With uni going back this week, we decided to create a list of best ‘study vibe’ venues that provide a well-needed break from campus.

Makeshift- New Acton

A comfy retro-fitted café in the ground floor of the eclectic Nishi building, this café almost looks like it was made for studying. Sit on the high chairs or on the comfy old-school couches and surround yourself with bookshelves, timber floors and plants. Complement this with a brew from Redbrick and fresh pastries and get lost in the space.

Open 7:30 am-3:30 pm daily

National Library- Canberra

A grandness comes over you when you walk through the main entrance of this library, to your left you’ll find a bookshop with that comforting new book smell; on your right the eye-catching mosaics which window the award-winning Bookplate café. Surround yourself with a crowd of workers looking for somewhere inspiring away from campus. Plus, take advantage of the resources and research tools.

Open Mon-Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm and Sun 1.30pm-5pm

Fox and Bow – Farrer

This chill cafe with rustic accents & a patio offers a creative menu with sandwiches & smoothies. Grab the high table at the back of the cafe and the staff might even forget you’re there! Fox and Bow have plenty of space to spread out for a long study session.

Open Mon – Sat 7:30 am – 3 pm Sunday – 7:30 am – 2:30 pm

Teddy Picker’s- Campbell

With a name as friendly as Teddy Picker’s, they have a bright and airy space and friendly staff to make studying that little bit more pleasant. Find exposed concrete and lofty ceilings with the quirks of hanging plants and a large floating bookshelf. Plus, their coffee menu will keep you inspired with nitrogen cold-brews and local specialty teas or even a cheeky wine.

Open 6.30 am – 1 pm weekdays, 8 am – 2 pm weekends

Highroad – Dickson

With a focus on specialty local ONA coffee, locally sourced ingredients and innovative menu items, Highroad is an inclusive venue designed for the community to gather and hang around all day. Plenty of light, plenty of different spaces, plenty of power points.

Open weekdays 7:30 am – 3 pm and weekends 8 am – 3 pm

Common Grounds- Gowrie

For the Southsiders who don’t want to travel far, this one’s a hidden gem nestled in the ‘burbs. Choose to sit inside their intimate space, or outside in the courtyard for a cool breeze to get the mind ticking.

Open 7.30 am – 2 pm weekdays, 8 am – 2 pm weekends

The Front- Lyneham

A Suburban café for locals to escape to, The Front is a second home to Canberra creatives decorated in bohemian style, chilled out vibes and smells of freshly ground coffee. Walls filled with colourful rotating works of art and the splash of greenery will spark any inspiration.

Open Mon – Fri 7 am – 2:30 pm, Sat-Sun 8 am-2 pm