2023 — Discover the Top 3 Student Study Spots in North West England

5 min readNov 3, 2023

A useful list of popular and go-to study spots for university students in North West England. Brief descriptions of each place and images included.

All the places listed below are free for entry and do not require paying to visit.

Lancaster University

1. The Learning Zone

People sitting on red chairs inside The Learning Zone building. The indoor space has rounded sofa-like chairs with a table in the middle as well. — Image Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/8FSUPKGuqzPM7H618

In the middle of the campus, it’s designed for both group projects and independent study, Also, it allows you to reserve private pods.

Open Location in Google Maps: Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YW

2. LEC Atrium & Garden

Chairs and tables with flowery pods near them and glassy windows on all four sides of the LEC Atrium & Garden. — Image Source: https://www.wilsonmason.co.uk/education/lec-atrium/

It is located in the Lancaster Environment Centre buildings, it has a newly refurbished atrium, which makes it a great spot for a more relaxed and social study space.

Open Location in Google Maps: University, Library Ave, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YQ

3. Cartmel College — Barker House Farm

People playing pool tables and sitting on sofas with drinks on the table surrounded by brick-style walls. — Image Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/8THoe3cFjcHConen9

Perfect place to play some games, hold an informal meeting, and socialise whilst cracking on with your assignments.

Open Location in Google Maps: Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 4YW

University of Manchester

1. The Science and Industry Museum Café

Tables and stools placed in rows with hanging lights above. — Image Source: https://laptopfriendly.co/manchester/warehouse-cafe-science-and-industry-museum

There are always special offers for drinks and snacks making it a nice place to study undisturbed either by yourself or with others; you can bring your own food as well. Additionally, if you’re wanting for a quick break and wonder, you can explore exhibitions free of charge and there are also picnic areas signposted so you can find them quickly.

Open Location in Google Maps: Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4JP

2. Whitworth Café

A very green space with the café on the right. The café has floor-to-ceiling windows on all four sides. — Image Source: https://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/visit/foodanddrink/

A place with beautiful views and greenery, seasonal produce run by the University’s hospitality team. It is definitely a very spacious area with plenty of spaces to sit down, have a coffee or hot chocolate, and get studying.

Open Location in Google Maps: Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER

3. John Rylands Library

A neo-Gothic style library. Upstairs with a hallway and arched walls and pillars. On the right side, a book-case of rare books and a wooden table on the bottom right with two chairs. — Image Source: https://www.countrylife.co.uk/architecture/the-john-rylands-library-how-one-of-britains-great-libraries-was-created-by-a-forward-thinking-widow-222474

This place was opened to the public in 1900 and is a cosy and quiet environment for studying whilst surrounded by rare books, manuscripts, and archives.

Open Location in Google Maps: 150 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH

Edge Hill University

1. The Catalyst

Various furniture and tables on the left with bookcases in rows in the far back. On the right, a spacious area for stairs where you can look up or down to other floors. — Image Source: https://www.nomad-rdc.com/Edge-Hill-University

Situated at the heart of the campus at Edge Hill University. This 24/7 access library is definitely the go-to place for studying either by yourself or in a group. It has four different floors with the top floor being silent study and the ground floor for more relaxed and social studying. You’re surrounded by many books from different subjects that you can read through and it has a café at the ground floor for a quick cuppa. Lastly, you’ve got the option for comfy furniture and booking private rooms.

Open Location in Google Maps: Stanley, Ormskirk L39 4PZ

2. Starbucks

Comfy sofa chairs with small coffee tables with people sitting and having coffee. — Image Source: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipM93WYsLnKooN6ebMeu5IU2HEzKQ8UdnX-QwsMX=s680-w680-h510

Another go-to place for studying, especially for those who love their Starbucks. A good environment with cosy furniture to focus on your assignments; especially good for students who love to have background noise whilst studying. Lastly, the place has both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Open Location in Google Maps: 10 Moor St, Ormskirk L39 2AQ

3. Costa

Starbucks not your thing? Well Costa is right around the corner with cosy furniture as well. Here you can also sit either inside or outside to focus on your assignments.

Open Location in Google Maps: 1, 1A Aughton St, Ormskirk L39 3BH

University of Liverpool

1. Central Library

A top-down shot of the library. Bookcases positioned in an oval in the far back with many books. A large light stand in the middle of the room and large tables at the bottom with a few students studying. — Image Source: https://englandrover.com/listing/liverpool-central-library/

A wide collection of books and tables that can accommodate a large group. It has a coffee shop and plenty of study spaces across two floors.

Open Location in Google Maps: William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EW

2. Leaf

Long tables in rows with chairs tucked in and a green plant plot on top of the table. The ceiling has hanging ball-shaped lights. — Image Source: https://www.creativetourist.com/venue/leaf-on-bold-street/

It is situated inside an art building with cheap coffee and large menu. It has plenty of tables to setup your study environment but don’t go over the weekend as it might get quite busy and noisy.

Open Location in Google Maps: 65–67 Bold St, Liverpool L1 4EZ

3. 92 Degrees

Tables and chairs and a fancy sofa on the side. People sitting and drinking coffee. — Image Source: https://www.creativetourist.com/venue/92-degrees-coffee/

An original roastery and coffee shop. They also have a loyalty program like Starbucks and Costa. A place loved by many and popular amongst students to sit and study whilst enjoying their brew.

Open Location in Google Maps: 24 Hardman St, Liverpool L1 9AX

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