Studying has always been a challenge for me. I struggle with focusing, and my productivity depends a lot on my surroundings. I get easily distracted, and being around too many people makes me anxious and restless. On the other hand, studying at home can also be tricky because of all the distractions available. Since I still live with my parents, I don’t always have a quiet space to myself, so I have to make the most of those rare peaceful moments.

That being said, I sometimes dream about being that girl—the one who romanticizes her life by studying at a cozy café or making the most of long hours at the library. My friends all have different preferences, so I wanted to explore each study environment and compare their benefits and drawbacks. Plus, I’ll throw in some recommendations for great study spots if you’re looking for a change of scenery.

Studying at a Café

Funny enough, I’m writing this article at a café, and honestly, I’m enjoying it. But if I had to actually study for an important course, I think I would struggle. One of the biggest issues is space—cafés tend to have small tables, and as a naturally disorganized person, I need room to spread out my materials.

Another downside is noise. Sure, I could bring noise-canceling headphones, but even then, I can get irritated when the environment isn’t my own. The sounds of coffee machines, people chatting, and background music can be distracting, especially when I need to focus deeply.

However, there are some definite perks. Writing, for example, is much easier at a café. Something about the ambient noise and the act of being in a space specifically to work keeps my focus locked in. Since I’m here to get something done, I’m less likely to get distracted by other tasks. Plus, if I’m studying with a friend who’s also working, their productivity can motivate me to stay on task.

Café Study Recommendations:

• La Forêt (6848 Jubilee Ave): A beautiful spot with delicious sweet treats. The lighting is low, creating a calm atmosphere. Just be mindful that it gets busy, especially on weekends.
• Hiel Café (Burnaby Square, 6th St.): A quiet café with amazing food. Their waffles are a must-try! The space is small but cozy.
• Juliet Café (4341 North Road): Spacious and perfect for spreading out your materials.
• Blue Chip Café (Vancouver, UBC area): Highly recommended by my UBC friends as a great study spot on campus

 Studying at the Library

My feelings about studying at a library are similar to my feelings about studying at a café. I tend to get overstimulated when there are too many people around, and the sound of desks moving, pages flipping, and whispered conversations can be distracting.

That being said, I’ve studied at multiple libraries and found a few that I really like. I attended two different post-secondary institutions, and both had great library spaces. BCIT’s library is a personal favourite, especially the upstairs area. BCIT also has the ePods that are open 24/7, which is perfect for late-night study sessions. I believe you need to be a BCIT student to access them, but they’re a great option since they stay open later than the main library.

Another library I really liked was Langara College’s library. It’s spacious, has lots of windows, and gives off a great study vibe. When I was a student there, I got a lot of work done in that space.

If I had to compare the two, they each have their own benefits. BCIT’s library is closer to my home, making it more convenient, but Langara’s library has a more open and inviting atmosphere. Sometimes, it’s nice to go out of my way to study because being far from home removes the temptation to go back and relax.

A library that I always go to is, Tommy Douglas Library, is also a great study spot. It’s modern, colourful, and more inviting than older, traditional libraries.

One advantage of libraries over cafés is that everyone around you is also focused on work, which creates a motivating environment. I find it easier to concentrate when I see others studying around me.

If you’re a fan of library study sessions, I’d love to hear your tips and tricks. I can focus better at a library than at a café or at home, but I still struggle with getting fully locked in without being hyper-aware of my surroundings.

Studying at Home

Last but not least—studying at home. This is my personal favorite, simply because of the convenience. I have everything I need—snacks, my own bathroom, my comfortable clothes, and the ability to take breaks on my own schedule. I can play my music, talk out loud, and avoid the stress of being in a public space.

However, while I find doing homework at home easy, studying is much harder. The problem? Too many distractions. If I feel like procrastinating, I can just clean my room, do the dishes, or start watching TV. When I’m at the library, I can’t easily get up and walk away from my work.

My house is small, and my room doesn’t have space for a desk, so I usually work at the kitchen table. If I had my own study space, I think I’d be much more productive. When no one else is home, the living room becomes my go-to spot. I put on my headphones, make a to-do list, and try my best to power through my work.

Everyone has different study preferences. One of my best friends thrives in libraries, while another can study effectively at a café. Meanwhile, I have a friend who locks himself in his room and grinds out work like a machine. I, on the other hand, have always struggled with studying efficiently.

I’m still figuring out what works best for me. Studying is a learning process in itself—what worked last year might not work now. It’s all about developing habits, breaking bad ones, and finding the best ways to stay motivated.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the best study environment depends on your personal habits and preferences. Each location has its pros and cons:

• Cafés are great for writing and light work but can be distracting and lack space.
• Libraries offer a focused atmosphere, but they can be overwhelming if you’re sensitive to noise and movement.
• Studying at home is comfortable and convenient, but distractions make it harder to focus.

If you’re struggling with studying, try switching up your environment. You might find that a mix of locations works best—home for homework, the library for deep study sessions, and a café for creative work.

Personally, I’m still working on building better study habits. I have a bad habit of constantly checking my phone, and I get easily sidetracked by other tasks. But I’m learning to discipline myself and create better routines.

So, where do you prefer to study? If you have any tips or recommendations, I’d love to hear them!