Lesser Known Study Spots for Boston Students
Boston has more than 150,000 college students at 35 schools. This means that popular study spots such as the Boston Public Library can fill up fast. However, this shouldn’t keep you from exploring when the workload gets tough. We found some alternative locations where you can hit the books, and maybe even enjoy yourself along the way:
Barista Phil Roberts made a hazelnut latte at the Thinking Cup in Boston.
1. Thinking Cup— Conveniently located near Emerson and Suffolk at 165 Tremont Street, the Thinking Cup was voted best coffee shop of 2011 by Boston Magazine. It is often filled with other hard-working students that can keep up motivation, and the central location is fitting for those who want to take a break and explore. Additionally, they are the first to serve Stumptown Coffee, which originated in Portland, Oregon and has been named “Best Coffee in the World’’ by NPR, the New York Times, Food & Wine magazine and USA Today.
Trident Booksellers & Cafe on Newbury Street.
2. Trident Booksellers & Cafe — Known for its delicious food and quirky environment, Trident is located off of the Green Line at 338 Newbury St. Sit outside and people-watch while the weather is nice, and warm up among the bookshelves when it starts to cool down. Added bonuses for this study location include free WiFi and open hours until midnight.
3. Charles River Esplanade — With fall quickly approaching you may not get to enjoy it for long, but the Esplanade provides some of the best views and scenery around the city. Benches are located all along the Esplanade, making it a great place to get some reading done and enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, if you stay close to Boston University you can often pick up the WiFi network.
4. JP Licks — Located near many campuses, including Emerson, Harvard, and Tufts, this famous ice cream eatery provides a nice alternative to coffee as the usual study treat. Free WiFi and late hours are added incentives to indulge while you study.
5. Boston Public Garden — This is another spot to be enjoyed while the sun is still shining. Plenty of benches and grassy open spaces provide a scenic backdrop for a day of studying. When it starts to cool down, you can take a walk through the park as a nice study break. Pop into one of the many nearby coffee shops when you want to crack open the books.
6. Christopher Columbus Park — A glimpse of the ocean is a nice change of pace when the textbooks are calling. As part of the Rose Kennedy Greenway at 145 Commercial Street, Columbus Park offers free WiFi as well as beautiful scenery. There is plenty of grass to sprawl out on while you work, or simply to people watch and enjoy the Boston skyline. Not to mention if you get hungry, there are many delicious dining options in the area.
7. Brighton Beer Garden — If you want a complete 180 from the library experience, the Brighton Beer Garden at 386 Market Street might be for you. The Beer Garden offers free WiFi and affordable meals to fuel up as you study. If you don’t get distracted by the TVs, they can offer a nice break from textbooks. Not to mention a wide selection of beer for when study time is officially over. Just make sure you avoid evenings and game days, when the place gets hopping.
8. Cambridge Public Library — Finally, if you still want to the library experience but something different from the BPL, visit the Cambridge Public Library. Within walking distance from Harvard Yard, this beautiful building at 449 Broadway offers plenty of seating. Additionally, many cafes and restaurants can be found nearby.
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