Studying. It can be hard finding the motivation to finish those history notes, complete the math review or even simply start that pile of homework sitting in your backpack. But since freshman year, my friends and I have been compiling a list of our favorite places in and around Cedar Park that I think are perfect for any type of study date.

At first, finding the perfect location to study was difficult because A- I couldn’t drive anywhere, so where and when I went was based on my parents, and B- I had never studied in this type of way before so I didn’t even know where to start. But in the past three years I have found three things that can make or break a study session.

1. The place needs to be open late. What I’ve found works best for me is when I go to study at places that are open until 10 or 11 p.m. This is because when places would close at nine I wouldn’t have enough time to finish all that I had.

2. I need to go with people that will encourage me and make studying fun. In past years I’ve gone and studied with my friends, that luckily, are good at working hard and making studying fun.

3. I’ve found that when staying out and studying until 10 or 11 it’s best to go places that have food or drinks that I can have during a break or while doing my work, so we’re not starving the entire time we’re trying to get work done.

With those three things in mind, here are the best places to study.

The Reliable: Starbucks

When I went to study the first time freshman year I went to Starbucks because it was the only place we knew in the area that are parents would take us to. There are several different locations around Cedar Park that, to me, offer different things.

1.)

Location: 525 Cypress Creek Road a, Cedar Park, TX 78613

Hours: 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.

This actually was the first place my friend and I went to study my freshman year. We started going at the end of the second semester before finals and I remember getting so much done and us being so happy with ourselves. Although I don’t study here that much anymore, it’s always a reliable place to go because it is close to the school.

2.)

Location: 14010 US-183, Austin, TX 78717 (located inside of Barnes and Noble)

Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

I like going to this location at Barnes and Noble because along with is being a bookstore, it also has a cafe with soups and sandwiches. Doing homework at a place that has food and drinks makes staying late so much easier. Although this site has food, the only thing that is annoying is that it doesn’t have a place to charge your technology. In the times that I’ve gone here when my computer has died I’ve had to go sit in the book aisles and wait for it to charge. So, as long as you bring your technology charged this location is a great option.

The Foodie: Panera Bread

Location: 10900 Lakeline Mall Dr, Austin, TX 78717

Hours: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Panera, one of my friend groups personal favorites. The past few months my friend Mia and I have gone here the most. We like it because we can get dinner and do our work at the same time. Like most places I’ve mentioned so far, it’s only open until 9 p.m., but for us we’ve just made up for time by going a little earlier than we had before.

The Night Owl: Cuppa Austin

Location: 9225 W Parmer Ln b101, Austin, TX 78717

Hours: 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Cuppa Austin is a place I’ve recently discovered. I really like it because they have couches, good coffee, and the best part is that of all the places I’ve studied at this one stays open the latest. Everytime that I have gone there, it’s been packed, but I’ve still managed to get a spot to sit. Also they play really good music which helps me focus while in working on my homework.

The Locals: Cianfrani Coffee and Cypress Creek Coffee Company

1.)

Location: 2011 Little Elm Trail #110, Cedar Park, TX 78613

Hours: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Cianfrani Coffee, this local coffee shop has only recently just opened. Although I’ve only been there once, I like its set up and location and it wasn’t crowded. I personally think this is due to the small amount of time that is has been open. 

2.)

Location: 2100 Cypress Creek Road suite 200, Cedar Park, TX 78613

Hours: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Cypress Creek Coffee Company is located in walking distance from the school. Is a fairly new coffee shop that is in the perfect spot to drop by after school and hang out and get some homework done. Also, they have big tables that are good for when you’re studying with a group of people.

Overall, finding a perfect spot for you and your friends to study is about figuring what works best for you. Whether it’s a place with food you like, or how long you want to study for there’s a place that you can get your work done while maybe, just maybe having fun.