Category: Study Spots

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How Ventura College Students Actually Deal With Stress

If you’re a Ventura College student, or know a college student you may already know how stressful things can really get with classes, assignments, work, and trying to have some kind of life outside of school. Especially around midterms and finals, it can feel like everything just hits at once. Because of that a lot of students have their own ways to deal with stress such as these in this article.

Finding places to slow down?

One thing that came up a lot when it came to my survey on how my peers deal with stress is just getting out of the house and going anywhere outside. A lot of people mentioned going to the Ventura Beach when they need some time to theirselves. They mentioned just walking, sitting, or listening to music but being by the water seems to help a lot of people clear their head and slow things down.

Location:The Ventura Pier Beach

Changing study spots

Another thing students said they do to relieve stress and boost their workflow is changing where they study. Staying in the same place all the time can make you feel stuck and sometimes unmotivated, so going somewhere like Starbucks down the street from school, Honey Cup Coffee House & Creamery, or Heritage Coffee can actually help a lot. A different environment plus a little bit of coffee can just make it easier to lock in and get things done according to students.

Exercise and Staying Active

My personal favorite way to relieve stress and keep me going is exercise and working out. When I get overwhelmed and am feeling stuck I tend to just get a quick work out in or get my body moving then I come back to doing my assignments with a refreshed mind. Places and things to do could be things such as students going to the Ventura College Gym, going on a run around campus, or even just something simpler like walking around campus. It’s less about working out seriously and more about getting out of your head for a little while and coming back to things with a clearer mind.

Spending Time with Friends & Family

Last but definitely not least hanging out with friends is a great way to relieve some stress. Out of all the things students said they did to relieve stress, almost all students said that hanging out with friends helps more than anything. Even if it’s just a quick break, talking and laughing with people can take your mind off everything.

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Top Five Study Spots in Ventura

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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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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Becoming My Own Girl Boss: A Day in the Life of a Community College Student

Being a community college student is about more than just attending classes. Many students are balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities while also preparing for their future careers. Every day looks different for me, and sometimes unexpected plans can change routines. As a student working toward completing my social media marketing degree, I am constantly learning how to manage my time, stay motivated, and continue building my career at the same time.

This article shares a realistic look at one day in my life as a community college student who is not only completing assignments but also working, creating content, and preparing for life after graduation.

Morning Routine: Resetting After a Busy Weekend

On most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, my morning starts very early, around 4:30AM, so I can get to the gym before starting the rest of my daily responsibilities. However, this particular Wednesday looked a little different because I had just returned from Coachella Weekend 1, and my body needed a bit more time to recover. So, instead of waking up before sunrise as I usually do, I started my day at around 7:00AM, which gave me a much-needed boost to fulfill the day’s requirements.

My morning routine still focused on getting organized and preparing for the day ahead. I filmed a Get Ready With Me video, which is part of the content I create daily as I continue building my presence in digital media. Creating content has become an important part of my daily routine because it allows me to practice skills related to my future career in social media marketing. In addition, it is just something I enjoy doing on a daily basis.

Even on slower mornings, I remind myself that preparation sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Late Morning: Turning Free Time into Productive Time
@mariahmikaela

spend a realistic day in my life with meeee!🌞🤍 #dayinmylife #Vlog #spendthedaywithme #diml #studentlife @Palm & Boy Coffee and Acai @Nespresso @Califia Farms @Garage Clothing @abercrombie & fitch @Aritzia @Wildflower Cases

♬ Garden party – neo trip

Around 9:00AM, my day officially began moving. I was already dressed and ready, so I filmed the start of my Day in My Life video by showing my outfit for the day. I made coffee at home and ate breakfast, which was leftovers from the night before (a tostada with beans, cheese, ground beef, and salsa). It was a simple meal, but it gave me the energy I needed to keep my focus.

Before heading to study, I made a quick stop at Costco to get gas and a car wash. Small errands like these are part of everyday life, but they still require planning and time management. After finishing my errands, I drove to Palm & Boy Coffee and Acai to study before class. This is one of my favorite cafés (Fun Fact: I used to work here back in 2019!)

