By Isabelle Murphy, Contributor
With schoolwork getting serious and mid-terms coming up, it’s becoming even more necessary to lock in. However, that can be challenging to do at your dainty dorm room desk, especially if your roommates are distracting or your bed looks a little too enticing. While the library is great, you may be wondering if there are other spots you can study at, places that may be a little more conducive to help you focus on that five page research paper due next week, or the forty-five question math assignment due tomorrow that you haven’t started yet… If this sounds like you, read on to find the best local spots to study at!
Spot #1: Variety Coffee
Variety Coffee is conveniently located right across the street from 15 Beekman. In less than twenty steps, you’ll walk through the clear glass doors into the cozy, inviting atmosphere, the smell of fresh coffee wafting through the air. With tables of all sizes nestled throughout the shop and bar-like seating overlooking the windows, Variety is one of the best places to focus and get your study on. I’ve spent many hours here pouring over long readings and pulling my hair out doing math homework. In my opinion, if you must suffer through arduous assignments and strenuous studying, you might as well do it at a cozy coffee shop where you can channel your inner aesthetic and make the most out of your time. Variety allows you to do just that, and offers delicious lattes and bakery treats that you can enjoy while you work or reward yourself with afterwards.
Spot #2: City Hall Park
Maybe you’re not a coffee person, or you just can’t focus with the sounds of murmuring conversations or music playing in the background. In that case, City Hall Park is an underrated alternative option that may be right for you! With countless benches and beautiful views of the classic fountain, this serene and scenic spot is nestled just a few steps away from the busy bustle of FIDI. You can take your computer, notebook, or book and settle on a bench bathed in sunshine or shaded by trees. The gentle rustle of leaves and fresh air create a peaceful backdrop perfect for clearing and focusing your mind, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your studies. I’ve often brought notes to review or assigned readings to the park, and I enjoy people watching as a break between studying. The park also has free Wi-Fi that you can connect to in the form of a hotspot, and oftentimes even the Pace Wi-Fi will connect when you’re there. So, if you’re having trouble focusing and need to break out of your usual routine, heading over to City Hall Park to study can serve as a much-needed mental respite from the everyday chaos of the concrete jungle.
Spot #3: McNally Jackson Bookstore
Alright, so maybe you don’t particularly enjoy coffee or prefer the great outdoors, but really, who could blame you? If the last two spots haven’t ignited your inclination to study, this last spot is sure to hit the marks. If you haven’t been yet, the McNally Jackson bookstore is a warm and welcoming space with floor to ceiling shelves—filled to the brim with books. You feel more studious just upon entering, and studying here feels less like a chore, and more like a way of life. Complete with a little cafe and spanning two stories, this bookstore is an ideal retreat for those looking to get their work done in a quiet and placid space. In addition to the cozy cafe seating, there are comfy armchairs scattered throughout, and spacious corners filled with books to peruse and seek solace in when your brain needs a break. You definitely won’t regret stopping by for a study session!
That’s it for now. I hope you’ll consider visiting one of these places the next time you’re having trouble locking in or need to cram for an exam. When school gets tough and you can’t seem to find the motivation to do your work, I’ve found that romanticizing school and your academics helps. It puts things in a new perspective and allows you to find joy in doing the work you might not always care for. So go pack up your backpack, shuffle your fall playlist, and get ready to become an absolute academic weapon at one of these local study spots.
Hi! My name is Isabelle Murphy, and I’m a freshman majoring in Arts & Entertainment
Management. I’m so excited to be joining The Honors Herald as a contributor! In my
spare time, you can find me eating sushi at City Hall Park, reading, singing in the
stairwell, or grabbing coffee. 🙂