The Best Study Spots for Sheffield Students

About the author: My name is Lucie Waring, I'm 20 years old and a 3rd year BA Digital Media and Society student at the University of Sheffield, though I'm currently on a placement year. I am originally from York, but I'm now going into my third year living in Sheffield – so I'm therefore now a self-proclaimed expert on Sheffield student life, from the best coffee shops and parks to the nightlife. While at university I am a member of many societies that I love to attend with friends and partake in fun social events!

Sheffield is home to thousands of students and researchers, so it's no surprise that the demand for places to revise is high. Finding the perfect place to study – one that offers productivity, concentration, and much needed plug sockets – can seem like an almost-impossible task, but this guide will offer some of the best and unexpected locations to find your focus and grind out your next assignment before the deadline.

HYGGE

Having opened three different venues in Sheffield city centre, the HYGGE cafés feel like they've been designed specifically for students in need of a space for a relaxing study session or group meeting outside of the usual university buildings. With interior designs that offer spacious sofas, bright lighting, and secluded corners, you're bound to find a seat where you can cosy up and start working on your dissertation in an environment that lets you escape stuffy lecture theatres. What’s more, the coffee is always steaming and the baked goods are always fresh, offering fuel to keep your focus.

Western Bank Library

Are you a University of Sheffield student in need of some silence and serenity? Western Bank Library (located opposite the Arts Tower) is your place for productivity. In contrast to the Foundry nightclub around the corner, this entirely-silent study building combines the dark academia aesthetics and the final year focus that are needed to submit your last assignments before the semester ends.

However, make sure you eat before you set foot in the library because even the smallest crunch of a carrot can be heard from the opposite end of Western Bank; its attendees take the silence in silent study very seriously.

200 Degrees Coffee

After venturing past the vintage shops and chic boutiques located on Division Street, you'll find 200 Degrees, another coffee shop dominated by studious coffee drinkers escaping their lecturers to find concentration and caffeine. This coffee hot spot is perfect for those of you in need of plug sockets and tranquil coffee-house music to accompany your revision and fuel your research. Be sure to grab a matcha latte or a pistachio cookie from the baristas behind the counter observing your essay writing skills.

Adsetts Library

Open 24/7, Sheffield Hallam University's Adsetts Library at the City Campus is perfect for Hallam students in need of pulling an all-nighter of revision before a 9am exam, or for cramming in the last of your deadlines before you head for a much needed break on West Street. With enough study spaces to accommodate larger group sessions, silent study, and independent study, this is a perfect location that gives you what you need in a study zone to find motivation and achieve a 1st.

Information Commons

Similar to Hallam’s Adsetts Library, UoS' Information Commons has 6 floors of study spots to seek focus in even in the middle of the night. From sofas to tables to computer rooms, there are a variety of academic workplace areas to get lost in and avoid any of your society opps working on the next floor above. Don’t forget your UCard though, as you'll be denied entry if you don't have it with you and your dreams of dissertation completion will be broken (speaking from experience).

Sheffield Water Works Company

Wetherspoons may seem like a rogue choice for a work space, but with unlimited hot drinks providing caffeine as well as a plethora of study snacks available, you'll never lose fuel or food in your revision sessions here. If you're in need of an intense cramming session then I would recommend bringing some noise cancelling headphones, but besides the chattering and bustling day drinkers, you might actually find your new favourite Monday-morning study spot and Saturday-night party place all in one (although if you're bored of Spoons being your go-to for socials then read my guide to Sheffield student nights out for inspiration on where else to go for a drink and a dance).

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