For most college students right now, the end of the semester is right around the corner- which means we’re all cramming in the last few assignments before finals. When it comes to getting work done, a lot of us focus better with a cozy table, a warm drink nearby, and an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. But in my experience, and from talking to many of my peers, finding the perfect study spot can be a challenge. Every place has its pros and cons.
So where do you even start?
Today I’m sharing a top five list that I compiled from personal experience and a little bit of survey research. I talked to 20 students at Ventura College and asked them one question:
“What is your favorite spot to study at, and why?”
For the “why,” I expanded and asked them to consider factors like price and availability, along with anything else they value in a study spot. Here’s what they said:
- Kaapicat Cafe 377 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001 If you haven’t heard of Kaapicat yet, you just might discover your new favorite study destination. They are a family-owned café in the heart of downtown Ventura, with delicious breakfast food that mixes Indian flavors with American brunch items. Personally, I love their tea menu. Multiple students chose this place as their favorite, with the main reason being the spacious seating area, multiple outlets, and a staff that’s warm and welcoming. The café describes itself as a place for “remote workers, solitary readers, and writers” which welcomes students looking for a coffee shop to be at for hours on end.
- Cajé Coffee Roasters 71 N Palm St, Ventura, CA 93001 Cajé is a newly trending spot for aesthetically pleasing food and drinks, with a beautiful atmosphere both inside and out on the huge patio. Students that suggested Cajé to me highlighted the insane amount of seating, reliable WiFi, and available outlets inside. And of course, the main reason it seems to be a crowd favorite is because it’s a very pleasing atmosphere to be in. It’s a solid pick whether you’re there for a couple hours to study or a common group study meetup spot. Some things to consider: Weekends get very busy and wait times can be longer, so weekday mornings or early afternoons are your best bet. The parking situation is also less than ideal— the back lot fills up fast and the only other free public lot is a short walk away.
- Simones Coffee & Tea Two locations: 7818 Telegraph Rd & 2848 Cabrillo Dr, Ventura Simones has been a Ventura staple since 1996, and it’s been voted “Favorite Coffeehouse” in the county year after year, and for good reason. Many students chose Simones at their go to spot, mentioning that they have good WiFi, plenty of outlets, and a comfortable atmosphere that doesn’t make you feel like you need to buy something every 20 minutes. The Telegraph Road location is open seven days a week, and seemed to be the preferred location. The Cabrillo location is closed on weekends and the general consensus is that it’s more specifically for the workers at the hospital across the street (although some people reported it being pretty empty inside because of that reason). Some things to consider: There isn’t a huge amount of seating, especially when it’s busier or if you’re looking for an outlet since they are along the wall.
- Barnes & Noble Booksellers 4820 Telephone Rd, Ventura, CA 93003 Stepping away from the coffee shops, Barnes & Noble is on this list for a very obvious reason: you don’t have to buy anything to sit and study. That’s a big deal when you’re already stretched thin (as most college students might be). Besides the financial factor, the students who suggested Barnes & Noble pointed out good WiFi, a noticeably quieter crowd compared to most coffee shops, and a low-pressure atmosphere. I will admit that there’s something about being surrounded by books that gives you more motivation to focus. There is an in-store Starbucks, so you can grab a drink if you want one but not making it a requirement is a huge bonus for this spot.
- E.P. Foster Library 651 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001 A classic choice that is often overlooked. E.P. Foster Library is a free, public resource with free WiFi, public computers, so much seating, and absolutely no purchase required. In the same respect to Barnes & Noble, there tends to be less of a crowd than a coffee shop. Honestly the services they offer are great for students who need those resources or a space that is quiet. The main reason this choice is favorable is overall convenience. Important note: E.P. Foster is currently undergoing a renovation, so hours and access may be limited.
So, what Makes the Perfect Study Spot?
After hearing from my peers, I noticed that these factors for the ‘perfect study spot’ were at the top every time:
- Good WiFi and plenty of outlets. That’s just essential.
- Enough seating and less of a crowd. Somewhere to be for hours at a time.
- Low cost or no purchase required— because this is for community college students.
I hope this helps you reflect on your perfect study spot, and maybe even discover new local cafes. Happy finals season everybody.
VC Social 