Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city; it’s an amazing place to live, full of exciting things to do and places to visit. But sadly, uni life can’t be all play and no work. It’s important to knuckle down and study from time to time, so you can get those top grades!
It can get boring working in the same old place, day after day, so we’ve uncovered some of the most unique places to study in Birmingham. You can revitalise your mind with a change of scenery, as well as discover the secret destinations this great city has to offer.
Saint Kitchen
One of the most charming areas of Birmingham is the Jewellery Quarter, based on the edge of the busy city centre. As you’d expect, there are countless independent jewellers, diamond shops and even a museum, but our favourite hidden-away spot is Saint Kitchen. This delightful, family-run cafe is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day working on your studies. It’s more laid-back than some of the more bustling coffee shops around, with cheerful staff who know exactly when to leave you alone, but are more than happy to have a chinwag when it’s time for a break.
Where to find it: 61a St Paul’s Square, B3 1QS
JuJu’s Cafe
Fancy something a little more scenic? Take a peaceful canalside walk towards Brindley Place until you stumble across JuJu’s Cafe. The outside tables are perfect for summer, and thankfully never get too busy on weekdays, so you’re guaranteed to get a great view over the water while you’re hard at work. It’s a wonderful little oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, and a great way to see the beautiful side of Brum.
Where to find it: Watermarque, Canal Square, 100 Browning St, Birmingham B16 8EH
Edwardian Tea Rooms
Sure, your university library does an adequate job but it’s unlikely to be the most inspiring place to get your head down to revise. Don’t worry, the Edwardian Tea Rooms, based in Birmingham Museum is one of the most awe-inducing places in the city. Full of opulent leather seats and Edwardian architecture, this is where you can sip a hot drink while daydreaming about being a celebrated academic at the start of the 20th century. Just don’t get too carried away, those essays won’t write themselves.
Where to find it: Museum & Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DH
Faculty
Now for the connoisseur's choice. Love your coffee, but love modern, trend-beating venues even more? Faculty is the perfect place to bury your head in your books, surrounded by the city’s brightest and most fashionable residents. This nonconformist cafe has the lot, from repurposed school desks to the specialist range of teas you won’t find anywhere else. A quick tip: turn up early to make sure you bag a table as Faculty tends to fill up fast.
Where to find it: 14 Piccadilly Arcade, B2 4HD