There are two types of places where I can spend my whole day: cafes and bookstores. Better yet, bring me to a bookstore with a built-in cafe, and voila—I’m entertained for hours.
Over winter break, I went to a cafe at least eight different times, usually with my dad. Here’s the routine: When one of us gets an itch to get out of the house, we’ll drive to the nearest Caffe Nero, Dunkin’, or Starbucks and set up shop there for a few hours. I turn on some lo-fi music, sip some iced espresso, and plan, plan, plan (mostly student org logistics and post-grad plans). My dad usually works, watches videos, or reads, and we call it a day around 5 p.m.
And honestly, it’s been the most productive time of my week. Here’s why.
1. Access to caffeine
Let’s be real for a second: Caffeine is a lifesaver. I used to be totally against it, but since entering college, it’s come in clutch on multiple occasions when I ran out of steam studying for intense exams or just needed an extra energy boost. When I sit down at a cafe to do work, I love to sip on an iced chai latte, iced matcha or vanilla latte, or iced espresso. (Can you tell I like iced drinks?) If I’m not feeling caffeine that day, I’ll order something strawberry or lemonade-related.
2. The productive atmosphere
Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery to inspire action. Whether it’s your texts buzzing every five minutes, those social media notifications, or random emails flooding your inbox, there’s always distractions competing for our attention. But when you walk into a cafe, you enter a productive bubble of remote workers, students, avid readers, and those freelance creative types who look like they’re working on… something. It’s a giant coworking space with coffee and free Wi-Fi—what more do you need?
If you’re an introvert, being in a room with other people isn’t your first choice. However, this environment creates a feeling of accountability that forces you into action before someone looks over and wonders why you’re sitting there staring at space. You can also go with a study buddy for extra accountability. After all, unless you’re a coffee connoisseur or meeting a friend to chat, you came there to get something done.
3. Background noise
This point builds off the last one. I was never that person who insisted on having background noise to focus. And I’m still not. But, it can definitely be helpful every once in a while to break through the stale silence of a college library. And if you have to listen to one of those ticking clocks on the wall, forget it. Heading to my local cafe helps me get into the zone—and stay there.
4. Natural lighting for focus
Many coffee shops have glass windows near the front to let natural light in. Most of the time, especially if you live in a dorm, these windows bright more light than where you live. We already know the health benefits of Vitamin D: it supports our immune system, strengthens our bones, and can lift our moods, according to an article by Healthline. The “sunshine” vitamin can also help you focus, which is just what you need when tackling a 27-page reading assignment or drafting a major paper.
The Bottom Line
Studying at a cafe isn’t for everyone, but it might be for you. As a former cafe-working skeptic, I swear by working at a coffee shop when I’m having trouble getting into the zone. Try it out next time you need to tackle a big to-do list.