I arrived at the café around 10:00AM, ordered an iced dirty chai with almond milk, and settled in to get some work done. This was important because it allowed me to prepare for class while also working on creative projects.

While studying, I filmed and created a short video for TikTok featuring a lip combo using my new Rhode products. Creating content while studying might seem unusual and/or odd, but for me, it is part of building my career. It allows me to practice marketing, filming, editing, and branding skills in real time!

Attending Class: Investing in My Future

After studying at the Palm & Boy, I left to attend my 11:30AM Digital Content Marketing class. Attending class is one of the most important parts of my day because it provides the knowledge and skills I need to succeed in my field. I am enjoying this class because it allows me to connect, in person, to peers with similar interests as me! As a community college student, I have learned that my education is an investment in my future.

Balancing school responsibilities requires a ton discipline and focus. Even on days when I feel tired or busy, I remind myself why I started this journey in the first place and what goal I am working towards.


Afternoon: Working and gaining Real-World Experience

After class, I drove to Thousand Oaks, where I work. Before clocking in for my shift, I picked up lunch from Jersey Mike’s and prepared for the rest of the afternoon. I worked from 1:30PM to 6:00PM,  helping customers and managing various other responsibilities at my job.

Working while attending school has taught me valuable skills such as time management, communication, and responsibility. These skills are just as important as the lessons I am learning in the classroom. Having a job also helps me gain real-world experience that will, hopefully, be useful in my future career.

My workday marked the end of my Day In My Life Vlog, but my responsibilities did not stop there.

Evening Reset: Finishing Responsibilities and Preparing for Tomorrow

After finishing work at 6PM, I drove home and continued organizing my space. I had just returned from a busy weekend at Coachella, so cleaning and resetting my environment was necessary to feel prepared for the upcoming week. Resetting the space is always helpful in creating a more productive environment.

Even after a long day of school and work, my responsibilities were nowhere near completed. I am currently taking Excel and we usually have a variety of assignments due on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Since this was a Wednesday, I still had a full list of assignments to complete. This part of the day requires extreme discipline, especially when I feel tired.

Later in the evening, I went to grab dinner at In-N-Out. Taking time to eat and relax is important because it allows me to recharge after a full day of responsibilities.

By the time I finished dinner, it was around 10:00PM, I took a shower, prepared for bed and got ready for my nightly “scroll-time”. Nights are a time for reflection and recovery. Even though the day was super busy, I was proud of everything I accomplished with my time management and organization. Now I am one day closer to building my dream career.

Reflecting: Becoming a Girl Boss One Day at a Time

This day in my life shows that being a community college student involves so much more than just going to class. It requires dedication, organization, and motivation. Everything I do, whether I am studying at the café, working a shift at my 9-5, creating content, or studying and doing homework, plays a role in building my future. 

As the end of the semester approaches, I continue to focus on developing my skills, gaining experience, and preparing myself for my career in digital marketing. And while everyday looks different, one thing remains the same: all of the effort I put into each day helps me shape my opportunities for the next day to come. 

Follow me on TikTok Here!

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The Ultimate Study Spot Guide: Ventura College & Local Hidden Gems

Finding a good place to study isn’t always easy. A lot of spots look great at first, but end up having uncomfortable seating, too much noise, no WIFI, or nowhere to plug in your charger. All of that can make it hard to stay focused and actually get work done. To make things easier, I went out to find different study locations around the Ventura College campus and throughout Ventura County. After spending time in a variety of spots, I put together a list of places that are actually worth your time, whether you’re looking for something quiet, comfortable, or just a change of scenery.

