Off Campus Study Spots

With the giant workload we all have, sometimes it seems like our only option is to lock ourselves up in the Reg every weekend, possibly not even aware of when the sun sets outside. Though this may seem like the key to productivity, a change of scenery could be just the thing you need to look at your work with a new perspective and finally finish writing that paper that you've been staring at for hours. With proper planning, you and your friends can spend a day off campus, finish all your work, and already be out of Hyde Park, ready to have an eventful evening.

Here are some of our favorite places that rival exceed the Reg atmosphere:

The Coffee Studio

Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Andersonville, The Coffee studio offers some of the best quality of food and coffee, along with a conductive space for studying. The decor includes human anatomy sketches, a mirrored wall, and cushioned chairs mixed in with tables. The space offers the opportunity for social or individual work. They will give you a WiFi password good for one hour with your purchase (but if you ask nicely they will give you a little extra time). With a menu ranging from Mediterranean flatbreads to delicious pastries and tea cocktails, there will never be a moment of hunger during your studying.

$$ // 5628 N. Clark, Chicago IL 60640

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The Allis

About 45 minutes from campus via the Green Line, the Allis is part of the SoHo House, a vintage--yet sleek-historic building. It has and expansive collection of art,  dazzling chandeliers, and walls made from the water tower that originally stood atop the building. It offers a great selection of light meals, teas, pastries, as well as cocktails to celebrate the end of a hard day’s work. With the range of customers that visit The Allis, it is the perfect place to people watch.

$$ // 125 N. Green, Chicago IL 60661

The Perfect Cup

Right off the Damen stop of the Brown Line, The Perfect Cup is a more colorful cafe, with art lining its walls and a lot of light seeping through its windows. There is no shortage of outlets and a balance of tables and cushioned chairs in two separate rooms, for whatever your mood is. A small downside is that they only accept cash, and the closest ATM is a walk away. Still, The Perfect Cup is the perfect place to go for a quiet, yet lively, day of studying.

$ // 4700 N. Damen Ave, Chicago IL 60625

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The Bourgeois Pig 

Despite being fairly close to another college campus, Lincoln Park provides a much different feel than Hyde Park. It is often busy, but not too distracting, and once you find a table you’ll find it hard to leave. The Bourgeois Pig offers an extensive collection of sandwiches: everything from your traditional panini to those named after literature’s best. Where else can you feast on “The Great Gatsby” while finishing up your papers and psets? With an wooded and exposed brick interior, this cafe provides a warm and cozy study space.

$ // 738 W. Fullerton Ave, Chicago IL 60614

Next time you need a break from Hyde Park, be sure to check out one of these great cafes!

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