Top 5 Off Campus Study Spots
By: Madison Becker
I learned the hard way that, sometimes, campus is overwhelming. From the perpetually buzzing Connelly Center to hundreds of clubs and activities to opt for, campus is always teeming. In the midst of trying to make friends, there’s deadlines for club applications, sporting events, figuring out the quickest route to Tolentine (trust me, there really isn’t one) and homework.
During my freshman year, I studied in Bartley and Connelly a lot. For me, I like to study in a place with people that isn’t too loud or eerily quiet. For others, the 4th floor of Falvey is their home on nights before an exam. Some people love the impossible challenge of finding a seat in the Exchange during finals. Whether you like a quiet place or subtly populated location, studying on campus can become a bit distracting. However, towards the end of the year, I found myself itching to stumble upon a place, away from campus, where I could hunker down for multiple hours and crank out my work. These are a few place I’ve found to strike the perfect study balance.
1. Starbucks
When I was younger, I would always see business-like people doing work in Starbucks and swore to myself that I would never be found studying here. However, with a quick walk from CampCo, Starbucks makes for a convenient study hot spot. As another bonus, when Bartley is over-crowded during finals season, why not treat yourself to something other than Holy Grounds?
2. Panera
Although this requires a car, it is so worth it. Panera is quiet and far enough from campus that many distractions are out of reach. Another bonus is that they accept NOVA Bucks! Who doesn’t love sneaking out of the dining hall for some heavenly mac and cheese without breaking the bank? Not to mention, there is a frozen yogurt place next door as a reward for finishing that philosophy essay!
3. La Colombe
It’s no secret that most of my recommendations sell coffee, a necessity for night owl studying the night before a paper is due. La Colombe is a walk away (exercise is crucial to avoiding stress during finals) on a nice spring or fall day. With its aesthetic atmosphere and abundance of bakery goods, this cute coffee shop proves to be a suitable place for writing out flashcards to help you memorize your Spanish vocabulary.
4. Ludington Library
This free, public library is on Lancaster, a little bit further than the coffee shops and Turning Point. With hours from 9-9, printing services if you can’t figure out the vPrint, and meeting rooms to rent out, the library makes itself available to students and graduates in need of a fresh place with resources for your research paper. Sometimes it is necessary to be by yourself to study and focus, away from your friends, phone and room.
5. Bryn and Dane’s
This is my favorite study spot for many reasons. Not only can you walk there, but the food they have is healthy, super fast and won’t break the bank. From smoothies to chicken tenders (that maybe rival Conn’s), this place has all of the comfort food. The tables are spacious and the atmosphere is wide open with a window in the front to bring a little bit of outside in. This place keeps it simple so it won’t be distracting from work. On a sunny spring day, Bryn and Dane’s is the place to be whether it’s for studying or a quick break from it.
