9 Best coffee shops in Birmingham for students

From early-morning study sessions to weekend catch-ups with friends, coffee shops are a huge part of student life. And if you’re studying in Birmingham, you’re in luck - the city is home to loads of cool and cosy cafes, perfect whether you’re looking to revise, socialise, or just enjoy a great cup of coffee.

We’ve rounded up some of the best coffee shops in Birmingham for students, whether you’re searching for a quiet space to get some work done, a spot with free Wi-Fi, or somewhere affordable for a caffeine fix.

Yorks Café

A staple of Birmingham’s café scene, Yorks Café is a short walk from New Street Station and perfect for students looking for a central study spot. It has an industrial vibe, plenty of seating, and a laid-back atmosphere, making it great for both solo study sessions and group meetups. The brunch menu is a real highlight, featuring classics like smashed avo on toast and French toast, and there’s a selection of delicious pastries if you need a sweet treat while you work.

200 Degrees Coffee

If you’re a serious coffee lover, 200 Degrees is a must-visit. Known for barista-quality coffee, this café also boasts cosy interiors and a calm atmosphere – perfect for studying. There’s a great mix of comfy seating, large tables, and free Wi-Fi, and if you fancy learning more about coffee, they even run a Barista School onsite! Plus, they serve a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and cakes to keep you going.

Urban Café

A firm student favourite, Urban Café has two floors of seating, meaning you’ll rarely struggle to find a table, even during busy periods. It’s great for solo work or group study sessions and has plenty of plug sockets for your laptop. Open seven days a week, this café serves everything from coffee and cakes to full brunches, and it’s known for being friendly on the student budget – sometimes offering student discounts too.

Faculty Coffee

If you’re after seriously good coffee, Faculty Coffee is the place to go. This small but mighty café is right in the city centre, making it a great study stop between lectures. The minimalist design creates a calm atmosphere, and though it’s a bit more compact, there’s enough room to get set up with your laptop. Faculty takes its coffee seriously, with rotating guest roasters and a variety of beans on offer.

Cherry Reds

If you’re after a relaxed, homey café vibe, Cherry Reds is the one. It’s a popular hangout for students thanks to its shabby-chic décor, comfy seating, and huge food menu. Known for its all-day breakfasts and hearty comfort food, Cherry Reds is great when you need more than just a coffee to fuel your study session. It's also super central, so easy to pop in between lectures.

Saint Kitchen

Located in the Jewellery Quarter, Saint Kitchen is a bright, modern café known for its Instagram-worthy brunches and strong coffee. It’s a bit more spacious than some city-centre cafés and has plenty of tables for working. With plant-based options, sweet treats, and excellent coffee, it’s ideal if you want a quieter spot to focus.

Yumm Café

Situated in the trendy Custard Factory, Yumm Café is a cool and casual space that’s great for meeting friends or getting some work done. With plenty of seating, affordable food, and great coffee, it’s a top pick for students looking for something a little different. Plus, it’s an ideal stop if you want to explore Digbeth’s creative quarter after your study session.

Pause

If you’re willing to head slightly out of the city centre, Pause is a minimalist, tranquil café perfect for when you need a break from the bustle of town. True to its name, Pause is a great place to slow down, enjoy a coffee, and focus on some reading or quiet work. It’s part of Kings Heath’s independent café scene, surrounded by other indie gems if you fancy a coffee crawl!

3 Three’s Coffee Lounge

For students who are plant-based or vegan, 3 Three’s Coffee Lounge is a must. They offer vegan sandwiches, wraps, cakes, and coffee all at reasonable prices, and the relaxed vibe makes it a good study spot too. Bonus points for the comfy sofas and cool art displays, creating an inspiring environment to work in.

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