Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. University of Exeter Forum Library – The Classic Choice
3. Exeter Central Library – Quiet and Off-Campus
4. Artigiano Café – Coffee and Concentration
5. The Glorious Art House – Colourful and Creative
6. Exeter Phoenix – A Cultural Spin on Studying
7. Exploding Bakery – Sweet Fuel for Your Brain
8. Or Stay In: Study Inn Walnut Gardens
9. Final Word
You’ve passed your exams. The UCAS page has refreshed, Clearing chaos is behind you, and now the reality of student life in Exeter is about to hit. You’ve got your accommodation sorted — maybe at Study Inn Walnut Gardens, right in the city centre — but here’s the catch: no matter how perfect your room is, you’ll eventually need a change of scenery.
Studying in your en-suite works until your flatmates start blasting music. The communal lounge is ideal until you realise you’ve been staring at the same walls for six hours. And then you’re left asking the question every student faces: where else can I work in Exeter that doesn’t drive me mad?
Good news. Exeter is full of places to study, from quiet libraries where you can vanish for hours to student-friendly cafés with strong coffee and better playlists than your flatmate’s Spotify. Here’s your complete guide to the best study spots in Exeter.
University of Exeter Forum Library – The Classic Choice
If you ask any Exeter student where to study, the first answer will be the Forum Library. It is the heart of campus, and for good reason. There are multiple floors, group study rooms, silent areas, and more power sockets than you could ever need.
This is the place you go when you need to block out the world. The silence is intense. Drop a pen and people will look at you like you’ve committed a crime. But sometimes that is exactly the level of discipline you need.
Why it works:
- Long opening hours that fit around late-night deadlines.
- Group and solo study spaces.
- Campus location makes it convenient between lectures.
Pro tip: In exam season, seats are gone by mid-morning. If you want the perfect spot, plan your arrival like a military operation.
Exeter Central Library – Quiet and Off-Campus
For those who want to escape the intensity of the university bubble, Exeter Central Library is a gem. Located a short walk from Study Inn Walnut Gardens, this library gives you the quiet focus of a study space without the stress of competing with half your course for a desk.
The atmosphere is calmer, less frantic, and ideal for long reading sessions. It’s also less of a social hotspot, which means fewer awkward encounters when you’re trying to avoid small talk.
Why it works:
- Perfect balance of quiet and accessible.
- Less crowded than the Forum.
- Close to the city centre and accommodation.
Artigiano Café – Coffee and Concentration
Some people cannot study without caffeine, and that is where Artigiano comes in. It’s one of the most popular student-friendly cafés in Exeter, with strong coffee, large tables, and an atmosphere that somehow makes you feel more productive just by sitting down.
It’s not library-level quiet, but the background buzz works for many students who find silence intimidating. If you’re the type who needs background noise and a steady flow of flat whites to keep going, this is the café for you.
Why it works:
- Student-friendly café with Wi-Fi and big tables.
- Great coffee and decent food options.
- Ideal balance of energy and focus.
The Glorious Art House – Colourful and Creative
Sometimes beige walls and silence kill productivity. That’s when The Glorious Art House steps in. This café is bright, bold, and buzzing with energy. Think colourful walls, quirky décor, and the kind of atmosphere that feels instantly creative.
It’s not the place for deep, silent revision, but it is perfect when you’re working on creative projects or just need inspiration. Even if you’re not 100 percent focused, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your next task.
Why it works:
- Inspiring atmosphere and colourful surroundings.
- Student-friendly café vibe.
- Great for creative work or breaking out of a study rut.
Exeter Phoenix – A Cultural Spin on Studying
Exeter Phoenix might not be the first place you think of when it comes to studying, but its café space is student-friendly and surprisingly good for working. It has a more relaxed, artsy feel compared to libraries, and it’s ideal for brainstorming projects, writing, or revising in a space that isn’t weighed down by academic pressure.
Why it works:
- Quieter than you expect, with a relaxed atmosphere.
- Close to other cultural events and activities.
- Good choice when you want a change of pace.
Exploding Bakery – Sweet Fuel for Your Brain
Exploding Bakery is small, indie, and known for brownies that could power you through an entire dissertation. Located near Exeter Central Station, it’s a student favourite for solo study sessions.
It doesn’t have huge amounts of space, so it’s not ideal for groups, but if you need two hours of focused solo work and a sugar hit to push through, this café is unbeatable.
Why it works:
- Independent café with a cult following.
- Perfect for solo study sessions.
- Excellent food that doubles as motivation.
Or Stay In: Study Inn Walnut Gardens
The truth is, some of the best study spots in Exeter are already built into your accommodation. At Study Inn Walnut Gardens, you get:
- Private en-suite rooms with desks and space to focus.
- Communal study lounges designed for group work or individual focus.
- High-speed Wi-Fi that doesn’t cut out during submissions.
- A supportive community of students around you.
Sometimes the best solution is right where you live. And with all bills included, you avoid the stress of unexpected costs or Wi-Fi arguments with flatmates.
Final Word
Exeter gives you plenty of options when it comes to studying. Whether you want the intense focus of the Forum Library, the calm atmosphere of Central Library, or the creative buzz of a student-friendly café, there’s a place that matches your mood and your workload.
The trick is to mix it up. Rotate between quiet libraries, lively cafés, and the comfort of your accommodation at Study Inn. That way, you stay motivated, avoid burnout, and make the most of what Exeter has to offer.Still looking for student accommodation in Exeter with bills included? Explore Study Inn Walnut Gardens, perfectly located near campus and the city’s best study spots.
