UH Student News

Reviewing the Best (and not the best) Campus Coffee Spots

Whether you’re cramming for exams in the LRC or squeezing in a study sesh before seminar, College Lane’s coffee offerings each bring something different to the table. We ranked them by price, vibe, Wi-Fi quality and coffee strength, with honest insights from fellow Herts students.

⭐ 1. Starbucks at The Forum

University of Hertfordshire Cafe Web Address: The Forum, University of Hertfordshire, College Ln, Hatfield AL10 9AB, United Kingdom

★ ★ ★ ★☆
Price: ££
Vibe: Buzzing student hub
Wi-Fi: Reliable, but expect crowds
Coffee Strength: Medium-strong

If you’re after a classic go-to with consistent quality, Starbucks in The Forum ticks nearly all the boxes. It’s busy between lectures but the familiar drinks menu and plenty of seating make it the default for study breaks and meet-ups. Wi-Fi holds up for streaming lectures or watching online tutorials. Baristas here know the rush and keep things quick though queues can get long at peak times. (Ask Herts)

Best for: Reliable espresso drinks, group study sessions
Not ideal if: You’re after somewhere quiet to work in peace

⭐ 2. Café Rore

University of Hertfordshire – Cafe Rore Web Address: University Of Hertfordshire – College Lane Campus, Hatfield AL10 9AB, United Kingdom Phone: +441707284000

★ ★ ★★★☆
Price: £3+
Vibe: Laid-back and sociable
Wi-Fi: Solid and study-friendlier than The Forum
Coffee Strength: Gentle, smooth

Café Rore sits just behind the main reception and offers a calmer alternative to the Forum buzz. Staff and regulars praise its welcoming atmosphere, perfect for longer study sessions between classes. The coffee isn’t as punchy as Starbucks, but it’s smooth and easy-to-sip, especially if paired with one of their grab-and-go snacks or seasonal specials. Reviews also highlight friendly service and solid food options if you’re refueling as well as caffeinating. (University of Hertfordshire)

Best for: Casual catch-ups, low-key study time
Not ideal if: You need strong coffee to power through all-nighters

⭐ 3. Spectra Café / Fairground (New Spot)

★ ★★★☆ (estimated)
Price: £4+
Vibe: Modern, relaxed
Wi-Fi: Great — right next to LRC
Coffee Strength: Decent, student-approved

This newer coffee corner in the Spectra Building, often dubbed “Fairground” by students has quickly become a favourite for folks needing a study boost near the Learning Resource Centre. Being right next door to one of campus’s busiest study hubs means lots of laptop-friendly tables and solid internet for research. Expect a more relaxed soundtrack than Starbucks, with students often lingering between library sessions. (Instagram)

Best for: Solo study runs, mid-morning pit-stops
Not ideal if: You want a big menu of speciality drinks

Quick Tips for Fellow Students

• Timing matters -most cafes on campus (including Starbucks, Café Rore and Café Spectra) operate roughly 08:00–16:00 on weekdays and are closed weekends/holidays. (Ask Herts)
• Wi-Fi quality tends to be better closer to LRC and Spectra zones versus the busy Forum.
• Crowds peak lunchtime and between 13:00–15:00 — plan your coffee breaks accordingly!

From the dependable buzz of Starbucks to the relaxed corners of Rore and Spectra, you’re covered,  just bring your laptop and deadlines!