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5 cool places to study in Canberra
If you're moving to Canberra for university or just starting your academic journey, there's a high chance you’ll find yourself googling “study spots near me” at some point. Maybe your home environment is a bit distracting. Maybe the library is full. Or maybe you just need a change of scenery to get through that final chapter.
The good news? Canberra is full of great spaces to crack open a textbook, fire up your laptop and get in the zone with coffee, Wi-Fi and power points in close reach.
Whether you’re a Canberra local or planning your move to the capital, here are five of the best study spots Canberra has to offer.
Canberra is full of great places to study – it is a student city, after all!
1. National Library of Australia
Location: Parkes, ACT
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 8am-8pm, Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday to Sunday 9am-5pm
Power points: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes (free public network)
Let’s start with a classic. The National Library of Australia is a cultural institution and the study spot Canberra students dream about, all heritage charm on the outside and super functional study vibes inside. With wide desks, quiet zones, reliable Wi-Fi and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Burley Griffin (and having to ask staff to access most of the resources), this place was built for focus.
The National Library has computers, printers and scanners and electronic journals and materials available in its reading rooms, and is perfect to anyone wanting to focus and get in the zone.
You’ll also find Bookplate Café for coffee and a snack or you can take a quick walk around the lake to refresh your brain.
Why the National Library is great for study:
- Dedicated reading rooms and general study areas
- Power outlets at almost every seat
- Free lockers, free Wi-Fi, free peace and quiet
- No student card required — open to everyone
There’s nothing quite like studying amongst Australia’s largest collection of books. Image credit: VisitCanberra
2. Kita Café
Location: Narrabundah, ACT
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm-6am
Power points: Yes (limited)
Wi-Fi: Yes (free public network)
For those who find their productivity peaks after dark, Kita Café in Narrabundah is a game-changer. Kita is an all-night, alcohol-free café and caters specifically to students and night owls who like to burn the midnight oil.
The café offers a cosy, eclectic atmosphere with mismatched furniture, hanging plants and a TV that plays nostalgic films and TV shows through the night, creating a comforting environment reminiscent of a Balinese warung.
Kita is family-run, with a menu inspired by Indonesian home cooking. Dishes like nasi goreng, mie goreng, and beef rendang burgers are staples, alongside sweet treats like pandan waffles. The café's unique operating hours and hearty meals make it a popular spot for students seeking a quiet place to study during unconventional hours.
Why Kita is ideal for study:
- Open until 6 am, perfect for night-time productivity
- Free Wi-Fi to keep you connected
- Comforting food and beverages to keep you fuelled
- Welcoming atmosphere that encourages extended stay
Kita goes all night, perfect for the night owls who prefer to chase deadlines after dark. Image credit: Elle Conway
3. Marie Reay Teaching Centre
Location: ANU Kambri precinct, ACT
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 6am-12am
Power points: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes (via ANU Secure)
Located in the heart of the Australian National University (ANU) Kambri precinct, the Marie Reay Teaching Centre is one of the University’s most-used and best-loved buildings for student study. While it does host some teaching, the majority of its six floors are dedicated to independent study and it’s open to ANU students.
Each level offers something a bit different: from open tables and quiet corners to booths, and sun-filled reading spots. Whether you’re popping in between classes or planning a day-long study marathon, you’ll find a space in the Marie Reay Teaching Centre that works for your mood (and deadline).
And because it's on the ANU campus, you’ll be just a quick walk from cafes, groceries, support services and the Harry Hartog shop that sells recreational and academic books, stationery and gifts.
Why the Marie Reay Teaching Centre is great for students:
- Six full levels of student-first study space
- Located right on ANU campus for ultimate convenience
- Great mix of seating, lighting and vibes
- ANU Wi-Fi and available power outlets
The Marie Reay Teaching Centre at ANU is a fantastic study option for ANU students.
4. Highroad
Location: Dickson, ACT
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday 7am-4pm, Thursday to Friday 7am-10pm, Saturday 8am-10pm, Sunday 8am-4 pm
Power points: Some
Wi-Fi: Yes (ask staff)
Run by the team behind ONA Coffee, Highroad is where café culture meets productivity. It's bright, open, and always humming with quiet energy, perfect if you work best with background noise and excellent coffee on hand.
There’s a mix of high benches, low tables and window spots (great for solo study). It’s a bit more social than some of the others on this list, so bring headphones if you need to lock in.
Why Highroad is great for students:
- Award-winning coffee
- Laptop-friendly seating and decent Wi-Fi
- Buzzing, creative energy
- Great excuse to explore the inner north
Highroad is a great study spot close to the city and tram lines. Image credit: Ashley St George
5. Tilley’s Devine Café
Location: Lyneham, ACT
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8am-10pm
Power points: Limited
Wi-Fi: Yes
Tilley’s Devine Café, known casually as just Tilley’s, is a Canberra institution and it absolutely earns its spot on this list. Loved for its velvet booths, vintage lamps, moody lighting and general servings of comfort food, Tilley’s is the kind of place that makes you want to settle in for hours with a good coffee and your notes.
It’s quieter on weekday mornings and late afternoons, making it a great off-campus option for focused study without the background buzz of trendier spots. The staff are used to people staying a while, the Wi-Fi is solid, and the all-day menu and cake cabinet mean you won’t have to relocate when you’re hungry.
Why Tilley’s great for students:
- Relaxed and low-lit atmosphere, perfect for deep focus
- Spacious booths and quieter weekday vibes
- Strong Wi-Fi and legendary coffees
- Open late if you’re not a morning person
Tilley’s is super atmospheric and is perfect for those inspirational study vibes. Image credit: VisitCanberra
Canberra is made for studying once you know where to go
Whether you’re on campus or exploring the city, there are so many places to go to study in Canberra and every spot brings something different. You just need to find the one that fits your study flow.
Now that you know where you could study around town, find out why students love Canberra so much.
