UEA is a beautiful campus and is home to great study facilities like the 24-hour library or the Julian Study Centre, but sometimes it is important to break out of the bubble of campus life and take your work elsewhere. Here are my top spaces off campus to study and enjoy a delicious coffee or warming hot chocolate, as well as what I tried on my visit.

Mitre House – 131 Earlham Road, NR2 3RF
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Hop on the 26/26a to Recreation Road and stumble across this beautiful white building with aspects of stained glass, allowing natural light to boost those vitamin D levels as dark afternoons begin creeping up on us. Mitre House is owned by St Thomas’ Church next door and has a strong focus on “social and environmental justice,” seen in their pay-it-forward scheme and their link with local charities. Mitre House has meeting rooms available to book ad hoc for reasonable prices, making it the perfect place to get your team together as you work on your big summative group project. Or if you just need a break to work on that essay by yourself, come and sit in the café area, surrounded by others working just as diligently.

My order:
Decaf latte with agave syrup
£3.70

The Cornish Bakery – 31 Castle Street, NR4 1PN
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After trying 12 cafes for this article (I’m committed to you, Concrete!), I have to say that The Cornish Bakery takes the top spot for coffee in Norwich. As suggested by the name, it serves traditional Cornish pasties but also exciting new flavours like chicken masala—there is something for everyone. It’s a popular spot for working or catching up with friends, so if you’re planning on going, make sure you get here early!

My order:
Decaf latte with vanilla syrup
£4.40

Chorizo and mozzarella pasty
£5.45

The Refectory (Bread Source) – 65 The Close, NR1 4DH
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I am a regular at The Refectory, found on the second floor of Norwich Cathedral, due to their community feel, plentiful tables, and delicious coffee. The Refectory brings together all kinds of people and although it isn’t always the quietest café in Norwich, the sense of community puts me at ease and allows me to focus on what I need to do.

My order:
Decaf mocha
£3.60

Ora Wellness Café – 5 The Royal Arcade, NR2 1NQ
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The Ora Wellness Café is a brunch spot that focuses on clean eating and relaxation. It’s the perfect spot to sit down and open that book you’ve been putting off for weeks (and is a core read for your lecture tomorrow). The tables are fairly small, so it isn’t suitable for a big group with laptops but great for a solo trip. Whilst you’re there, make sure to try out either their beautiful acai bowls or the delicious sourdough toasties. They’re on the pricier side, but 100% worth it as a treat for yourself in the stressful midst of university life.

My order:
Decaf iced latte with white chocolate syrup
£4.70

ORA club sandwich
£9.25

Bread Source – 93 Upper St Giles Street, NR2 1AB
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My second Bread Source on the list can be found near St John the Baptist Cathedral, where you can sit in the window and watch the world go by as you study. As with all Bread Source cafés, the coffee (or hot chocolate!) is of impeccable standard, and the staff are incredibly friendly. There are tables for one or two, so it’s a great place to come on a study day with a friend. Despite being small, there’s a real buzz about this café and its warm environment.

My order:
Hot chocolate
£3.60

Wrights – 1 Bank Plain, NR2 4SF
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A cosy brunch café situated near the cathedral, Wrights is the perfect spot for some studying accompanied by a hearty meal. With a loaded selection of toasties and a variety of dishes, there’s a hot meal ready for any tastebud. There are plenty of tables big enough for any group, or if you’re here by yourself, grab a bar stool by the window and enjoy watching the world go by!

My order:
Decaf tea
£3.30

Halloumi stack
£14.00

Bread Source – 20 Bridewell Alley, NR2 1AQ
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My third and final Bread Source on this list can be found down one of Norwich’s hidden alleyways. The sitting room is separate from the ordering station, making it quieter than most cafés and creating the perfect study atmosphere. As it’s tucked away and fairly spacious, it’s less busy than the majority of Bread Sources, meaning the service is fast and you have a better chance of grabbing a delicious treat before they sell out!

My order:
Decaf cappuccino with brown sugar
£3.30

The Yard – 1a Pivotal House, NR1 3TB
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The Yard is a beautiful greenhouse-style café tucked away in Pivotal House. They sell seasonal drinks, so head over if you’re craving some cosy autumnal flavours. In the evening, The Yard turns into a relaxed cocktail bar, so stick around if you fancy some downtime after your studious day. The only problem I found with The Yard is the severe lack of plug sockets—make sure your laptop is charged before heading out into the city!

My order:
Decaf cappuccino
£3.60