Whether you’re in need of a change of scenery, or are struggling to book a space in the University Main Library, you may want to consider other options for study spaces. Here’s our round up of hidden study space gems across the campus and the city. From independent cafes to atmospheric libraries, there really is something for everyone.
Quiet spots
If you prefer a quieter atmosphere while you work, head to one of Manchester’s scenic libraries. If you haven’t ventured to Central Library yet, it’s a must! Alternatively, for something a little closer to home on days when you’ve slept through your alarm, try either one of the libraries in Didsbury or Withington.
- Central Library – Monday to Thursday 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday 9am to 5pm.
- Didsbury Library – Monday and Tuesday 9am to 8pm, Thursday to Saturday 9am to 5pm
- Withington Library – Monday and Wednesday 9am to 8pm, Tuesday 1pm to 8pm, Friday and Saturday 9am to 5pm
- You can visit the Manchester Council website to find more library spaces opening this week.
On campus
The Main Library isn’t the only study spot on campus! There are countless other options available to students that you may not have even heard of:
- Art and Archaeology Library, Mansfield Cooper Building – Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
- Stopford Library – Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
- Whitworth Park and The Whitworth Art Gallery cafe – if you enjoy studying outdoors, visit one of Manchester’s most scenic green spaces. Even from the café, you can feel surrounded by nature as you work. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10-5pm, til 9pm on Thursdays.
- Alliance Manchester Business School study spaces are now open to all students – Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 4pm.
- Additional study space is available at Prospect House, Booth Street East from 3 to 27 January 2023, 8am to 8pm.
- You can also access study spaces in student residences on a first come first serve basis.
Remember spaces in Library sites must be booked in advance.
Cafés around the city
Go and grab a coffee and cake to help boost your study power! Here are just a handful of student favourites around the city:
- Chapter One Books, NQ – the large desk areas that hug each wall are perfect for students to work at!
- Fuel, Withington – this is the perfect spot for group work and serves up some of the best veggie and vegan food in the city on a student budget!
- The Pen and Pencil, NQ – A great relaxed option! There are also plenty of plug points and food is served all day if you get peckish.
- Foundation Coffee House, various locations – The large open space and fast WiFi is also a bonus.
- The Art of Tea, Didbsury – the attached bookshop makes this the perfect environment for studying.
- Milk and Honey Café – the café and foyer can be a great place to work near campus and on Wednesdays they even have dedicated study sessions 3:30-6:30pm.
City spaces
The city doesn’t just have cafe’s to offer! If you’d prefer to study in a quieter environment that doesn’t feel as formal as a library, try one of the following work spaces:
- HOME ground floor – this study space is often forgotten about by students but is well worth a visit!
- Manchester Art Gallery cafe and outdoor seating on the Mosley Street terrace – this is the perfect place to work if you fancy having a mooch around the gallery on your study break.
- Colony – if you’re in desperate need of somewhere to go to really focus, you can book a day pass at Colony.
Keep up to date with available study spaces on campus from the Library’s assessment support page.