Need to prepare for midterms? Try these study spots located off campus because, believe it or not, you do not have to waste your years away in Firestone B-Level!
Graduate Hotel Lobby: best to induce calmness and creativity
The lounge area of the lobby in the Graduate Hotel by Hilton.
Navya Kommu / The Daily Princetonian
Orange and black tiled floors proudly glisten in the lobby of Hilton’s Graduate Hotel, which has secured its rank as one of my favorite study spots off campus. Walking through the tall glass doors of the Graduate, I found myself in a space that appeared to yearn for productivity. After visitors are greeted by a coffee bar, the glamorous lobby then opens up to an array of comfortable couches and tables. The long wooden table central to the room is particularly inviting, embellished with convenient lamps and charging outlets, and often occupied by students and guests alike rapidly typing away on their computers. The walls encased in colorful shelves of books compel studiousness, and the steady chatter combined with smooth R&B creates optimal white noise.
Aside from its alluring ambience, of utmost interest to me were the lobby’s occupants. During my stint in the lobby, I caught sight of more than just students: There were elderly couples, families with small dogs, and friends enjoying cocktails as evening falls. Here, I am reminded of the community outside of campus, at ease in the bustle of lives so different from mine. I encourage others to try completing their next assignment in the inspiring and soothing atmosphere of the Graduate Hotel lobby.
Princeton Public Library: best to lock in with minimal distractions
A view of the different floors in the Princeton Public Library.
Navya Kommu / The Daily Princetonian
On the corner of Witherspoon Street, the Princeton Public Library is an inviting labyrinth of books and comfortable work spaces. The first floor welcomes visitors with Jammin Community Cafe. The cafe is operated by Jammin Crepes but serves various treats from Small World coffee and Tico’s juices — perfect to purchase a tasty study snack. The first floor is primarily occupied by a multitude of bookshelves, but it does offer a handful of work tables, as well as a Quiet Room that hosts a large conference table suitable for group and individual study.
The stairs near the entrance will then take you to the second floor — my personal favorite. It is here that I was initially awestruck by the presence of several bright pink sofa booths equipped with aptly-sized desks. Further exploration of the second floor will lead you to a plethora of reservable study rooms and tables. This floor also contains several rooms housing specific literary collections, each furnished with large work tables and individual seating — a comfortable place to check off items on your to-do list.
If you’re yearning for a study break, consider taking a trip up to the third floor to lose yourself in the joys of picture books and children’s computer games. Perhaps when the weather’s better, you can even try sitting on the outdoor terrace.
Small World Coffee: best to work, chat, and people watch
Students working at tables in Small World Coffee.
Navya Kommu / The Daily Princetonian
It would be quite a challenge to discuss off-campus study spots without the inclusion of Princeton’s most beloved coffee shop — Small World. With a wide selection of high quality coffee and pastries served by friendly baristas, Small World is an enticing location to get your routine caffeine fix. If you want to bask in the scent of freshly roasted coffee beans for a bit longer, you can head to the back of the shop, which offers plenty of variably-sized tables to work at. The side of the shop also hosts quaint dark-granite tables mounted to the wall, suitable for solo studying.
Despite its popularity, Small World’s spacious interior presents a variety of opportunities to work, increasing the likelihood that you will be able to snag a spot — as long as you move fast. However, the constant bustle of the location can result in a noise level that may be distracting, so headphones are recommended. Small World may not be ideal to complete work that requires the utmost concentration, but if you can afford a bit of background chatter and plenty of opportunities for people watching, it is the place to be.
Junbi: best to purchase a study snack (or meal)
Interior space and layout of Junbi.
Navya Kommu / The Daily Princetonian
Until recently, Junbi was a location I treated as a simple pit stop – its only purpose being to satisfy my frequent cravings for boba or tasty caffeinated concoctions. However, I have since found that the store offers a vibrant and comfortable working environment suitable for both group and individual study sessions. Entering through the quaint door, Junbi visitors are met with a calming yellow color scheme characterized by wooden furnishings and decorated with cute, pastel decor. The space is bathed in natural light during the daytime due to the large glass windows at the front, encouraging concentration and hopefully motivating students to break free of the trenches they might have found themselves in.
For underclassmen, Junbi is especially appealing as it accepts Paw Points. Apart from the uplifting atmosphere and attractive menu, Junbi hosts an ample number of tables, each of which accommodates seating for at least two people and enough space to hold all of your study devices. The store also possesses bar seating toward the back which is perfect for individual study. The overhead music tends to be at a comfortable volume to ensure focus. The long opening hours and mild foot traffic compared to many other shops nearby elevates Junbi’s status as an inviting and convenient study spot.
Sakrid Coffee Roasters: best to make studying feel aesthetic
Interior space and layout of Sakrid Coffee Roasters.
Navya Kommu / The Daily Princetonian
Sakrid is a stylish coffeehouse on Nassau Street, just across from Rocky College. It hosts a modern and neutral-colored interior that is consistently permeated with natural light, contributing to a calming and focus-inducing atmosphere. The drinks are simple but deliciously crafted by skilled baristas. The space offers multiple sizable high tables equipped with barstools for sitting down and tackling assignments. The shop also has bar seating tucked against the large glass windows, providing patrons with pleasant views of the streets. I have found studying in this bar seating to be particularly motivating, as the grand windows offer a momentary escape from the restraints of my assignments.
For Rocky-Mathey residents who enjoy waking up early or for anyone else willing to make the trek, Sakrid can be especially lovely in the mornings before the crowds begin to roll in. This coffee shop is also conveniently located right beside the first spot on this list, the Graduate Hotel. For a hefty day of locking in, consider trying both spots out!
Navya Kommu is a contributing writer for The Prospect from Tallahassee, Fla. She is a member of the Class of 2028 and can be reached at nk1599@princeton.edu.
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