Instead of slaving away on coursework in a dreary school library or your distraction-riddled bedroom, spruce up your study routine with a change of scenery. This list, curated by a Gainesville native with the help of current University of Florida students, showcases settings perfect for an afternoon of essay-writing and quiet study session or a morning tutoring lesson over a latte.
1. Books A Million.
While the BAM location on 13th street closed to make way for a 2nd and Charles, the Newberry Road location is alive and well. This store offers indoor tables and seating at the café as well as outdoor tables and a few coveted spots in the center of the store by the information desk. While a bookstore is undoubtedly nosier than the school library, it provides a much more energetic atmosphere for productivity alongside the convenience having books readily available. Even better, there is a coffee shop on site and free Wi-Fi after signing in with a social media account.
Okay, the public library may not sound cool, but when it comes to getting some serious work done, it is the place to be. For one, you are guaranteed a quiet space with plenty of tables and resources, and the likelihood of running into peers from school is slim and distractions are very limited. Also, the public library has the same advantage as an on-campus library; there are librarians on site to help you with any research-related questions, which is perfect if you are writing a lengthy research paper or struggling to use a database. For extreme study emergencies that require absolute silence, head to the Millhopper Library’s dedicated “quiet room.” For an entire list of the libraries locations and hours, click here.
This local treasure, part of CYMplify, not only has delicious coffee but can be a great site to do some homework. There is both indoor and outdoor porch seating along with several study rooms. However, there is a limited quantity of tables and they do tend to fill up quickly. On the plus side, the coffee will not disappoint. The workers are incredibly friendly, and the vibe is comfortable for studying or hanging out with friends. Specifically, this is a perfect location for group projects because there are several larger tables and an accomadating porch outside. For more information on Cym Coffee Co, click here.
4. Starbucks.
With free Wi-Fi, online ordering, and lots of locations, Starbucks is an obvious place to do some test prep or make flash cards. To make the most of your academic experience at any Starbucks, be sure to avoid specific locations during their busy hours. For example, the Starbucks on 13th and 16th has tons of seating, both inside and out, but is located next door to Gainesville High School, meaning it should probably be avoided between 2:45-4:00 p.m. on weekdays. Try this location, the newly renovated downtown location, or any of the other Starbucks in town.
5. Coffee Culture.
With amazing coffee and treats, ample tables, computer access, a tiny library of paperback books and free Wi-Fi along with any purchase, Coffee Culture is almost unbeatable. Along with Starbucks, Coffee Culture tends to get crowded during weekdays after the high schools release, so plan your study trip accordingly. However, since Coffee Culture has significant seating, it usually is a pretty safe bet for a study session.
Are there any places that you like to study in Gainesville? We would love to hear about them in the comments below. Happy studying!
