Judge Business School Café

The Judge Business School turned 25 in 2015, so in Cambridge years, that’s about..one? Regardless, celebrate with them in their café, a light, open space on the first floor of this colour explosion hidden away on Trumpington Street. The interior is a cross between Funky Funhouse and Hogwarts, with technicolor staircases criss-crossing from floor to floor and MBA students striding around clutching Macbooks. The entrepreneurial spirit will inspire you to power through your essay, and maybe even found a start-up, all in a day’s work.

ASNC Common Room

The cliché ‘you don’t have to be mad to work here, but it helps!’ really does apply to this department. Located on the top floor of the English Faculty, the ASNC common room is dominated by a huge table for spreading out all of your Norse mythology. The wall-to-wall glass windows on one side compliment the bookshelves on the other, and bright furniture lends the room a relaxed and eclectic feel. True to form, there are a couple of Viking helmets lying around, but the room can be used by anyone who wants to escape the sterile halls of the UL and embrace something a little bit different.

 

English Library, Newman’s Corner

The perfect place to relax and spend a few minutes – or hours – this alcove on the second floor of the English library is dedicated to the memory of Harry Newman Jr, 1921-2001. What is so special about this man, I hear you ask? Well, he re-founded a little known newspaper called Varsity – in his words “over a bottle of sherry in John’s”. Newman, we salute you. But we also strongly encourage you to head to this cosy spot: just make sure you don’t accidentally fall into a beanbag coma.

 

Fitzwilliam Museum

The chance to study sat underneath a Monet, Renoir or Signac is something quite special. Throughout the three floors of this neo-classical Cambridge icon, there are plush leather seats you can sink into for the day and gaze up at the nearly half a million artworks the museum holds. The high ceilings, polished floors and the gentle passing by of strangers create the perfect atmosphere for contemplative reading. There’s also a café on the bottom floor of the Museum, and even a dedicated reading room.

 

 

Hot Numbers

While not technically designed for studying, working in a coffee shop is one of the simplest pleasures of being a student.  The newly-opened Espresso bar opposite the Engineering Faculty features soft lighting, comfy window seats and wide tables to help you relax and maybe even start to enjoy Roman Law. Much more importantly though,  Hot Numbers really cares about its coffee, which is roasted and brewed in huge gleaming silver machines right in front of you. With happy-go-lucky acoustics and animated chatter rising and falling, it’s hard to be in a bad mood in this place.

 

Divinity Library

Choose between the entrance floor or higher mezzanine levels, either provide a calm but intensive working atmosphere. The circular architecture and glass ceilings provide plenty of light and a spacious atmosphere. This is the place to hammer out an essay efficiently. For those moments when you feel the sugar levels dropping, wait until the 4.30pm teatime and grab some biscuits or sweets at the front desk.

Afternoon Tease

Near Jesus College on King Street, this independent cafe is certainly off the beaten track and a hidden gem. If you’re partial to working in the hustle and bustle of a cafe, this is the one to go for. Wifi is available and it stays open until 6pm. Whilst there, make sure you try one of their Earl Grey tea cakes, the caffeine/sugar will keep you going through those dull essay moments.

Scott Polar Research Institute

With its huge glass dome and spacious working area, this place is perfect for those who like quiet, naturally lit spaces. It often feels like you are the only one in the library – that is, until it hits teatime at 10.30 and suddenly a whole host of librarians emerge from unknown orifices, only to disappear once more after feeding (you can even try to wangle yourself a leftover biscuit). If you ever need a break head to the Polar museum downstairs. Exhibits of Shackleton’s expedition are sure to inspire you, or at least make you feel guilty for not doing enough with your life. 

The Grad Café

This is normally a delightfully deserted spot on Granta Place where you can grab a table, a comfy armchair and stare out over the river dawdling by. There’s natural daylight, plug sockets, free WiFi and delicious smells constantly emanating from the kitchen – though you don’t need to buy anything to stay for the day. Venturing here as an undergrad may be the biggest act of defiance you’ve ever committed, but swallow back the fear and it’ll be worth it.

The Whipple Library & Museum

For History and Philosophy of Science students this may be a home from home, but most of us have stopped short of walking into the Whipple so far. The main library has computers, power sockets and wide tables close to the bookshelves for convenience if carrying heavy volumes, as well as private study desks. The intricate scientific instruments on display throughout give a powerful sense of history, and it’s definitely worth dipping into the Museum’s diverse exhibitions as a break.