By Mia Kate Sinfield & Shiqin Ong
Every campus has its caffeine-fuelled corners, and ours is no exception. Whether you’re sprinting between lectures, settling into a study session, or simply catching up with friends, Sussex Uni’s cafes each offer their own unique blend of atmosphere and affordability. We’ve scouted some spots to help you decide where to get your next fix, in no particular order.
The Library Cafe (Costa)
Average price of coffee: £3
Just inside the library’s entrance, this Costa-run spot is the go-to for those who can’t study without caffeine. Its airy layout, big windows, and scattering of plants make it surprisingly calm despite the steady flow of students. The open space keeps the atmosphere light, ideal for a quick coffee between chapters or a short study break that doesn’t tempt you too far from your desk. It isn’t the cheapest, but its convenience makes up for it.
IDS Cafe
Average price of coffee: £2.50
With its fairy lights, board games, and bookshelves, the IDS Cafe feels less like a university facility and more like your friend’s cosy living room. It’s a favourite among those who prefer a relaxed, informal setting to talk, read, or just enjoy a quiet moment. The prices are friendly too, making it one of the best-value options on campus. If you’re after comfort and calm rather than high-street branding, this is the place to settle in.
The Art Piazza
Average price of coffee: £3
Compact but characterful, the Arts Piazza buzzes with energy. It’s a small cafe with large windows, perfect for people-watching or catching up with friends between classes. The mix of art students and casual visitors gives it a creative atmosphere that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. Though not the quietest space, it’s ideal if you like a bit of background chatter with your cappuccino.
The Jubilee Cafe (Starbucks)
Average price of coffee: £4
Jubilee Cafe may come with Starbucks prices, but it also delivers on comfort. Its abundance of plants, ample seating, and perfectly lit corners make it one of the best spots to knuckle down with your laptop and a latte. The relaxed atmosphere and steady background hum make it easy to focus for hours, and the extra pound or two might feel worth it if you’re settling in for a long session.
Room 76
Average price of coffee: £2.20
Tucked away in the back of Falmer Bar, Room 76 is one of campus’s best-kept secrets. With its LED lighting, greenery, and modern decor, it feels sleek and contemporary without losing its warmth. The addition of the Pearls bubble tea counter gives it a unique twist, attracting both coffee lovers and boba enthusiasts. It’s affordable, stylish, and surprisingly versatile – a great place to study, relax, or socialise (and my personal favourite cafe on campus).
Sussex Innovation Centre
Average price of coffee: £3.26 for regular-sized
A lesser-known spot on campus, if you’ve ever had to make the trek up the hill to Ashdown House or any surrounding buildings, this Redroaster hidden in the Sussex Innovation Centre is a suitable spot for a quick coffee/snack break. The first floor of the Centre is also home to study tables that allow for a bright and airy space to work.
Dhaba Cafe
Average price of coffee: £3.75 for regular-sized
If you’re a Global Studies student, you may have wandered into the Dhaba Cafe by Arts C and the Global Studies Resource Centre. Home of the Veg Bowl, you can build your own veggie bowls for £6.75. If you’re not looking for a snack/food break, the cafe is usually less busy and has casual seating next to the hydroponics farm tended to by the Square Mile Farms team, and other various tables to work at.
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