Social Spaces Around Campus
Whether you’re looking to relax before a lecture, meet new people, or just enjoy a good coffee, campus has plenty of welcoming spaces to unwind, study, or socialise.

Here's our round-up of some great spots to explore on campus, from coffee spots to lively student lounges.
Main Campus (Lanyon Building):
Junction
Located on our main campus, Junction is a go-to spot for students, whether you’re grabbing a quick snack, catching up with friends or taking a break in between your lectures. While there is a café, students are free to bring their own food and drink.
There’s plenty of communal seating making it ideal for solo downtime or spontaneous meetups. Junction also has charging ports throughout the space meaning you can top up your devices or catch up on your uni work while you refuel.
Students also tend to put up flyers and leave leaflets in Junction to let you know about upcoming events on campus, so be sure to keep an eye out!
The McClay Library
Everyone knows The McClay for its study spaces, but it also has a café. HOPE is a bright space where you can take a well-deserved study break with some good food. Whether you’re there for a full breakfast, panini, or a coffee and traybake to get you through your next study session, they’ve got you covered.
Just outside the café, there’s another lounge area with vending machines, hot water, and casual seating which is perfect if you want to escape the silence of the library for a bit without heading too far.
The Graduate School (Postgraduate Only)
Not only is the Thomas J. Moran Graduate School equipped with a range of facilities to support students and their studies, there’s also a social space located on the first floor for postgraduate students to relax and connect with other postgrads in the university. There is also a kitchen area for students to use.
One Elmwood Student Centre and Students’ Union
One Elmwood is the student heartbeat of our campus. On the ground floor, there’s a continental style café bar called Social with a wholesome food menu catering for the changing tastes and trends of the entire student population. There’s always a lively buzz, making it a great place to relax between lectures, meet friends for lunch or bring your laptop and get some work done with a coffee in hand.
One Elmwood was designed with our students in mind, which is why the building has a staircase with padded seating and bright areas with tables, chairs and sofas. Have a group project? Head on up to the SU Collaboration Space on the second floor, with its flexible layout and group tables. We also have the SU Lounge on the third floor where you can grab a free tea and coffee, heat up your lunch or take a seat on the balcony when the weather allows for it.
Don’t forget about the Union Bar and Terrace on the second floor, it’s a great spot to grab a bite, meet new people, and join in on pub quizzes or other fun events.
Queen’s Business School
The recently launched Queen’s Business School Student Hub is a fresh addition to campus life. Designed to support both academic growth and student wellbeing, the space blends function with comfort. Business and Beans Café is your first stop, perfect for a coffee catch-up or a quiet solo lunch.
Whether you’re networking, prepping a presentation, or just winding down between classes there’s also the Executive Lounge, ideal for group projects or focused solo work, and a dedicated Postgraduate Common Room.
Medical Biology Centre (MBC)
At the Medical Biology Centre (MBC), the ground floor is home to a Clements café, a convenient and comfortable spot for students to recharge between classes. With plenty of seating, including the student lounge right beside it, it’s ideal for grabbing a coffee, catching up with friends, or getting some light reading done in between your busy schedule.
The café’s central location on the ground floor makes it an easy stop whether you’re heading to labs, tutorials, or just looking for a quiet moment during a busy day on campus.
Reboot
Reboot is the ultimate gaming hangout just across from the MBC. Whether you’re into retro arcade machines, console games, VR racing, or high-spec PC setups (with 30 rigs ready to go), there’s something for every kind of gamer.
Prefer something more low-key? Grab a board game and settle in with friends. And it’s not just about the games, Reboot also serves up a tasty menu featuring pizza, burgers, paninis, milkshakes, and coffee. Whether you’re looking to connect with a gaming community, unwind after class, or just grab a bite in a fun setting, Reboot has you covered.
Computer Science Building
The Computer Science Building, located on Malone Road is easily recognised by its colourful, modern exterior. Inside, students are welcomed into a bright foyer equipped with comfortable seating and arcade games, perfect for a quick break between classes. Head up to the first floor and you’ll find a dedicated lunch area with plenty of seating, ideal for eating, socialising, or catching up on some light study.
If you're after a more laid-back spot to unwind, there’s also a Student Lounge. This relaxed space offers a comfortable environment where you can take a breather, enjoy a hot drink, or get some solo study done without the hustle and bustle of busier campus areas.
Physical Education Cente (PEC)
If you find yourself down at the PEC for classes, a gym session, or a swim, be sure to stop by the on-site Clements café for your coffee fix. It’s the perfect place to refuel, catch your breath, or meet a friend after a workout, all without leaving the building.
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Zoe BrankinStaff Writer | Queen's GlobalHi, I'm Zoe, and I'm proud to be part of the Queen's Global team. Outside of work, I love reading (I even run a local book club), spending time with my dogs, and never missing an opportunity for a coffee or brunch outing. |
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