In 2025 students romanticize studying to earn better grades. Sometimes it is challenging to study at home, which is why going to new places fosters a new motivation and focus. With projects and essays like the Sophomores’ Animal Project and the Juniors’ Research Paper, study environments are necessary. From coffee shops to open spaces, the right environments wait for us.
- Kinfolx
A coffee shop located in the heart of Downtown Oakland, Kinfolx is a great place to study. This is a black-owned coffee/wine shop that doubles as a community space fostering diversity and ambition within the Oakland community. Their hours vary, but on weekdays (Monday-Thursday), they’re open from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM. Providing good wifi, delicious lattes and food, and extended hours, this is the top study location in the Bay Area.
2. Zocalo coffeehouse
“I really enjoyed both of the coffee we tried, they both had strong and intense flavors, though it was on the pricier side. I loved how it was served in glass cups, very eco friendly” – Rowena Boulton ‘27
Located in San Leandro and close to O’Dowd, this is one of the most ideal locations to study at. With a variety of rich speciality lattes and great study vibes, this is the spot. Though what they offer is a little on the pricier side and their wifi is not very reliable, I would recommend this cafe for annotations and writing assignments.
3. The Chocolate Dragon
Located in Rockridge, this cafe is perfect for students commuting from Rockridge. This cafe offers very low-key, chill, fall study vibes. A Mexican hot chocolate paired with a good read is perfect here. Though this cafe doesn’t allow computers or devices inside (only outside), it’s a great place to disconnect and focus on written assignments.
4. UC Berkeley Campus
Although the UC Berkeley campus a bit farther from O’Dowd, it’s absolutely worth it. UC Berkeley is a great campus to study at because it offers food and drinks in the area, and many locations to study at. My favorite is any patch of grass along the campus, or the C.V. Starr East Asian Library which is a nice, quiet, serious library provided to UC Berkeley students and the outside public. Overall, UC Berkeley offers a variety of top tier study spots.
5. Delah Coffee
Another cafe hidden in Downtown Oakland, this is another great study spot. This is an Arabic cafe so they offer a variety of Turkish delights, pistachio flavored desserts and other treats. It’s quiet and cozy and has great wifi, something important for ideal studying. With the best drinks and food this is by far one of my favorites.
