The Top Cafés for Studying in Cardiff
2 October 2023
As a student from another country like myself, relocating to a new city and locating an appropriate place to study can be a challenging endeavour. The city of Cardiff, which has a thriving student population, provides a wide variety of options when it comes to cafes to choose from. My standards, on the other hand, go well beyond a simple cup of coffee because I’m a student. After visiting a number of different coffee shops, I’ve narrowed down my recommendations for the top study spots in Cardiff to the following:
Waterloo Tea – This cosy café in the city centre is my go-to for studying. It has a chilled-out vibe with calm music, comfy armchairs, and lots of students working away. The long wooden tables are perfect for spreading out textbooks and laptops. There are plenty of power outlets along the wall, and the Wi-Fi is free and fast. And with over 80 loose-leaf teas and freshly made sandwiches and cakes, you’re sure to find energizing study fuel.
The Plan – Tucked away on Morgan Arcade, this quiet café has a light-filled room at the back that’s ideal for settling in to study for hours. The tables are generously spaced, and they have cushy armchairs too. Free Wi-Fi and multiple power outlets make it easy to get work done. Food-wise, you can’t beat their epic all-day breakfasts and coffee from local roaster The Coffee Corner.
Milgi – This vegetarian café in Roath has an artsy, laidback vibe perfect for studying solo or with friends. There’s funky music, cool books to browse and comfy sofas and benches. The back room tends to be quiet if you need to zone in with textbooks. One of my go-to orders is their avocado and hummus toast with one of their fresh juices or smoothies to power through study blocks.
Coffee Barker – Coffee lovers will dig this sleek café located right on campus. The high ceilings and minimalist décor give it an open, motivating feel. The coffee is fantastic, they have a good variety of cuisines like toasted sandwiches and bowls, and there are always plenty of power outlets. It can get busy during peak times, so I like to come mid-morning or afternoons for a calmer vibe.
The Celtic – For more privacy when studying, the Celtic is a solid choice. They have booth-style two-person tables that make you feel more secluded than some cafés. There is muted music, decent Wi-Fi, and plugs at most tables. Along with coffee, they serve gourmet bagels, salads, and Welsh cakes if you need some study fuel.
Cardiff’s cultural variety is reflected in its cuisine thanks to the city’s unique tapestry of international influences. These cafes are wonderful jumping-off points for exploring this culinary landscape while maintaining a focused academic agenda. These recommended cafes are your portals to Cardiff’s thriving coffee and food scene, as well as quiet havens for getting work done. If you’re an international student, you may enjoy the city’s varied food while continuing your education in this vibrant metropolis.