A Hidden Coffee Spot Inside a University Campus

Living near the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, I used to grumble about how far I had to go just to find a decent cup of coffee—or any space with even a hint of ‘Western’ atmosphere. Then, almost by accident, I stumbled upon a little place I never would have noticed: a coffee shop tucked behind trees and next to a laundromat, a convenience store, and across from the campus bathhouse.

The answer to the question 'Is there any good coffee on campus?' is yes—and it’s called Times Cafe, hidden in plain sight on the university grounds, serving quality coffee in a laid-back, student-friendly setting.

A Campus Café Discovered by Accident

It wasn’t until a friend pointed upwards—toward the roof of an unassuming building shaded by trees—that I realised there was a coffee shop here at all. The ground floor housed a supermarket, a print shop, a laundry, and a bubble tea joint. Opposite was the campus bathhouse. Nothing about the scene suggested a café. But Times Cafe was there.

A Memory of Coffee Under Thai Sunlight

The discovery reminded me of a random afternoon years ago in Chiang Mai, during a loose, unplanned trip. I sat at a tiny university coffee bar, where a sun-tanned Thai student swapped his books for an apron and made coffee with practiced ease. The setup was minimal: a few outdoor tables under umbrellas, a view of a clear lake backed by mountains, and a soundtrack of cheerful music. People—students, tourists, locals—dropped by casually. That memory shaped part of what I now appreciated about Times Cafe: a simple, slow, real space.

What Makes Times Cafe Different

Unlike chain cafés or polished student lounges, Times Cafe feels like it belongs to the campus. During a sunny Qingming holiday, I found myself there again, seeking warmth after days of rain. The place was staffed by part-time students wearing headphones and carrying backpacks. They weren’t pushy. The grind of the grinder punctuated the calm. I sat on the large terrace, bathed in sunlight, listening to soft electronic music. I didn’t even order anything at first—I was just there for the free Wi-Fi and the spring light.

The Vibe: Low-Key and Authentic

Times Cafe mirrors the kind of casual coffee culture found in university towns abroad. There’s no pretension, no forced ‘aesthetic’. Just students working part-time, regulars stopping by, and a straightforward menu. The atmosphere is approachable. It’s the kind of place where a Japanese professor might sit reading a Russian book before switching to English conversation, or where someone with a camera and a backpack might linger without buying anything—just soaking in the sun and the calm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Times Cafe located?

Times Cafe is located on the campus of the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology. Though it’s situated among everyday campus facilities like a supermarket, laundromat, and bathhouse, it’s tucked away enough that it’s easy to miss if you don’t know to look for it.

Is Times Cafe run by students?

Yes, many of the staff at Times Cafe are part-time student workers. They often work while wearing backpacks and listening to music, contributing to the casual, authentic vibe of the café.

What’s the atmosphere like at Times Cafe?

The atmosphere is laid-back and low-key. It’s described as calm, sunny, and unpretentious—with outdoor seating, gentle music, and an environment where students, visitors, and even professors can relax without pressure.

Does Times Cafe serve good coffee?

While the article doesn’t detail specific brewing methods or beans used, it positions Times Cafe as a genuine coffee spot within the campus, contrasting with more commercial or generic options—and suggests it serves as a quiet, quality coffee escape.

Can I visit Times Cafe even if I’m not a student?

Yes. The café is open to the public. Its presence on a university campus doesn’t restrict access, and it’s described as a welcoming spot for both students and visitors passing through.

What makes Times Cafe stand out from other campus cafés?

Times Cafe stands out due to its chill, almost European-style university café ambiance. It avoids loud branding or trendy aesthetics, offering instead a straightforward coffee experience paired with sunlight, music, and an unhurried pace—much like spontaneous coffee stops described in travel memories.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for a Campus Café Vibe

For a café like Times Cafe, we’d recommend FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for its bright citrus and floral notes, a great match for casual sipping and sunny terraces. The Colombia Huila is another solid choice with its balanced caramel and almond profile, ideal for students wanting something familiar yet premium. Finally, the Ethiopia Sidamo offers a winey acidity and berry tones, perfect for those lazy afternoons in the sun. All three beans highlight the kind of clean, approachable flavours that suit a low-key university coffee environment. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.