The most dreaded part of the semester is officially upon us. That time when we spend hours and hours pouring over books and papers, hoping to salvage our GPAs. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for finals. Here at the University of Nebraska Omaha we are in the midst of Dead Week, with finals looming closely on the horizon. If you are anything like me, you find studying in your room to be impossible. So I have compiled a list of some of the best places to study in Omaha. Gather your highlighters, laptops, study buddies, and check ‘em out.

Panera Bread (on Dodge)

Panera is the perfect place to study if you are also craving some delicious desserts (they’re a great moral booster). They’ve got bottomless coffee, table space with comfy seating, and free wi-fi. They don’t mind if you stick around for hours, so long as you buy something every now and then.

13th Street Coffee and Tea

Located right on the edge of the Old Market, 13th Street Coffee and Tea is a bit of a hole-in-the-wall. Don’t let that scare you away though! They serve up excellent coffee and treats with friendly service. There are two levels of seating inside, but it still can get a little cramped and loud during busy times, so keep this in mind if you’re someone who prefers silent study. They are also open until midnight most weekdays for you night owls.

W. Dale Clark Library

In a prime spot downtown, this branch of the Omaha Public Library is a great study go-to. It has multiple floors with lots of secluded work spaces. A spot near the windows affords you a great view of the downtown comings and goings. This location is only open until 6pm however, so it is better for morning or afternoon cram sessions.

Sozo Coffeehouse

Sozo is located in the Old Market and has plenty of charm. It is in a basement location, so it can be a little harder to locate. They serve up all kinds of coffee and tea (and fun specialty drinks) but not much in the way of snacks. Private study rooms are available to rent at a great rate! Often they will stay open 24-hours-a-day the last week or so of the semester which makes it the perfect place for late nights or early mornings.

Caffeine Dreams

Conveniently placed in Dundee, this coffee shop is only a short drive from campus. It has great atmosphere with quiet music playing and walls decorated with works by local artists. Coffee and other drinks are available, along with lots of food options. If you are going to be sticking around for a while you can ask for your drink to be served in a house mug, which adds an air of homeyness to the place.

Criss Library

As obvious as this option may seem, students often forget that we have such a great resource right here on campus. Criss Library has a plethora of spaces to study: from the silent third floor, to the private and group study rooms, to the booths in the basement. The cafe serves up tons of food and drink options to satisfy your hunger and there are vending machines if you crave some candy. They often extend their hours during dead and finals week.

Happy studying, and may the curve be ever in your favor.