WiFi, Food/Drinks, & A Chill Study Spot: All a College Kid Needs…So we’ve compiled the best ones (other than Club Sterne) in the Bham area. Get your study on!
Books, Beans, & Candles: Alabama’s Largest Metaphysical Coffee Shoppe
Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sun. 12 p.m. – 7p.m.
Biking Distance
Tired of the conventional coffee shop? Drive a little farther down on 20th street south, past Five Points, and you’ll see this new age coffee shop on your right. Books, Beans, & Candles offers belly dancing, martial arts, Wicca classes, and psychic readings. If you’re easily distracted, this might not be the place for you; however, if you are open-minded and curious about Birmingham’s spiritual clique, I cannot recommend a better place for you.
The renovated, two-story house has an herb room (yes, for all your cooking, gardening, and recreational needs), the psychic’s room, a store, and—what you’ve been waiting for—a study lounge! Surprisingly, the study lounge is spacious and comfortable. Personally, I can’t think of anything better than a freshly brewed coffee, the earthy aroma from a burning incense, and a comfy couch in a bookstore that offers free Wi-Fi.
Quick Tip: The top-level “bathroom” is creepy. It only has a bathtub in it. It creeps me out…enter at your own risk.
Pros: WiFi, Great for the curious, Comfortable, Support for local business, Supplies
Cons: Book selection is probably not relevant to studies, creeps some out, not for the light-headed (very aromatic atmosphere)
Homewood Public Library
Mon. Tue. Thu. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Wed. Fri. Sat. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun. 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Driving Distance
Most of my friends dedicate their study time at the library, but even the Sterne Library’s noise level can raise a few decibels during midterms and finals. If you’re looking for a dead silent, yet picturesque, study scene, the Homewood Public Library is my favorite Jefferson County Library.
The Homewood Public Library is on Oxmoor Road, and I certainly feel safe and sound walking out at 9 p.m. I was pretty much flabbergasted when I first walked into the multi-level library. I can totally deal with spending my study breaks staring at a fish aquarium or checking out the children’s library (yes, they have their own library!) to see if any other book has been more popular than Eric Carle’s The Hungry, Hungry Caterpillar.
The coffee vending machines are a nice touch, and the librarians are inviting and accommodating. Plus, it’s only a short walk away from Homewood Park.
Quick Tip: A library card is not required to enter, but check out a new-release DVD or CD on your way out to reward yourself.
Pros: WiFi, Quiet, Abundance of references, Helpful librarians, Safe area, Coffee area, Child-friendly Children’s Library
Cons: Not in walking distance
Railroad Park
Open 24/7
Biking Distance
About every UAB student has heard of the newly designed, eight block green space, known as Railroad Park; yet, very few have actually visited the park! Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets S, the park beautifully incorporates nature with industry. The amenities include the Railroad Park Dining Car, free WiFi, a skate park, a playground, walking trails, and outdoor gym equipment.
If the weather is beautiful and your dog is pawing a the window, why not study at the park? Police and security guards 24/7 monitor the park, but I will not sugar coat the safety. There have been quite a few muggings at the park, so make sure you have a strong boyfriend or a rowdy pup.
On the bright side, this eco-friendly study space is ideal for nature freaks, like me. It’s always open, perfect for stargazing, and offers an outdoor workout space. Check out their calendar for special events such as yoga, Zumba, and movie night at http://www.railroadpark.org/calendar.php.
Quick Tip: Bring a hammock or blanket to lounge around
Pros: WiFi, Atmosphere, 24/7 Security, Food vendors, Pet/Child-friendly, Event calendar
Cons: Frequent crime reports, Noise
Starbucks in Five Points
Mon.-Thurs.- 6.a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri.-Sat.- 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun- 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Biking Distance
Of course most all of us have had a study sesh at UAB’s Starbucks, but it’s ironically probably one of the noisiest facilities on campus. I love Starbucks’ coffee, appreciation for art, and lax music, but I could NOT hardcore study at the campus Starbucks for the life of me.
Instead, check out the Starbucks in Five Points. Since it’s in the dead center of the district, and a relatively short walk from UAB, people are often in a hurry to get their refreshments and zoom out. There is an upstairs study lounge with local art, and, of course, free WiFi. If you’re not feeling up to being inside, the outside seating is fairly peaceful.
Quick Tip: Try a Chai Tea Latte with extra pump(s) and no water. My fave!
Pros: WiFi, Environment, Extended hours, Surrounding stores (restaurants, shops)
Cons: Can’t use Dining Dollars/Blazer Bucks, Limited seating, Frequent protests outside
Lucy’s Coffee & Tea
Mon.-Fri.- 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Biking Distance/Walking Distance for Medical Students
One last coffee shop for this list, but it’s totally worth it. Lucy’s Coffee & Tea is independently owned (for you hipsters who are anti-corporation advocates) and conveniently located between University Boulevard and 20th Street—AKA: perfect for med students.
Lucy’s is adorned with art from the Naked Art Gallery and claims to attract “local and international customers where you may or may not hear Russian, Spanish, Mandarin, or English on your next visit.” The coffee and tea is a great price, and Lucy even offers a lunch menu!
Quick Tip: Call before going; they frequently close early
Pros: WiFi, Independently owned, Support for local business, Menu selection, Location, Diversity
Cons: Doesn’t accept Dining Dollars/Blazer Bucks, Limited hours