If you’re looking for a new place to study or work (and you’re tired of rotating from one Oxford library to the next), here are some cafes and bars to make the best out of your day. I’ve included some popular choices but also a few secret nooks you might now know yet. So, let’s see what the best places for a study session in Oxford are.
Best Study Locations in Oxford (and My Criteria For Picking Them)
Oxford continues to grow, so it’s natural to have a broad range of places where you can bring your books and computer and study or work. However, with so many choices, you might be struggling to see which locations can fit your study style best. Don’t worry, I’ve visited a few of them, so I can at least give you some ideas!
Here’s the criteria I used to pick them: First, all the places in the list have wifi and plugs for your devices. These are two must-haves because you will need to make sure you don’t run out of battery. Second, these cafes are delicious but also affordable; you don’t want to spend a fortune. Lastly, you a good atmosphere is probably more conducive to good work – so these are all pleasant places where you should feel comfortable. And, of course, they are relatively quiet and have friendly staff, which is always a plus!
Society Cafe
Budget: £ – Open 07:30 am to 06:30 pm.
You Need to Try: Try the cakes and pastries, there are plenty of gluten-free options too!
Why Study at Society Cafe:
One of the biggest advantages of Society Cafe (apart from its delicious cakes and pastries) is its proximity to the city centre. And the fact that it’s open from 7:30 in the morning, too. This hub is ideal for students and workers because it has plug sockets everywhere! The portions are a bit small, though, so you might need a few for a complete session. Still, an excellent choice if you’re looking for a place to study or work.
Website: http://www.society-cafe.com/
Address: 12-16 St Michael’s St, Oxford OX1 2DU
Il Botanico Cafe
Budget: £ – Open 07:30 am to 07:30 pm.
You Need to Try: The coffee is great, but if you want something good try the delicatessen!
Why Study at Il Botanico:
Il Botanico opens its doors at 7:30 i the morning and won’t kick you out until 7:30 at night — so you can spend as long as you need studying here. The place is full of charm. Apart from a relaxing atmosphere, you will find tons of plants (many are for sale!), and try Italian meats and cheeses. The shop is also dog-friendly and offers handmade pistachio cream. And yes, it has wifi, plugs, and everything you need for a stylish and inspiring study session. However, keep in mind this place is in Headington (not in the city centre).
Address: 9 Windmill Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 7BW
The Jericho Cafe
Budget: £ – Open 08:00 am to 06:00 pm.
You Need to Try: Definitely give the coffee and cakes a chance. I recommend either the poppy seed coffee and walnut or the raspberry almond slice.
Why Study at Jericho Cafe:
The Jericho Cafe has great food and a relaxing, cool atmosphere. It’s also a very popular stop for a true Oxfordian breakfast. This place has a few less plugs than the others we mentioned, but the atmosphere is great and the food and coffee are simply delicious.
Website: https://thejerichocafe.co.uk/
Address: 112 Walton Street, Oxford OX2 6AJ
Missing Bean Cafe
Budget: ££ – Open 08:00 am to 04:30 pm.
You Need to Try: Try the fantastic coffee and the lemon muffins.
Why Study at Missing Bean:
Missing Bean is an artisan coffee roastery – so the perfect place if you enjoy good coffee while you study or work. Compared to the other options in this list of studying cafes in Oxford, Missing Bean is a little pricier. However, the atmosphere is laid-back and you can enjoy some delicious sweet pastries and focaccia here. This cafe is ticked away on TUrl Street and has a rotating selection of coffees.
Website: https://www.themissingbean.co.uk/pages/turl-street-coffee-shop
Address: 14 Turl St · Near the Radcliffe Camera
Common Ground Cafe
Budget: ££ – Open 08:00 am to 05:00 pm.
You Need to Try: The coffee is great and you can get it with a selection of vegan milks.
Why Study at Common Ground:
This might not be the most important thing you consider when determining a cafe to study in Oxford, but the WiFI here is ultra-fast. Having said that, the coffee is also great, and the staff really friendly. It also has so much space! And plugs everywhere. This spot is particularly popular with students, so it can sometimes be hard to find a place. Having said that, it’s a perfect location from which to work and study.
Address: 37-38 Little Clarendon St, Oxford OX1 2HF
FAQ for Finding a Cafe to Study or Work From in Oxford
A few things you should know about finding the perfect study nook or work corner.
Do you need to be in Oxford's city center to find a good study cafe?
Not at all. Oxford has SO MANY places that are perfect for a study session, a work meeting, or just a place to relax and enjoy the day. WE have covered some examples in Jericho and Headington, and these are just a drop in the ocean that is gastronomy and coffee options in Oxford.
How much money do you need to have a coffee?
Oxford is a touristic city, so you can expect some prices to be a little higher. The spots I included in this list, however, are all very affordable. You should expect to get a coffee for around there to four pounds.
