Norwich's Best Student-Friendly Cafés

About the author: Hiya, I’m Tabitha Woolcott! I’m originally from Brighton but currently live in Norwich, where I’m studying American Literature with Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. I’m a big old book nerd, a radio DJ at UEA’s student station, and fashion fanatic who can’t resist a charity shop.

Exam season is hitting hard right now, and I’m sure I’m not the only student who feels locked to my laptop! If you’re also bored of the sight of your desk, perhaps it’s time to head to a café – you can refuel and reset with a beverage or a bake, invite friends for some ever-important social time, or continue your cramming session in a fresher space.

Norwich is practically famous for its independent cafés, which can make it pretty hard to settle on a study spot. I’ve narrowed down some of the best student-friendly coffee shops in Norwich and organised them by their stand-out strengths to make your decision a piece of cake!

Norwich’s best coffee ☕️

Maybe you consider yourself a coffee snob. Maybe you just really, really need caffeine. Whatever the case, you can’t go wrong with Strangers Coffee, Norwich’s most beloved independent coffee brand since 2009 (yes, you can buy their beans wholesale!). Their three locations include a small coffee house on Pottergate in the city centre, where you’ll find chill, minimal vibes and a simple but excellent menu. If you’re interested in sampling some of their high-quality java on the go, they have a takeaway-only roastery just around the corner on Dove Street.

Kofra is another locally-owned roastery, and its flagship location on Upper St. Giles Street is a must-visit. Functionally a deli (offering a variety of natural wines and tasteful gifts for your favourite foodie) this dark, elevated space feels like it stepped off the streets of Soho. They have a strict no-laptop rule, but let’s be honest – you’re there for the vibes, the artisanal coffee, and their seasonal bakes, which easily rank among the best pastries in Norwich. If you don’t fancy trekking into the city centre, you can also get your Kofra fix at their Onley Street location (on the student-house hub of Unthank Road) or on Bell Road in NR3.

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The best matcha in Norwich 🍵

No springtime study session is complete without matcha. I’m not really a matcha girl, but these cafés in Norwich are definitely winning me over…

A newcomer to the vibrant Norwich Lanes, Billy’s Coffee House has a gorgeous pink shopfront, the friendliest vibe, and a menu of multi-coloured matcha flavoured with their house-made syrups. I have to recommend their mango coconut special – so tropical, so refreshing, so perfect for upholding my delusion that it’s already summer. They don’t have much space for sitting inside, so I’d advise getting something to go and chilling on the grass outside St. Gregory’s church: conveniently, Billy’s also offer all their fresh beverages in highly-Instagrammable cans! By the way, Billy is a dog. An ADORABLE dog.

If you’re located near Earlham Road, or are looking for somewhere a little more down-to-earth to linger with your laptop, check out Mitre. Located in a converted 19th-century pub, this co-working space offers specialty coffee and matcha, which hits different when sipped in their mellow, magazine-worthy Scandi-chic interior. Mitre is very student-friendly, offering discounted food and drinks, and makes the perfect, peaceful spot for a longer study session.

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The best food in Norwich 🥐

Get yourself some proper study fuel at Cafe No33. Named one of Britain’s top 50 breakfast spots by Mail Online and Norwich’s favourite cafés by Norwich Evening News, this local legend draws daily lines to its outposts at Exchange Street and Chapelfield Gardens. Comfy vibes? Check. Respectable coffee menu? Check. Enormous, nationally-ranked fry-up for under £15 – plus biscoff French toast, healthy Mediterranean bowls, and a full vegan menu? Check! I want to climb their smoked salmon Benedict like a mountain. Every minute of every day. Take out-of-town visitors, or just treat yourself: it’s seriously worth it.

However, my all-time favourite Norwich café for food is Shako Mako, another Lanes newcomer. It’s the definition of cosy inside, complete with a brick fireplace, and offers an extensive menu of Iraqi food and drinks (with plenty of gluten-free options, which made my mum very happy!). Sip a pistachio hot chocolate for just £4, or split a big pot of their beloved Bedouin coffee over brunch classics with a gorgeous Middle Eastern spin. I recommend their lunch meal deal, which lets you add a drink and crisps for a £3 supplement to your choice of their stuffed laffa sandwiches, oozing with house-made garlic sauce. Do NOT miss the pastries – especially the tahini brownies and date-stuffed kleicha!

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Norwich's best study spots 🕯️

Got a tight deadline? Sometimes we just need a place to sit and cram. I’m partial to longer stays at Bread Source, which opens until 6pm and keeps me within arm’s reach of some of Britain’s best artisan bakes. Their location at the Refectory at Norwich Cathedral has a certain epic vibe which definitely activates my brain’s focus setting!

My flatmate’s favourite studying-friendly café is the Merchant’s House on Magdalen Street, a beautiful old building overlooking the river, which stays open until 11pm. With plug sockets, tons of seating (including a courtyard) and free blankets, you’re welcome to sit for as long as you need – and if you’re finished by the evening, you can catch some artsy live music or unwind with a quiz.

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Find student accommodation in Norwich

Now you just need the perfect student house to enjoy any leftover pastries in! UniHomes makes house hunting easy – you can filter their listings by price, area and size, and discover houses tailored to your taste from letting agents across Norwich. Find a flat in the Golden Triangle and make matchas at Mitre a part of your routine, or snag a house in the city centre, where you’re never far away from a student-friendly café!

Our UniHomes Content Ambassadors are current students across the UK who share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. If you're interested in writing for our programme, click here for more details.

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.