It’s that time of year again for university students far and wide. You have readings to catch up on and term papers you still need find scholarly sources for - and final exams are just around the corner. There are only 24 hours in a day, and you still need to eat and be hygienic. We can’t help you pencil in a shower, but we can help you find a decent place to study and eat at the same time.
Block 1912 is great café that serves savoury espresso drinks, sandwiches, salads and desserts that partner well with a student’s budget. The space has a bit of a grungy feel with eclectic sofas and easy chairs that you can sink your whole body into. Hopefully, the comfort of tasty food and drinks in a cozy space eases the pain of finals and term papers.
Transcend is a great space for students and professionals alike to escape the office or the classroom to get some work done while enjoying a great tasting cuppa. Parking is a bit limited (like everywhere else downtown), and you may want to get there a little early to snag a seat, but there’s a solid Wi-Fi connection, ambient music and affordable bevvies.
The Commodore Restaurant is a great little diner tucked away on Jasper Avenue. It’s packed to the ceiling with people on the weekends, but during the week there’s usually plenty of tables to camp out at for a few hours to get some work done. Don’t plan to stick around all day because the diner closes early and there aren’t any power outlets. However, the Wi-Fi is free and the food is delicious and cheap.
If you’re looking for a calm, settling atmosphere to crack out that research paper that’s due tomorrow morning, Rocky Mountain Icehouse is a good a place as any. There’s ample comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and good food. Head on down during happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for discounted brews and wines because -let’s face it- you’re going to need something “extra” to get you through the struggle.
If you’re avoiding all the pretentious writers who are working on their novels at Starbucks, feel free to pull up shop at Second Cup. The baristas are quick and courteous; they’ll do their absolute best to get you set up with your java and a light snack so you can buckle down to work. I’d recommend bringing a fully charged laptop or working on paper because outlets are limited, but the Wi-Fi is good, the seats are comfy and the food is easy on the wallet.
Anyone who’s anyone studies at Remedy. The sweet aroma of Chai with the comfort of Indian and Pakistani dishes with a twist can calm the nerves of any stressed out student, and promotes a relaxing, ready-to-work atmosphere. Remedy is licensed, as well, for those of you who need that extra liquid courage to tackle the Evil Assignment Monster hulking over your shoulder. Free Wi-Fi, a spacious seating capacity and a decent outlet-to-table ratio make Remedy prime real estate for study space.
Who doesn’t love this diner? They offer great food with generous servings, affordable prices, free parking, free Wi-Fi, plenty of seats and plenty of outlets, plus unlimited java. You have nothing to lose by studying your brains out at Denny’s. I’d avoid going at peak hours, like the lunch rush though, because you don’t want to be that person who takes up valuable table space and helps increase the waiting time for other patrons. However, any other time is great. The staff is always courteous, especially to working students and, fun fact: Denny’s serves beer. You’ve got to study here.