UoM Group Work and Study Locations (that aren’t the library group spaces)
By Fariha and Durian from The Student Team
As students, we’re constantly on the lookout for new study spots. Looking for space is particularly tricky when it comes to group work. You need a place where all the members of your group can fit, where it’s quiet enough that you can work but also discuss ideas and brainstorm out loud. The rooms in the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons and Main Library seem to always be booked out months in advance, especially during the deadline-heavy period of the semester and exams. There are, however, a few other options we know about that you might find useful.
Spots around the university:
University Place: The iconic tin-shaped building is full of great study spaces where you can have your next group meeting. Depending on the noise level you prefer and the time of day, there are different options to pick from. This includes the spaces on the ground floor, the cafeteria and the Atrium. The ground floor and cafeteria are a bit louder compared to the Atrium and generally a bit busier. These spaces are great for having a quick snack or meal during your meeting and there’s a variety of options including ‘The Market’ — a street vendor style cafeteria, The Veggie Place — a vegetarian and vegan food store, and the Potato Shack. The Atrium is a quieter study space, located near the Careers Service. It’s ideal for when you need to sit down with your group but do research individually or just work independently within the group.
Engineering Building: The MECD building (commonly known as the Engineering Building) is placed along Booth Street East, across from AMBS (the business school and library). With plenty of available rooms, study booths and study desks perfect for group or focused work, the Engineering Building is a popular study spot for students from all faculties. Depending on the floor and the time of year you visit this spot can be a little loud or quiet! The bottom floor also has kettles, microwaves, and hot water taps for you to use.
Main Library Lounge: The Main Library Lounge is a great space to talk out loud and discuss your thoughts. Alongside being next to the Library’s kitchen with kettles, microwaves, and hot water taps, there’s also the Library cafe if you want to grab a cup of coffee or a sandwich. There are also board games if you want to take a break from work.
Student Union (the Hive and the Nest): The Student Union is a multi-floor building with plenty of study spaces on the ground floor, first and second floor. On the first floor are the Hive and the Nest, with dedicated study booths, microwaves and tables where you can conduct group work or work collaboratively. The Nest includes comfy sofas, some soft lighting and a space to chill after you’ve heated up your lunch! You can also find the Executive Support Team offices on this floor for any needs.
SEED Hub: The SEED Hub is the main study space for those in the School of Environment, Education and Development. Opening hours can be found here: SEED Student Hub and Library (The University of Manchester Library). SEED can be a quieter space to study and a welcomed break from the library!
University Cafe’s:
(to fuel those brains with cheap options)
Benugo Cafe in Simon Building: The Benugo café in Simon Building is a great spot to get group work done. It’s quite a loud space so you can feel free to have animated discussions with your group. There are lots of tables and comfortable couches, so it’s the ideal space if you’re a bigger group! Their café serves hot food, so it’s great for a lunch meeting (try the pizza or the salad bar!). It does tend to get a little busy around this time so make sure you go in early to grab a spot.
Christie’s Bistro: This is a library transformed into a beautiful cafe. They offer some delicious coffee and cakes and it’s a lovely place to sit and have a conversation with your group. It’s very central on campus making it accessible, but it’s also quite busy pretty much all the time, so do get in early to grab a spot!
Museum cafe: The Manchester Museum cafe has the best lattes on campus (note: this is Durian’s personal preference). Stocked with tons of coffee and tea options, the Museum cafe also offers a fully affordable, vegetarian menu so you can grab a nice lunch while discussing your thoughts!
Cafes outside the University
Foundation: while there are a few branches around the city, Foundation Coffee House on Whitworth Street is a 13-minute walk away from the Engineering Building. Serving great coffee and food, they also have a dedicated co-working area on the side for you and your mates to have a chat (they also sell cute plants which come with a free coffee!)
Caffe Nero: again, while there are a few around, the one in Blackwell’s is the closest to uni. Located in the AMBS building, and on the top floor of Blackwell’s, Caffe Nero is a student-popular spot due to their 15% off student discount, and if you haven’t gotten the app yet, what are you waiting for? Durian and Fariha (aka your beloved authors) usually come here to grab their favourite drinks: a hot pistachio latte and a mocha.
Takk/Bold Street Coffee: located under the AMBS building as well, these two tend to be popular for both their coffee and lunch spots. It’s also a great location to discuss group work, especially if the sun is out and you get outside seating.
These are just a few suggestions of places around campus that you can do your group work at! There are also lots of libraries with study rooms, cafés, bars and much more around campus that are great options!
Thank you for reading, and if you have any other study spaces on and around campus leave a comment!
