Senior film studies and creative writing major Christina Smith studies next to the Varsity Lake on Tuesday. Smith, like many students, opted for an outdoor study location while the weather permitted. Read on for the many secret spots Boulder offers. (CU Independent/Lee Pruitt)
With midterms rapidly approaching, CU students have been packing in to various coffee shops and libraries around Boulder. This guide will help make the decision of where to study easier.
Most Convenient Place to Study on Campus: Norlin Library and the Laughing Goat at Norlin Library
When looking for a place to stop and study between classes, Norlin Library and the Laughing Goat offer convenience and a quiet atmosphere for students.
The library offers various areas to sit and study alone or with friends and has computers and printers for students to use.
This year another place to go and study is the Laughing Goat, located on the first floor of Norlin. The Laughing Goat is a café that offers various coffee and tea drinks, cakes, brownies, chocolate, salads, burritos and sandwiches.
Be warned, Norlin Library and the Laughing Goat crowd easily since they are popular spots for students to study.
The library offers a variety of seating, from desks to tables to couches. It also provides a variety of outdoor seating.
Felipe Navarrete , a 22-year-old senior architecture major said he chose to go to Norlin because of its proximity to classes.
“It’s a good place to catch up for classes in 10 minutes,” Nevarrete said.
Kelsey Fisher, a 19-year-old junior humanities major said she agreed with Nevarrete.
“I like coming here because it is so close and the coffee shop is nice,” Fisher said. “I also like the coffee.”
Norlin Library is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday; and noon to 11 p.m on Sunday.
The Laughing Goat at Norlin Library is open from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday; noon to 2 a.m. on Sunday; and is closed on Saturdays.
Most Diverse Place to Study: The UMC
The UMC offers the most diverse options for study at CU. With a bookstore, Jamba Juice and various food and coffee places, students can study while picking out a book or eating lunch.
Also, the UMC has no noise restraints so study groups are welcome.
Nick Busbey, a 19-year-old sophomore open-option major said he likes studying at the UMC because “it’s so easy to get there.”
He also said he likes the food options and the coffee.
The UMC is open from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to midnight on Sunday.
Cheapest Place to Study: Starbucks
For the most affordable coffee in Boulder, check out one of the 12 Starbucks coffee shops in Boulder.
All Starbucks shops offer various lattes, teas and coffees as well as a diverse selection of cake, sandwiches, fruit, salads and oatmeal.
In addition, Starbucks cafés offer a variety of seating including outdoor, cushioned couches and chairs and tables.
Sadie Halvorsen, a 21-year-old senior environmental studies major went to the Starbucks at the intersection of Broadway and University with a group of friends.
Halvorsen said she chose to come to Starbucks because of its central location and because she could get free wi-fi from the university. She also said that Starbucks plays good music for studying and that it is less distracting than Norlin.
Starbucks’ hours vary by location. Visit www.starbucks.com for more info.
Best Place on the Hill: Buchanan’s Coffee Pub
Buchanan’s Coffee Pub on the Hill provides a cozy study environment.
Located on the corner of Pennsylvania and Broadway, Buchanan’s is located in close proximity to campus and student apartments.
Buchanan’s menu is full of various coffee and tea drinks, cold beverages, brownies, cookies, and cakes, sandwiches and bagels.
Buchanan’s also offers free wi-fi and indoor and outdoor seating.
Ted Carrick, a 20-year-old business major, said he goes to Buchanan’s for the “vibe.”
JD Tolstoi, a 20-year-old anthropology major, said he goes for the proximity.
“It’s easy to stop by in between classes,” Tolstoi said.
Best Place on Pearl: Bookend Cafe
When looking for a change of pace, check out the Bookend Cafe in the heart of the Pearl Street Mall.
The Bookend Café provides a quiet location for studying and writing. The Café plays a diverse collection of soft music and is full of adults, undergraduate and graduate students.
Students can sit and enjoy a delicious meal of black beans and rice, vegan green chili or yogurt. Snacks such as homemade cookies, croissants, scones, cheesecake or pie are also available.
Bookends offers indoor and outdoorstables and wi-fi.
Attached is the Boulder Book Store, the perfect place to take a study break by reading a magazine or book.
“It is usually quiet here,” said Courtney Verhaalen, a 22-year-old senior sociology major. “I love the bookstore.”
Verhaalan also said the Chai tea was good.
Bookend Café is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday; Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Boulder offers far too many coffee shops and libraries to just go to one place to study.
Be sure to check out the runner ups:
Folsom Street Coffee located on Folsom Street
Trident Booksellers and Café on Pearl Street
Espresso Roma on 13th St. on the Hill
CU’s Koelbel Business Library
CU’s William A. Wise Law Library
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Sara Fruman at Sara.fruman@colorado.edu.
