Featured image: Sarah Beck
You definitely don’t need to lock yourself on the second floor of the library to be productive. Set your semester up right by exploring our top picks to study or kick back and relax — where even the more pricey options offer a bargain.
The Grove ££
@mcrmetfood
The Grove in Grosvenor East is a fantastic laid-back spot on campus to get some work done, grab a bite to eat or catch up with mates. With affordable hot drinks and delicious hearty meals, you can earn rewards by using the Mcr Met Food App to spend on campus — what’s not to love?
Manchester Central Library £
@manclib_archives
You’ve walked past this iconic city landmark and probably thought about going inside, so do yourself a favour and cross that threshold! Manchester Central Library is one of the prettiest places to settle down with a book or buckle down on an assignment. The reading room alone holds study space for 300 people and an extra plus is that you’ll be supporting your local library. Grab a cheap brew or sandwich at the library café to keep you going.
Bring and Ping £
For a completely DIY option, bring your own lunch to ‘Bring and Ping’. The free-to-use microwave facilities are situated across campus. Our favourite space is the cosy seating areas on the ground floor of the Geoffrey Manton building — offering the perfect opportunity to unwind between lectures.
HOME ££
@homemcr
You know what they say, there’s no place like it. A cultural hub housing an independent cinema, theatre and art, HOME has it all. Its ground floor has a café-bar stretching outdoors onto First Street, serving up refreshing soft drinks and a range of coffees. The venue also offers student discounts on film, theatre and more.
Ezra and Gil £££
@ezraandgil
Situated on Hilton Street in the Northern Quarter, Ezra and Gil offer up wholesome, reasonably priced brunch and coffee. Perfect for all dietary requirements, this independent legend is a must for speciality teas, sweet treats and late breakfasts. We recommend the ‘Nduja Scrambled Eggs.
Moose Coffee £££
@moosecoffee
This spot has something for everyone. With coffees starting at £3.10 and hearty brunches for when there’s nothing left in your fridge, Moose’s Canadian-American inspired menu will keep you fuelled for even the most dreaded assignment. Whether it’s a quick lunch with pals or getting ahead of your reading list, this is the place to do it.
Fuel ££
@fuelcafebar
If you’re new to the city, you might not have ventured as far as Withington just yet. Fuel is a high street icon, perfect for studying, catching a gig, first dates or grabbing a bite to eat. With its laid-back atmosphere and all-veggie menu, with all mains (aside from sharing platters) coming in at under £6.50, there’s a lot to love about this ambient gem. If you’ve never tried a fried pickle, head on down.
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