Off Campus Study Spots 2022
It is currently peak study time with finals coming up and we wanted to switch it up this semester! Typically we have done on-campus study spots blog for the past few years (2022, 2019, Fall 2018, Spring 2018), but this time we wanted to highlight some spots for downtown dwellers and lovers! We graded each of the 5 off campus study spots by these categories and scales:
Grading:
Noise level: 1-5 (quiet-loud)
Atmosphere: 1-5 (bad vibes -good vibes, cozy, lighting, etc)
Seat availability: 1-5 (no seats- you can get a seat)
Food and drink: 1-5 (no worth it-worth it)
We hope that you can try these spots and other spots downtown, including some coffee shops (except August First as they have a no computer policy), this finals season and in future semesters! Happy studying Cats and let us know if you have any favorite spots that we didn’t include!
Barnes & Noble
Noise level: 3
Atmosphere: 4
Seat availability: 2
Food and drink: 4
Burlington’s Barnes & Noble is the perfect spot for a cozy and nostalgic study session. Located on Dorset St., this two-story bookstore offers a variety seating on both levels and a café serving delicious snacks and Starbucks coffee. Keep in mind that due to the store’s popularity, you may have to wait a bit for seats to open up, especially around the café. Once you do relax into a seat, enjoy light ambient music and common coffee-shop chatter as you get reading. Be sure to check out Barnes & Noble’s vast collection of books, gifts, and music after your hard work for some time to relax and unwind!
Vivid Coffee
Noise level: 3
Atmosphere: 5
Seat availability: 4
Food and drink: 4
Vivid Coffee is a bustling and lively coffee shop located right off Church St. The shop is spacious, with a separate room dedicated to seating, making it the perfect place to bring your study group. They have typical coffee drink options, as well as artisan sodas and food items to snack on while you work. The only thing to keep in mind is that due to its excellent atmosphere and large seating capacity, there is consistent noise happening around you. For me personally and anyone else who enjoys studying with sone noise happening around them, Vivid Coffee is a great spot to hunker down and hit the books.
City Market Co-op 
Noise level: 3
Atmosphere: 2
Seat availability: 4
Food and drink: 4
City Market is located on South Winooski Ave downtown and is one of the local grocery stores in the area. Besides just being about to get food, drink, and groceries they also have a seating area next to the check out section. There is consistent amount of noise from people talking at checkout, at tables, and the fun grocery store music. If ambient noise is your thing, this might be the spot for you! City Market is not the most conventionally cozy or practical for a long study session. There are very limited outlets (1-2 total), so make sure that your electronics are fully charged before coming. The seat availability thought is limited but good, as most people have been going in or out to grab a quick bite to eat. No worries about not getting a seat! That brings me to the food and drink! The food is on the pricer side as a sandwich was $10, and the pastries range from $1.5-$6, but are very fresh and tasty. They have a variety of coffee brews (cold/hot), bone broth, and tea bags for a fair price as well! If you need a short time study spot, food/drink, or a stop on your errands run this is the place!
Fletcher Free Library
Noise level: 1
Atmosphere: 4
Seat availability: 4
Food and drink: NA
The Fletcher Free Library is located in downtown Burlington just a block away from Church St. As the name suggests the library and its Wi-Fi are completely free to use. The spacious three-floor layout allows you to choose between settling in downstairs at one of the many available computers and setting up camp in one of the upstairs seating areas, surrounded by books and overlooking the bottom floor. This spot is very quiet, making it the perfect space for people who prefer to avoid distractions and background noise when studying. If you need Wi-Fi, a computer, or just a quiet and cozy place to focus, check out the Fletcher Free Library.
Burlington Bay Market & Café
Noise level: 3
Atmosphere: 2
Seat availability: 5
Food and drink: 4
Burlington Bay is located right by the waterfront on Battery Street and is a beloved staple for creemees in the summer, but what about in the winter? Not only do they serve a bomb sandwich, but they pretty much always have an open table! This is the perfect place to cram in some work while grabbing a bite. They have a big “dining room” section with a bunch of tables located right next to their snack selection. The kitchen doesn’t close until 7 PM, and they are open every day from 8 AM to 8 PM (except Sundays, when they close at 7). It can get pretty noisy when groups are eating there, but I like some light chatter to keep me focused. Don’t worry, it’s nothing close to the noise level on the first floor of Howe…. The food is relatively inexpensive, depending on what you’re looking for. Prices can range from $6 for french fries (YUM) to $12 for a hefty sandwich. They also have soups! ADDED BONUS: The view of the waterfront from the dining room is magnificent! Maybe you can even catch a view of the sunset 😉
