Wednesday 22-04-2026 - 12:14

The third term is upon us, and with it comes that mix of deadlines, revision sessions and the slight panic of finding somewhere decent to work. If you’re tired of searching for seats or feel like every good spot on campus is constantly full, you’re not alone. The good news? MMU is full of fantastic spaces you’ve probably walked past without noticing.

So instead of fighting for a seat somewhere crowded, here's a fresh guide to the real study spaces across campus, starting with The Union’s most underrated corners.

 

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The Union

 

The Coffee Shop:

If you like a bit of background buzz (and amazing coffee), this is your spot. Comfy booths and natural light make this spot best for laptop sessions, group brainstorms and light revision. You can also grab all the stationary you need from The Union Shop if you forget something.

Second-Floor Study Space:

A calmer zone designed for actual concentration, with computers and a printer,fantastic for essays, revision or anything that requires brain power.

The Union Living Room:

The Unions second floor hosts a cosy lounge that’s the perfect meeting point for group projects, discussion-based study and relaxed team meetings. Equipped with a Heat & Eat station, this is the perfect place to refuel and relax.

Breakout Spaces:

Across every floor of The Union, beanbags, sofas, booths, tables and chairs have all been placed so you can study, socialise or reset between sessions. With a spot suitable for every type of studying, there’s something for everyone.

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Calm and Quiet Spots Across Campus

 

Grosvenor East:

The third floor of this building hosts a quiet study space as well as an outdoor terrace for when you want some fresh air (Manchester weather depending) as well meeting rooms for when you really need to lock in.

Dalton:

The inner atrium on the third floor is just one of many study spaces in this massive building, meaning it’s often quiet and you won’t run into anyone, with lots of desk space, and even better, plug sockets!

Righton:

The ground floor of the Righton is bright and airy, but often empty despite having a variety of seating. Students creative work acts as decoration for this space, providing all the creative inspiration and motivation you’ll need.

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Group Workspaces

 

Institute of Sport:

The second and third floors are amazing for projects and group assignments as the collaborative area has whiteboards, screens and open tables, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Oxford Road.

Business School:

The ground floor in the North Atrium is designed for teamwork, with a variety of enclosed booths and open tables alongside plug sockets and the Hub Food Court, making it the perfect group camp-out.

SODA Building:

The SODA building is a large open plan space, best for collaborative working, with workspaces on the first floor as well as a specially designed Village Green for group work on the second floor.

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Café Style Vibes

 

Art School Café:

Ground floor of the Lowry building is a modern, open-plan seating area, perfect for all group sizes. The café has a wide range of hot and cold food options making this the perfect study spot at any time of the day.

Brooks Café:

The ground floor of Brooks hosts both a deli counter perfect for lunch as well as a 200 degrees coffee for your caffeine refill. Located next to the Spanish Steps, this area is best for more chill study sessions.

The Grove:

If you want a more up-scale study experience, The Grove Eatery and Bar in Grosvenor East, acts as a stylish space for everyone to enjoy, with views overlooking All Saints Park, ideal if an aesthetic space is what gets you motivated.

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Whether you’re powering through solo revision, meeting up with course mates for a group project, or just looking for a change of scenery, MMU is full of perfect study spots for every mood, deadline and every kind of student

So instead of circling the library in exam season, take a wander and explore some new spaces that make studying feel a little bit easier, and maybe even enjoyable!