EDITORIAL: Targum editors share their favorite cafes, places to study in preparation of finals

As we begin to study for finals and get ready for the end of the semester, The Daily Targum’s editorial board reflects on the best places to study or catch up with friends. Here are our picks to study or just hang out:

Isabella Tyszka, editor-in-chief: "One thing about me is that I absolutely cannot study in a cafe. I say that I will on my walk over (as I plan my order in my head) but end up getting distracted by the amounts of people walking in through the doors and the conversations taking place. To answer your question, my favorite place to do that is Simply Chai. Their rose chai is incredible. To actually study, though? The Art Library on the College Avenue Campus."

Victoria Yeasky, managing editor: "I very rarely study, unfortunately, but when I do, I would say that the Academic Building on the College Avenue campus is one of the best places to do it. It is not a cute or exceptionally fun spot by any means, but it definitely helps me get the job done."

Astha Lakhankar, news editor: "For students who live off-campus on the College Avenue campus, Friends Cafe is a cute, convenient study spot with comfy indoor and outdoor seating. Also, contrary to popular belief, you do not need to watch a single episode of 'Friends' to go there, so 'bazinga!' or whatever they say in that show."

Kithmy Wickramasinghe, associate news editor: "My favorite study spot on campus would be in the James Dickson Carr Library on Livingston Campus! It is very quiet on the second floor and very convenient to get to after class."

Claire Bruno, associate news editor: "Efe’s Cafe near the College Avenue campus is my favorite study spot for a really quiet and pretty environment, making it easy to focus and relax while studying. I also love having one of their Turkish pastries with my coffee because it is really unique compared to the other options around campus!"

Ricky Suta, opinions editor: "I definitely get a lot of work done at Hidden Grounds — I love the atmosphere, and the coffee is always on point to keep me going to get work done. Another favorite is the Mabel Smith Douglass Library. It is in a beautiful location, and I feel I can just shut my phone off and get work done."

Dylan McCoy, sports editor: "My favorite place to study on campus is in the Academic Building. The many different spots to sit and have a relaxing study session make it unbeatable."

Jack Bisaha, associate sports editor: "It may be a popular answer, but Alexander Library on the College Avenue campus has to be the best spot to do work. I feel when I enter that library, I know I am there because I have to get work done, and my mind responds accordingly. This is true for some other places around campus, such as the study lounge in my apartment building."

Vy Nguyen, copy editor: "My favorite spot to study on campus is on the grass at Voorhees Mall on the College Avenue campus. On a nice day, my friends and I will get coffee from Simply Chai and bring snacks, blankets and maybe a speaker to camp out on the lawn for hours."

Kevin Rosa, associate copy editor: "I would say Mabel Smith Douglass Library, specifically the space to the left with lots of windows. Since it's open, you feel like you can enjoy nature while still being inside."

Meredith MacLean, features editor: "I generally prefer to study in the comfort of my own home, but if you are stuck on campus and in need of a study spot, the Starbucks inside the Barnes and Noble on the College Avenue campus is a great spot that is rarely populated as heavily as the Starbucks in The Yard @ College Ave is. It is a great spot to grab your favorite coffee and hide away from the busyness of College Avenue while still being close."

Henry Wang, photo editor: "I'm a Mason Gross School of Arts student, so most of my time is spent working on projects and not really studying too much. My go-to spots are the computer labs where I edit and print, but honestly, my favorite spot is still at home on my own desktop."

Christopher Kim, video editor: "The best place to study is the Alexander Library. They have standing desks if that is your thing, and if you suddenly find yourself not studying, the chairs on the left side are an incredible spot to sit down and ponder."

Jonny Berkowitz, associate video editor: "My favorite place to study or chill is outside on Cook campus by the cows."

Rachel Chang, social media editor: "Two of my favorite cafes are Simply Chai and Friends Cafe. They are just very relaxing environments to study in and have delicious iced matcha."

---

The Daily Targum's editorials represent the views of the majority of the 154th editorial board. Columns, cartoons and letters do not necessarily reflect the views of the Targum Publishing Company or its staff.