Exploring Northampton: Best Student-Friendly Cafes and Hangouts Near UON
Date 7 October 2025
7.10.2025Alex shares some of her favourite cosy cafes, chilled study spots and local student hangouts around Northampton!
Northants’ Hidden Gems
As a student, sometimes you just need to escape the Learning Hub or your flat for a change of scenery, and Northampton has plenty of hidden gems perfect for studying, relaxing or socialising. Here are my favorite go-to spots when I need a good break:
Saints Coffee
Saints coffee is the perfect mix of quiet enough to study and social enough to not feel like your stuck in “library mode”. With their big windows, chilled playlists and seriously good vegan cakes, it’s the perfect study environment. Not only that but their menu has great vegan and vegetarian options that make it accessible to a wider audience!
The Good Loaf
More than just great sourdough toasties, the Good Loaf is also a social enterprise for supporting local women, which makes going there for lunch all more meaningful. Not only does it help women work on their work skills, but it’s also a comfy, quiet environment to read, and catch up on coursework. Their upstairs seating is one of my favourite study spots as it is away from the business outside.
When it comes to the perfect place to hang out, The Black Prince and The Engine Shed are my top picks.
The Engine Shed
The Engine Shed is right on campus, making it accessible, and a friendly environment, Whether you want to grab coffee, snacks, or relax with music and pool, the engine shed covers all basis. I love that it’s convenient for quick breaks and meet up, and they often host events and socials, making it a great spot to meet new people.
The Black Prince
A little further into town is The Black Prince, my favorite local pub, known for it’s social nights and events. It’s known for hosting tribute bands, showcasing upcoming singers and throws large scale events such as Blast Chamber (an increasingly popular “Emo night”) Whether you’re into live music, themed events, or just want an affordable night on the town, The Black Prince is the perfect place that suits your needs.
You can find out more about Student Life in Northamptonshire on our website.
Take a tour of Northampton town when you visit an Open Day and discover what else our town has to offer
Alex is a third-year student studying Esports, and is focused on performance psychology and coaching.