Best places to study on Berkeley campus
And no, not your unit house lounges
Finals week at Berkeley. It’s tough. It’s excruciatingly painful. It’s coming.
We want to equip yourself with the best mode of studying for the next week, so check out these places and break open the books!
Caffe Strada
Caffe Strada on Bancroft
Pros: If it’s a nice day, the patio and terrace are amazing, and personal tables let you scrunch out as much work as you want. V interesting graphic art installments.
Cons: Their espresso. Honestly, not the best, but hey you’re here to study not to coffee around. Also, a lot of people hold interviews here, so be prepared for the noise.
Morrison Library
Just inside of Doe Library
Pros: Crazy beautiful place to inspire you about the world beyond your books. Very silent. Also a great place for a study break to read a bit of your summer novels.
Cons: No electronics allowed…so this would be a great place do do some textbook reading.
Brewed Awakening
For those North-Siders. On Euclid Ave.
Pros: A coffee and juice bar?? You’ll always be guaranteed a spot and be welcomed with a smile by the shop’s owners.
Cons: Wifi can be difficult. But no need! Brewed Awakening has two wifi servers in case one flips out on you.
FSM
Free Speech Movement Cafe, located adjacent to Moffit Library
Pros: Yummy food and everyone else is studying…so you should too?
Cons: Very limited indoor seating. So if it’s a cold day, head there early! Unless you like shivering on stone cold benches.
First floor, Moffit Library
Moffit Library’s bottom floor
Pros: Usually has tons of space, minimalist aesthetic, and basically a perfect focus zone.
Cons: Don’t go here if you like cozy. Deathly silence.
Babette Cafe
Inside the School of Information near Wheeler
Pros: This secret gem is the only place on campus I’ve found third-wave coffee roasts. Yummy coffee + great lighting = breaking out essay after essay.
Cons: Pretty small area (only four tables), but no one goes here so you pretty much have a spot!
East Asian Library
Located just next to Memorial Glade
Pros: The Holy Grail of study spaces. Great space, good lighting, amazingly peaceful. Something about the East Asian philosophy seeps into this place. It also happens to be my favorite study spot on campus. As you can see, I’m a bit of a fangirl.
Cons: If you don’t get a spot, there’s a lower level but beware its a bit like an Asian medieval dungeon. Also, they open at 9 am and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays close at 5.
Cafe Milano
Cafe Milano, located on Bancroft near Sproul Plaza
Pros: There’s loft area?! This place is more of an adventure than a study zone. But I’m not complaining.
Cons: Wifi can be a bit spotty.
The North Reading Room
In Doe Library
Pros: Tons of space and usually quiet.
Cons: Occasionally tourists will walk in and take pictures. Also, the interior’s architectural beauty is quite distracting.
Get some great studying in the next week!
Best of luck to you all.