If you’re like me, every time you open your laptop to study at home, your comfy bed calls your name a little too convincingly. You write the title of your assignment, award yourself with a short 10-minute break and before you know it, you’re waking up from a 3-hour mid-day nap. To avoid such temptations, I’ve taken to studying outside the house.
Whether it’s the lack of distractions, the ambient noise, or the need to look like the mysterious academic cool girl to strangers in public, studying outside can be extremely effective and an excellent way to stay productive.
Dublin hosts a plethora of cool and cosy study spots to get those vital assignments done…or at least started.
Beckett Locke
This spacious and aesthetically pleasing spot is located near The Point in the North Docks. Beckett Locke is actually a hotel, but the ground floor is a gorgeous spot to get your work done. With plenty of seating and tables, you are pretty much guaranteed a spot for you or your group. The space is also kitted out with a gorgeous little café to keep you caffeinated. They don’t mind if you bring in your own food and usually allow students to stay as late as they want, provided they arrive before 7 p.m. Beckett Locke is the perfect setting for those long study evenings.
Costa on Dawson Street
Costa is a very large chain of cafes with loads of locations across Dublin. But the one on Dawson Street is particularly lovely. Though the upstairs is popular and very busy, there is a downstairs with a much more relaxed and quiet atmosphere. It’s an excellent place to get group work done and there’s also plenty of outlets to charge phones and laptops. With such a central location and relatively cheap coffee and food (though not much is cheap in Dublin), this Costa is a great spot.
Soren and Son
This lovely quaint cafe is located on Dean Street in The Liberties. It’s got plenty of solo seating so is very popular with students. It’s the perfect place for those looking to play the role of the cool and trendy studious girl. Though the real main attractions are the beautiful pastries and cakes. If you’re the kind of person who needs to reward themselves with sweet treats, then this is the place for you. A bit of positive reinforcement training never hurt anyone.
The Clockwork Door
A unique addition to the list, The Clockwork Door is located above the Eat Tokyo on Wellington Quay near Temple Bar. If you like studying outside but can’t afford to buy coffee and cake all the time then The Clockwork Door is for you. Instead of paying for food or beverages, you pay for how long you stay. It’s 10c a minute (€6 an hour) and they have all the free coffee, tea, and biscuits you could dream of. Their space feels like a cosy living room and has been a long favourite of the students on a budget.
Pearse Street library
Not everyone enjoys the hustle and bustle of cafes. If you need a quiet space, but you’re sick of your university library, you can try one of the many public libraries in Dublin. The Dublin City Library and Archive is located on Pearse Street and is the perfect space for a student looking for a change of scenery. Ask and the librarian assigns you a study desk to get your work done in blissful peace. If the same four walls of your college library are beginning to drive you slightly mad, this is an excellent option.