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8 Great Study Spots in the 805
2:07 PM
It's hard to believe its already Week 5 of my last quarter here at my uni, but whether your midterms are coming up soon or are on their way and still have a quick minute, it's never too early to start preparing for exams (I spent half of my college career learning this the hard way).
Along with this very tough life lesson of learning to procrastinate less, I also found studying can be much more efficient when you're able to get out of the house.
Here are a few of my favorite places to get on that study grind:
1. UCSB Library
First on the list, of course. I love love love the new renovations; this natural lighting is absolutely beautiful and I love that people sit outside on the benches and grass in between classes. Inside you'll find the Summit Cafe to fuel your stress cravings while you study hard. Walking through, I noticed a pretty good amount of seating and outlets spread throughout. Another plus - you can go online and reserve private study rooms for you and your friends to work in for up to a couple of hours at a time, and who wouldn't want to be able to say they're studying on the 'ocean side' or 'mountain side' of their school bibliotheque?
Wi-Fi: of course!
Hours: 24 hr study in the Learning Commons - mountain side
M-TH 8AM-10PM
F 8AM-9PM
SAT 9AM-9PM
SUN 10AM-10PM
First on the list, of course. I love love love the new renovations; this natural lighting is absolutely beautiful and I love that people sit outside on the benches and grass in between classes. Inside you'll find the Summit Cafe to fuel your stress cravings while you study hard. Walking through, I noticed a pretty good amount of seating and outlets spread throughout. Another plus - you can go online and reserve private study rooms for you and your friends to work in for up to a couple of hours at a time, and who wouldn't want to be able to say they're studying on the 'ocean side' or 'mountain side' of their school bibliotheque?
Wi-Fi: of course!
Hours: 24 hr study in the Learning Commons - mountain side
M-TH 8AM-10PM
F 8AM-9PM
SAT 9AM-9PM
SUN 10AM-10PM
2. SB Roasting Company
Ah, SB RoCo. My. Absolute. Favorite. There's plenty of parking and I never have trouble finding a seat or an outlet here (although try to make it there after morning coffee rush if you're looking to find a good seat). Everyone who works there is always so friendly and their coffee is top notch. I think the best part about this place second to the coffee is their music taste - I'm not one to study in dead silence and their playlists are so on point that I sometimes find myself breaking my focus to look up the artists.
Wi-Fi: yes
Addy: 321 Motor Way
Ah, SB RoCo. My. Absolute. Favorite. There's plenty of parking and I never have trouble finding a seat or an outlet here (although try to make it there after morning coffee rush if you're looking to find a good seat). Everyone who works there is always so friendly and their coffee is top notch. I think the best part about this place second to the coffee is their music taste - I'm not one to study in dead silence and their playlists are so on point that I sometimes find myself breaking my focus to look up the artists.
Wi-Fi: yes
Addy: 321 Motor Way
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hours: 6AM-9PM
Hours: 6AM-9PM
3. Coffee Cat
Next up is this little shop on Upper State. This was one of the first cafes I found in my quest for new coffee and a better GPA, and it's one of my go-to's. Seating and outlets can be pretty limited during coffee rush hour so I usually try to come in on a good afternoon with a power strip and a fully charged laptop just in case. Their drinks aren't too pricy, and if you need a little stress snack they have a kitchen open until the afternoon, as well as a few pre-made salads in the fridge from local companies! Also, every time I come here, I end up meeting the most interesting people. The only thing is that they do close up a bit early, so I usually cafe-hop to another one in the area around closing time.
Wi-Fi: yes
Addy: 1201 Anacapa St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Next up is this little shop on Upper State. This was one of the first cafes I found in my quest for new coffee and a better GPA, and it's one of my go-to's. Seating and outlets can be pretty limited during coffee rush hour so I usually try to come in on a good afternoon with a power strip and a fully charged laptop just in case. Their drinks aren't too pricy, and if you need a little stress snack they have a kitchen open until the afternoon, as well as a few pre-made salads in the fridge from local companies! Also, every time I come here, I end up meeting the most interesting people. The only thing is that they do close up a bit early, so I usually cafe-hop to another one in the area around closing time.
