The Best Study Spaces in Birmingham

About the author: Hi! My name is Ash Sutton, and I am a Digital Media and Communications student at the University of Birmingham. I am an aspiring lifestyle, arts and culture journalist and all-around geek. In the times I’m not spending an absurd amount of money in restaurants, you can usually find me tucked in the corner of my bedroom with a coffee and my latest cross-stitch kit, rewatching a Marvel movie or listening to Broadway soundtracks until I am sick of them.

The academic year has begun and already assignments haunt every student in the country. One of the biggest struggles when it comes to assignment season is finding the right place to lock in when your bedroom desk isn’t quite cutting it; what with trying to balance background noise, crowd issues, and having enough lighting so you can actually see your laptop screen, there are so many factors that create the perfect workplace. Birmingham has a great selection of study spaces that suit just about every student, so here’s a short guide.

Top Study Spaces in Birmingham

Birmingham City Library

One of Birmingham’s infamous landmarks doubles as a great place to study. The 10-floor building has dedicated space on the second floor for members of the public to set up and get on with work. There’s a public space with a bunch of tables, though the library also has bookable private rooms if you prefer the quiet solitude. There are vending machines dotted around the library to stock up on snacks, but the library is also a short walk away from the ICC which contains a Subway, Pizza Express and Starbucks – perfect for your lunch break. 

University of Birmingham Library

Along the same lines, the University of Birmingham has its own library space. Each floor is colour coded based on the amount of noise you can make, and the ground floor has a social space for group sessions. This option is much better if you prefer the silence, as the library is packed with students far too stressed to even contemplate a conversation. It can get incredibly busy through the week and near impossible to find a seat so I would always recommend setting up right as the library opens or making an effort to go during off-peak hours. 

The Teaching and Learning Building

Just next door to the UoB library, the Teaching and Learning building (T&L) provides a much less intense space to get work done. With none of the noise rules, T&L has four floors full of tables and chairs. Again, it gets incredibly busy in the week so be prepared to share a table with a stranger or try to get there early to nab one of the sofas. There’s a café on site that sells £1 filter coffee and classic Cornish pasties, so you’re all set for caffeine during a long study session.

Starbucks

Branching back into the city centre, the Starbucks on New Street is a personal favourite of mine. With the seating downstairs from the bar, it’s a peaceful option to set up your laptop and crack on. The downside is the fact the seating is downstairs from the bar so if you run out of coffee you either have to pack your bag back up to order another one or leave your belongings out of sight while you fetch a new drink. There’s a tucked-away side room with a bench which is perfect if you aren’t as much of a fan of people watching.

Similarly, the Starbucks in the Selly Oak Retail Park is a good option. The layout is more spread out, so you don’t feel so much like you’re sitting with someone else, and all across a single floor. As I’m writing this, I am sitting along the right-hand wall by the door and can vouch that it has sparked motivation by at least 50%. 

200º Coffee

Located on the city centre’s Lower Temple Street, 200 Degrees has the best of everything. The biggest perk is that you can order directly to the table, so unless you need to pop to the toilet, you can stay in your seat until the work is done. The lighting is reminiscent of any other dimly-lit independent coffee shop (which is refreshing for a chain) and has a fake fireplace on the lower floor making it the perfect cosy setting, especially when it comes around to Christmas time.

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