Five Spots for Your Preferred Study Ambience
From seniors who are bored of Starbucks and the Union
—By Aanya Rampuria, Nour Habhab, and Jevin Nishioka
Who else is struggling to be productive? We’ve all had a long summer, and getting back into the grind of classes and assignments can be hard— especially when you don’t have a go-to study spot. Starbucks is always too crowded, the Law Library is too daunting and the UGLi is just too ugly. Every student has a different study style and it is always a struggle to find the place that works best for you. Whether you’re looking for an isolated environment, or you just want a good cup of coffee, this list contains spots that cater to your specific studying needs.
Need a quiet place?
Reference Room – Hatcher Library North, 2nd Floor
If you like silent study spaces, try the Reference Room inside the Hatcher Library. Nursing major Kelly Cardillo describes it like “the law library except better.” Cardillo feels that this spot is “more inviting,” pointing out that you “can sneeze with no judgment and there will always be an available seat for you.” The peace, quiet, and charming historic feel allow you to nestle yourself for hours to “Get. It. Done.” The long tables all have various outlets which are an added bonus for those that intend to escape here for a while. Cardillo also notes that the bright lighting “makes studying alone less dreary” and thus makes the Reference Room a space that she looks forward to going to study. Located centrally, the Reference Room serves a great spot for those that want to get away from the bustling areas of campus to be productive!
Socializing with friends?
M36 Coffee Roasters Cafe – 1101 S University Ave
If you prefer some background chatter and have highly social study habits, then check out M-36 Coffee Roasters Cafe. This coffee shop has a plethora of amenities that can make for an efficient study session. Wall outlets, quick access to central campus classrooms and of course, tasty coffee to further boost your productivity. You can sit upstairs with a nice view of South University, and people-watch during your breaks. M-36 also has a basement area with more seating options and quieter surroundings. This accommodating combo of quiet and busy makes M36 a perfect spot for an “in between class” study session. Located just by the Diag, M-36 is a must-visit place for both socialites and for those that enjoy working with friends!
In case you get hungry…
Stray Hen Cafe – 403 E Washington St
Brain food… We all need it! Next time, supplement your studying with a meal at Stray Hen Cafe. Ex-employee and student Olivia Sinnott states that their “menu is vast” and thus is sure to have something that satiates your appetite. Sinnott likes to accompany her work with the Razzle Dazzle Pancakes ($12) and a warm Chai Latte ($5) to give her an energy boost. A mere three-minute walk from State Street, the cafe is decorated aesthetically and has a lot of natural light, creating a cozy and fun environment for you to work in. The cafe is open from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 3pm. Sinnott recommends going early, between 9am and 10am, to ensure finding a good seat. She adds that “the breakfast is so good and is a great way to start your day.” Ultimately, the Stray Hen Cafe provides you with everything you need for a good study sesh!
Need a caffeine kick?
Ann Arbor Roasting Company – 324 S State St
If you’re looking to sit somewhere and enjoy a cup of joe, the Ann Arbor Roasting Company is the place to go. Located conveniently on South State St, this new cafe is right where Espresso Royale used to be. If you want to be near the Diag and have some great coffee as you read, study, or socialize, it is the perfect spot for you. This coffee shop is locally owned and offers unique drinks for the same price as Starbucks—the Peanut Butter Mocha Latte ($5.75) could make for a great alternative from your daily pumpkin spice latte. Some of their most popular drinks are the Coconut Creme Latte ($5.75), Caramel Macchiato ($5.75), and our personal favorite, the classic Iced Mocha ($5.50). Not only is the coffee great, but there are both high-top and low-top seating options near the windows and further inside. Luckily, the coffee shop tends to be less crowded, so you’re almost always guaranteed a seat. If you want to check out the Ann Arbor Roasting Company, they are open from 7am-7pm everyday. (Friendly tip: order ahead on SnackPass for an extra 25% off your drink. Cheers!)
While the weather is still nice
RoosRoast Coffee – 117 E Liberty St
The heat and sunlight are soon to be distant memories, so why not go outside to study? Take a stroll down Liberty Street and you’ll come across RoosRoast Coffee, a town favorite and owned by an Ann Arborite. This local favorite offers unique blends of coffee for you to choose from. Doesn’t “Bad Ass Women Blend” sound intriguing? With an overall playful aesthetic and fun artwork all over the coffee shop, RoosRoast is a great environment for discussing a group project, or even just catching up with a friend! They also offer a variety of vegan options, including the Roos Vegan Burrito ($7.50), which could be great fuel to sustain you. Though the outdoor seating does not have access to outlets, we still recommend RoosRoast Coffee as a spot to break out of the university bubble and experience Ann Arbor’s charm.
Finding the right study spot is a necessity for having a productive year. But don’t stress, there is a spot for you on campus. These are just five of the many places that Ann Arbor has to offer, and we have compiled our personal favorites. We recommend exploring the area to find out where works best for you. Grab your coffee and get it done. Good luck!
(M-36 Coffee Roasters Cafe; Photo Credit, Jevin Nishioka)