Ventura College Campus Study Spots

The library quiet areas and reading room are easily the most reliable study spots on campus. If your goal is to really lock in and focus, this is where you want to be. The second floor is especially quiet with many areas to sit. The WIFI is strong, there are plenty of outlets, and the desks are big enough to spread out your work and study comfortably. The overall environment is calm and peaceful, which makes it easier to stay on task. This is the best option for things like studying for exams, writing essays, or anything that requires full concentration. Rank: #1

The library study rooms are another great option, especially if you need a private space. I noticed the rooms don’t block out noise very well, but if you just need a space to yourself or with a group, this is the spot for you. They come with a large table, outlets, and a whiteboard. The WIFI is just as strong as the rest of the library, and having your own space makes it easier to stay focused for longer periods of time. The only downside is that they aren’t always available and need to be reserved, but when you can get one, they’re one of the best spots on campus. Rank: #2

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) on the first floor is a good middle ground if you don’t mind a little background noise. It’s more of a collaborative space, so people are talking and working together. Because of that, it’s not the best for deep focus, but it works really well for getting assignments done, using computers, or studying. The WIFI is strong, there are plenty of outlets, and you also have access to tutoring and other resources. If you like a space that feels productive but not completely silent, this is a great choice. Rank: #3

The outdoor tables around campus, especially the ones farther away from the main walkways, are another great option. These spots can be surprisingly peaceful if you choose the right location and time of day. They’re great for casual studying, reviewing notes, or working on assignments when the weather is nice. The downside is that there is no outlets and noise levels can vary depending on how busy campus is. Still, if you find a quieter area, it can be a really good place to stay productive without feeling stuck inside. Rank: #4

Local Hidden Study Spots

Switching to off campus spots, some of these places are a little more hidden and sometimes unpredictable in the best way. And by hidden, I mean those tucked away spots you’d probably walk right past without thinking twice, like small cafes or quiet corners between businesses. I wanted to showcase places you might not usually consider, but once you try them, they end up becoming your go to study spot.

Tree Lounge in Camarillo is a great option if you’re looking for a calm and comfortable place to study. The atmosphere is very relaxed, which makes it easy to focus without feeling overwhelmed or distracted. They offer WIFI and outlets, which makes it a reliable spot for longer study sessions. One thing that really makes this place stand out is that it’s accommodating for students who have kids. There’s a coloring area for children with paper and markers, so it’s a good choice if you need to study but also keep your child occupied. They also have outdoor seating with access to outlets, which is perfect if you want some fresh air while working. It rarely gets too busy, so you can usually count on it being a peaceful and comfortable place to get your work done. Rank: #1

Tifa Chocolate & Gelato in Camarillo is a great study spot, especially if you’re looking for something fun and relaxing. The atmosphere is warm and comforting, which makes it easy to settle in and stay for a while. Inside, the tables are set up with board and card games like chess, checkers, connect 4, and more, which can actually be a nice way to take a break if you’re studying with friends. They also have WIFI and a good amount of outlets. If you want some fresh air or a quieter space, there is an outdoor seating area tucked between the building and a grocery store, which makes it feel more private and less crowded. Overall, this spot works really well for both group study sessions and more relaxed solo work. Rank: #2

Palm & Boy Coffee and Acai in Ventura is another great option if you’re more focused on the overall vibe. its located on Main Street but tucked away at the end of the El Jardin Courtyard, so it feels a bit hidden. The outdoor seating area is really nice and gives the place a cozy, aesthetic feel. But the seating is pretty limited, which can be a downside. they offer free WIFI, but there aren’t any outlets, so it’s not ideal for long sessions if your laptop needs charging. It can also get a little busy, so it’s not the best choice if you need complete silence. Still, if you’re just looking for a comfortable place with good energy to get some work done, this is the place for you. Rank: #3

Valle Lindo Park in Camarillo is a good option if you want a completely different kind of study environment. It’s a very peaceful park with large open grass areas, that are perfect for a picnic style studying session, with long bench tables that work well for groups. The bench areas do require reservations, but the park itself stays pretty quiet overall, especially away from the playground. One thing that helps is that there are rules in place that limit loud music and certain activities, so it doesn’t get too chaotic. There isn’t any WIFI or outlets, so its not the best spot if you need your laptop for a long period of time, but if you just need a calm space to read, write, or review notes, its a great option. Rank: #4

At the end of the day, the best study spot really comes down to what helps you stay focused and comfortable. Everyone studies a little differently, so it’s worth trying out a few of these places and seeing what works best for you. Hopefully, you found a new study spot that you can try out and make your own.