why not go and sit in?