With reading week fast approaching and the end of the term in full swing, Yale students are flocking to study spots of all varieties, aspiring to make sizeable dents in their mountains of work. So what is your ideal study spot? Are you looking for a quality drink? A place to work with friends? Or simply a place with some white noise? This week’s This or That? is here to help you in your search for the perfect coffeehouse study spot to get you through these last few days of the semester.
Starbucks:
Yes, it is always overflowing with customers and yes, it lacks some of the character of some lesser-known coffee shops. However, nowhere but at Starbucks will you get a delicious drink along with the freedom to converse without facing looks of contempt. The busiest hours are between 3 and 5 pm when students are getting out of classes. Although it may seem like there are no available seats, seats become available gradually during your ten-minute wait in line. The drinks are delicious as always- especially considering its holiday season! Let’s be honest, nothing tastes better in this harsh winter weather than a peppermint mocha in a snowflake-covered cup. One common complaint, besides the lack of available seats, is that the music is sometimes overwhelming. If you are a person who needs absolute silence while working, Starbucks is not the place for you. However, if you enjoy a little white noise or can easily tune out distractions then you need not to worry. The coffee is great, as well as the location, but don’t count on being able to find space to work as a group.
Come here to: Work alone or with a friend, drink a hot and tasty beverage (Hours: 5:30AM-10:30PM weekdays, 6AM-10:30PM weekends)
Bass Café:
Located underneath cross campus, hundreds of students walk over and through it every day. The best part about Bass Café is that you can grab a coffee or snack with just a swipe of your ID, using a meal swipe, points or your account. Bass Café alternates the roasts that they offer, including French, Brazilian, Colombian and more. They boast all flavors of Tazo Tea and also offer lattes and cappuccinos. However, the quality of these drinks is not quite up to the standards of the other coffee shops in the neighborhood. But if all you are looking for is a bit of caffeine, then the Café works perfectly. The snack options vary, basically offering selected items from Durfees. Bass Café has the perfect level of white noise, as there is no background music and students keep the volume to a tolerable level. It is completely acceptable to work here with a group at either a table or in the comfortable chairs (almost too comfortable- try not to fall asleep!). An additional perk to Bass Café is that you can easily walk to Bass or Sterling without going outside if you need either a book or a change of pace.
Come here to: Work with a group, find caffeine, relax in a chair (Hours of Café: 10AM-10PM Monday-Thursday, 10AM-5PM Friday, 12PM-5PM Saturday, 12PM-10PM Sunday)
Jo Jo’s:
Located behind Pierson College on the corner of Park and Chapel, Jojo’s Coffee and Tea is the perfect location to grab some tea, spread out your notes and write that dreaded term paper. Upon entering Jojo’s, I was immediately consumed with a comfortably nostalgic feeling of being in a home. The curtains, hanging lights and decorations fit nicely with the comfortable atmosphere that defines the coffee shop. The menu is very specialized, composed of breakfast, smoothies and sandwiches along with bite-sized snacks similar to what Starbucks offers. For all of you tea lovers out there, this is your spot. The menu offers an extensive variety of teas, as this drink makes up the largest part of the menu. However, coffee lovers take note, there is also plenty of espresso, cappuccino and latte to go around. One downside is that the Internet is seriously spotty, so it is best to make sure that your pages are loaded prior to entering the shop. The overall atmosphere is quieter than both Starbucks and Bass Café, making it the perfect location to work individually and stay a while. The best part? If you take your order “for here,” they give you your tea in a pot and your coffee in an adorably ornamented cup. The other best part? Pumpkin Spice Lattes are served year round. I would highly recommend giving Jojo’s a visit if you have yet to stop by.
Come here to: Work on a paper, drink tea and lightly snack (Hours: 7AM-9PM weekdays, 9AM-9PM weekends)