If you’re like me, a student who, inevitably, has to study to maintain their GPA in order to ultimately achieve the career of their dreams, you are probably sick and tired of spending every waking hour in the library. Fortunately, the library isn’t the only local study option. In fact, there are a bunch of places around Tampa that are perfect for nerds like us who just wanna be successful.
1. A local Starbucks
Pretty much any one would do… except the one in the library, that kinda defeats the whole purpose of this article. I have to say, my favorite is the one on Bruce B. Downs, right across from USF health. Close enough to get to campus if I have to, but far enough away to feel like I’m not on campus (which makes studying a lot less depressing for some reason).
2. Oxford Exchange
Okay, I get it – it’s super basic to take pictures of your coffee to post on Insta. BUT what if you’re coffee is helping you study while at the same time being super-duper aesthetically pleasing. That’s what I thought. Honestly, not gonna lie, I feel a bit like Hermione Granger when I study here.
3. Lettuce Lake Park
Before you stop reading – yes I know there is no wifi. But sometimes if you have to knock out a bit of heavy-duty reading, it becomes a lot less painful when you’re in a quiet place surrounded by nature.
4. Mojo Books & Music
I have to be honest here, the few times I’ve been in here I’ve felt utterly mainstream. There’s a really indie-esque vibe but it’s surprisingly quiet, despite the fact that it’s a music store. The only bad thing is that I’m always tempted to add a new record to my collection or grab a new book while I’m there. Great for my GPA, bad for my wallet.
5. Plant Park (Downtown Tampa)
Sometimes I’m seriously envious of University of Tampa students. But then I remember how much they pay for private school tuition and check myself. Still… this place is seriously beautiful. The best part is - if you have one of those fancy hammocks there’s a billon spots to hang it. What’s better than studying in a hammock I can’t think of any other way I’d want to study tbh.
6. USF St. Pete Campus
I haven’t personally studied here, but I’ve heard from some pretty reliable sources that the library (yes, I know it’s a library BUT it’s not the Tampa campus library, so it counts) is way more chill and has nicer views. Yes, it’s a bit of a hike from the Tampa campus but if you’re looking for a change of scenery, and maybe a place you won’t run into 5647 people you know, it’s worth a mini road trip.
7. Buddy Brew Coffee (Hyde Park)
Pretty Much anywhere in Hyde Park would be a good place to study, but to be safe, Buddy Brew is pretty much the most awesome. Plus, the coffee is a m a z i n g if you need a quick mid study sesh pick-me-up.
So, there you have it, a handful of places to study that *aren’t* the library, and I’m sure there are many more I’m bound to find sooner or later. Or at least before I graduate.