Wi-Fi: yes
Addy: 1201 Anacapa St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hours: M-F 6AM-6PM
7AM-6PM weekends
7AM-6PM weekends
4. Handlebar Coffee Roasters
Aesthetically pleasing bicycle theme. Roomy interior, relaxing patio. Good coffee. YES.
I only recently came across this place but I think I've definitely found my go-to in terms of my morning getaways from IV. Plenty of street parking in the area, and with a quick couple minutes of walking, you're there! Pretty good coffee and a display of pastries.
Wi-Fi: yep
Addy: 128 E. Canon Perdido St.
Santa Barbara CA 93101
Hours: 7AM-5PM
I only recently came across this place but I think I've definitely found my go-to in terms of my morning getaways from IV. Plenty of street parking in the area, and with a quick couple minutes of walking, you're there! Pretty good coffee and a display of pastries.
Wi-Fi: yep
Addy: 128 E. Canon Perdido St.
Santa Barbara CA 93101
Hours: 7AM-5PM
5. The French Press
Okay, so there are a few locations. I'd say one is more central State while the other is a bit closer to the water (although no ocean view), but good for studying if you aren't in desperate need of a plug outlet. Great drinks, great atmosphere, very hip interior (for those Snapchat and Instagram posts of just how hard you're studying). Between the two downtown, I prefer the Anacapa location - definitely more ideal for those who are looking to avoid the heavy downtown shopping coffee rush which you'll run into at the State location. However, the Goleta location is best for avoiding crowded coffee rushes, and is my personal favorite. With their open floor plan, finding a seat either inside or on the patio is no problem, and the atmosphere is perfect for focusing.
Wi-Fi: yes
Addy: 1101 State St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hours: M-F 6AM-7PM
7AM-7PM weekends
Addy: 528 Anacapa St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hours: M-SAT 6AM-7PM
SUN 7AM-7PM
Addy: 250 A Storke Rd.
Goleta, CA 93117
Hours: M-F 6AM-7PM
SUN 7AM-7PM
Wi-Fi: yes
Addy: 1101 State St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hours: M-F 6AM-7PM
7AM-7PM weekends
Addy: 528 Anacapa St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hours: M-SAT 6AM-7PM
SUN 7AM-7PM
Addy: 250 A Storke Rd.
Goleta, CA 93117
Hours: M-F 6AM-7PM
SUN 7AM-7PM
6. Peetz (on State)
I normally stop by here as a last resort, but it's still a great spot! Very limited seating storefront and inside, and definitely more ideal if you're just doing bookwork or somehow have an abnormally long-lasting MacBook battery, as there are basically one or two outlets total in the store, otherwise bring a power strip and try to snag one of those lucky tables near an outlet. Tip - when it's crowded, head all the way to the back and exit to the courtyard for abundant seating and tables, some shaded. Very peaceful back here, and a little fresh air never hurts!
Wi-Fi: yes
Addy: 1131 State St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hours: SUN-TH 6AM-8PM
F-SAT 6AM-10PM
Wi-Fi: yes
Addy: 1131 State St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hours: SUN-TH 6AM-8PM
F-SAT 6AM-10PM
7. Your UCSB Major Department
Great for when you need a place to get some work done but don't have the most time in the world to leave campus in between classes. I definitely spent more than a few times meeting group members on the Communication department's 4th floor to really tidy up projects in between our busy schedules. Wifi, check. AC, check. Comfy chairs and couches, check. Also a plus, studying at the department building meant our professors and TA's were only a quick walk away for any questions, concerns and guidance we needed to better understand the class.
Wi-Fi: mhm
Addy: UCSB Campus
Hours: varying
and last but not least...
Wi-Fi: mhm
Addy: UCSB Campus
Hours: varying
and last but not least...
8. The Beach
Perfect for when you're getting a little burnt out from staring at a screen for too long. I usually go when I only have a little reviewing from textbooks or notebooks on my to-do list, or when I'm more stressed than usual - nothing a little salt water and sea breeze can't heal! Beaches around campus can get a little dirty or crowded depending on the weather so scout around SB - there's definitely a few secret secluded favorites of mine that I've found to offer a little peace and quiet.
Wi-Fi: nah
Hours: daylight (or 24/7 if you're into going at night?)
xx,
xx,
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