An increasing number of students are heading off campus to study and focus on homework. Some students are opting to drive to local coffee shops or other quiet places rather than utilizing places like the library and study rooms on campus.
A study conducted by College Parents of America showed that the average student should be studying about double the amount of time they are in class studying. For example, if you are taking 15 hours of class, then you should spend 30 hours studying per week. But the study found that the typical college student only studies about 8 ½ to 10 hours a week.
Many students find the camaraderie of fellow students fun, but distracting during finals.
The amount of familiar faces that Emma Allen, finance freshman, sees is distracting, which is one of the reasons why she goes off campus to Starbucks.
“It’s weird, but I study better in places where I don’t know anyone,” Allen said. “When there’s a lot of noise it somehow allows me to focus on the task I have without the worry of getting distracted.”
Not everyone enjoys noisy spaces, but still enjoy study breaks and good conversation with strangers. Devin Murphy, business senior, likes to go to Red Cup, located at 3122 N Classen Blvd, where they have quiet rooms and free Wi-Fi. When she needs a break, they have a front porch where she can escape her homework and have a conversation.
“I was writing an essay over Judaism for world religions and during my break from the paper I met a Hasidic Jew,” Murphy said. “We had a fantastic conversation and I got great material for my assignment.”
Murphy also enjoys going to Paramount Café, located on 7 N Lee Ave, where she can stay late until 11 p.m. studying in their quiet rooms. If Murphy needs a break, she specifically likes how she can watch a short film that might be playing, play the piano set up for customers, or even watch the live bands playing.
If you like a little bit of noise or if you like peace and quiet but don’t enjoy the constant distractions that friends bring when you’re studying in the library, studying off campus is the way for you to go.
Other popular local study spots include:
Cuppies and Joe: 727 NW 23rd St
Elemental Coffee Roasters: 815 North Hudson Ave.
Coffee Slingers Roasters: 1015 N Broadway Ave.
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