By Emma Erbs:
Studies show that background noise and being around other people that are working increases productivity and work ethic in people. Combine those two things with cozy chairs and caffeine and you are describing a coffee shop. Maybe this is why coffee shops have become such a popular place for college students to study, young professionals to get work done and groups to meet. It is now standard for coffee shops to offer free Wi-Fi for customers, so with the purchase of a drink and/or small snack, you get a comfortable place to study for a few hours.
Luckily for us, Athens does not have a coffee shop shortage. Here is a list of five shops that cater to a variety of studying preferences. Be sure to check these out if you are looking for a new place to study as finals approach, a last minute meeting spot for your group project or simply a place to relax with a nice aesthetic.
1000 faces
Located off of North Avenue, 1000 Faces coffee is one of the newest shops to enter the Athens area. They have long tables for students to study at and include a view of their coffee sorting and grinding machines.
Ironworks
Ironworks is one of the hidden gems in the coffee shop world of Athens. It is located in the Graduate and offers a cozy and quaint studying environment. It is decorated like an old fashioned parlor. While it is not as big as other coffee shops, it is perfect for solo studying and focusing.
Hendershot’s
This is a great place to go on a nice day due to the copious amounts of outdoor seating. Hendershot’s has a courtyard feel and offers a lot more than coffee if you tend to get hungry during your study sessions. This is a great place for group meetings or to study on your own.
Jittery Joes
Jittery Joe’s has many locations throughout Athens. The ones at Five Points and Downtown have a basic coffee shop aesthetic and appeal to a crowd who like chains but prefer local chains. The location in the MLC is extremely convenient to go to in between classes or after classes before evening meetings. It is a great place for people watching during class change and a late night pick me up during midnight studying.
Starbucks
This is a classic but nonetheless a popular place among Athenians. This is a great place to go if you prefer quiet studying, but to still be around people. The upstairs is a completely silent study lounge with the options of comfortable chairs or long tables. The downstairs is often crowded, but if you find a spot is a great place to enjoy the views of Athens. If you need a study break, it is right across the street from beautiful North Campus.
