With midterm season in full swing, I find myself spending more and more time in my favorite study spot: a cafe. Throughout the year, I’ve explored numerous options and spent a large portion of my study time trying out different cafes around Berkeley. Drinks, distance, and aesthetics are three key factors that tie into what makes a cafe my favorite.
First and most important, the drinks. It kind of seems obvious, but you’d be shocked how many coffee shops in the area charge extreme prices for disappointing results. Second of all is the distance. I don’t want to have to plan excessively and worry about bus schedules every time I want to study. A shop nearby not only motivates me to study more, but the walk over usually is a nice calm beginning and end to a long study session. Last, but not least, is of course the aesthetic. Nothing is more motivating than a warm and charming environment that makes me feel like a main character. Ambience is everything. After considering all of these factors, I’ve created a list of my three favorite coffee shops around campus to study at.
1. Edmonds Cafe
My ride or die. Edmonds has plenty of seating, including seats that overlook Berkeley and the San Francisco Bay. Their music is pretty good, and not loud enough to distract me. Their drinks are well priced and always enjoyable, and they also offer pastries that are the perfect treat to fuel my study sessions. They have such sweet staff and are within walking distance from my dorm. Honestly, this cafe has it all for me, and has become such a staple for me in Berkeley.
2. Caffe Strada
Strada’s greatest advantage is also its biggest drawback: the weather. There’s nothing nicer than Strada at the beginning of the school year when the weather is toasty both day and night. The ambience of the fairy lights and outdoor seating is really refreshing to be around. Their drinks aren’t my favorite, I’ll admit, but their pastries and prices aren’t bad. Finally, one of their biggest pros: the distance. It’s so close to campus, and less than a couple blocks away from the dorms, making Strada such a convenient and fresh place to study.
3. Binge Coffee House
Their drinks. Enough said, Binge has the best drinks out of all the shops on this list hands down, but that’s also their downside. Binge is super popular, meaning that it’s also super crowded and loud. This is especially true on weekends, which often makes it hard for me to find seating and concentrate. But during slow hours, it’s definitely a staple for me. Binge is great for drinks anytime, but you have to find the right hours for studying.
When midterms roll around, finding the right study environment can make all the difference. Whether it’s the cozy reliability of Edmonds, the lively outdoor charm of Strada, or the unbeatable drinks at Binge, each cafe offers something unique for a productive study session. No matter which spot you choose, a good drink, a comfortable atmosphere, and a short walk from campus can turn even the most stressful midterm prep into an enjoyable routine.