Top 5 Unique Study Spots in Austin

Summer is behind us, football season is in front of us, and somewhere in between are books for studying. Labor Day not only marks the time when wearing white is “not permitted,” it also unofficially marks the start of school. But studying doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Whether you’re a Longhorn, Hilltopper or frequent the ACC, here are five unique study spots to get you through the semester.

Carver Branch Library

It feels good to surround yourself with tons of books. Maybe it’s because we all secretly hope that intelligence by proximity is something real. There is nothing wrong with studying in libraries on campus. But sometimes you need a change of scenery to get those neurons activated, and Austin Public Library’s Carver Branch is the place for that. Becoming APL’s first branch to serve the black community in 1933, it’s the most unique and historical non-university library in Austin.

Carver Branch offers a pretty typical library environment, except it’s located across the street from East Side Pies, so you don’t have to go far if you get hungry. The original building was converted into a museum and cultural center in 1979 when the new, expanded library was built next door. It’s the museum/library combo that makes this a unique place for students wanting an alternative to their campus library. Carver Branch also has large meeting rooms available if you need a space to work on group projects with 5-15 people.

Study Spot Snapshot

• Uniqueness: first branch in the Austin Library system and the original structure was converted into a museum
• Good for: overachievers looking for extra intellectual stimulation to accompany their studies
• Location: 1161 Angelina St
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 10AM-9PM, Saturday 10AM-5PM, closed Friday and Sunday. Who wants to study on a Friday anyway?

Once Over Coffee Bar

Libraries are a safe bet for a super quiet study environment. But if you’re like me, quiet isn’t always a good thing. Depending on your study needs, you may find yourself drawn to louder environments. Once Over Coffee Bar is by no means loud, but it is a step up from the serene environment of a library.

Tucked away under several sprawling oak trees, you’ll get the feeling of being in a forest. Ok, maybe a really hip backyard with lots of trees and an espresso bar attached. Regardless, it’s easy to stay focused at this favorite study spot.

Located near some of the best bakeries in town – Sugar Mama and La Mexicana – Once Over also sets your sweet tooth up to take study breaks. They allow outside food to be brought in, as long as you buy a beverage. Which is easy because their coffee is amazing. It should be, since the owners just paired with former head roaster of Cuvee Coffee to launch Wild Gift Coffee in June 2014.

Study Spot Snapshot

• Uniqueness: great outdoor shaded patio which overlooks Bouldin Creek – the actual creek!
• Good for: short study sessions which require a lot of concentration
• Location: 2009 S 1st St
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 7AM-9PM, Sunday 8AM-6PM

Thunderbird Coffee

Thunderbird Coffee offers both beer and coffee selections to accompany your study needs. What’s cool about that is they take both seriously. Their beer selection pulls from local brewers such as 512 and Live Oak and their coffee selection are not just fair trade. They’re direct trade, which leaves no question that coffee workers are being paid.

So if drinking beer lowers your stress levels to allow you to focus better, have at it. But if coffee is your preferred poison, you won’t be disappointed.

With two locations, Thunderbird is accessible to students all over the city. The music can be on the loud side, but the people watching and featured artwork on the walls offer interesting distractions.

Study Spot Snapshot

• Uniqueness: one of the original coffee and beer hybrid shops in Austin and they do both very well.
• Good For: superficial studies that don’t take a lot of concentration or for small brainstorming sessions where quietude is not a requirement
• Location: two locations –
  2200 Manor Rd
  1401 Koenig Ln
• Hours:
  Manor – Monday-Friday 7AM-11PM, Saturday-Sunday 8AM-11PM
  Koenig – Monday-Friday 6:30AM-11PM, Saturday-Sunday 7:30AM-11PM

Houndstooth

Houndstooth has two locations in Austin. However, only their north location makes this list, since paying for parking downtown isn’t ideal for students.

Houndstooth’s north location is much smaller compared to some of the other spots on this list, but that also means less distractions. It’s modern and clean design and subtle background music allows studying to be the main focus. With tons of natural light, there are no risks of falling asleep. There are two couches if you prefer to lounge while studying. Or if you have a study buddy and prefer something a little more formal, there is a large executive table to share.

The shop is also nicely situated between Taco Deli and Uchiko, so you could potentially integrate date night with studying if you’re limited on time. So don’t be shy to ask the cute guy or gal next to you in class to this hot study spot before strategically working in Happy Hour at Uchiko.

Study Spot Snapshot

• Uniqueness: their coffee. Enough said.
• Good for: study dates, literally
• Location: 4200 North Lamar Boulevard
• Hours: Monday 6:30AM-7PM, Tuesday-Friday 6:30AM-9PM, Saturday 7AM-9PM, Sunday 7AM-7PM

Barton Springs Pool

If you haven’t noticed by now, for me, study breaks are just as important as the study session and location. And to those of us in denial that summer is over, this outdoor space is very appealing. After recent renovations, Barton Springs is the perfect study spot any day of the week. Its luscious grass on the surrounding hills provides the perfect backdrop for reading. You don’t have to worry about overheating either, since you can take a dip in the cool 68 degree natural spring fed pool between chapters.

You can come and go as you please if you need grab a snack, since food isn’t allowed. Just don’t forget to get a stamp on your hand when exiting, so you don’t have to pay twice.

Study Spot Snapshot

• Uniqueness: it’s said the waters have magical healing powers, which may help you ace your exams
• Location: 2201 Barton Springs Rd
• Good For: study sessions which involve lots of reading
• Hours: daily from 5AM-10PM. There are entrance fees from 8AM-9PM and the pool is closed on Thursdays from 9AM-7PM for cleaning.

 

jpino9@ asks:

Where are your favorite study spots in Austin?