It’s exam season, and that means it’s time to crack those knuckles and get down to studying.
The problem, of course, is finding the right place to study. Studying at home is always an option for me, but in a world of COVID-19, I’ve been anxious to get out of the house as much as possible.
Emily Wang, a fourth year Business student who likes studying at the UFV library, appreciates the quiet atmosphere and the ability to keep herself accountable.
“All the other people around me are either studying or doing their homework, so it will be weird if I start doing other stuff rather than focusing on school work,” she said.
I can relate. My biggest motivation for studying in public is that I will be (presumably) judged by those around me; if strangers see I’m watching videos of cats falling off things, I know they’ll be disappointed in my work ethic.
Thus began my quest to find suitable study spaces on and off campus. Having recently moved to Abbotsford, I wasn’t familiar with the libraries and cafes around the city. This semester, I made it my goal to try out different study spots and review them, along with completely arbitrary ratings out of 10.
Ah, classic. It’s no surprise that so many people like studying at the UFV library. It’s on campus, it’s free to use, and it’s designed with studying in mind. It also has a plethora of relevant books and academic journals at your disposal.
I appreciate the variety of seating options at the library. There are armchairs with round, swivel tables; private study rooms; tables for groups of four or six; and individual desk spaces with power outlets.
Fourth year French student Leah Willms’ favourite study spot is the campus library, specifically next to the big windows.
“This is my favourite spot because I can enjoy the sunshine or the rain and the view of nature while studying,” Willms said. “I also enjoy the peacefulness of the library, especially early in the morning. The library also has lots of comfy chairs and plug-ins for my laptop charger which is a must for hard-core study sessions.”
Second year student Joseph Labun studies Biology in the BSc program. “I like the library study rooms because it’s a great place to have discussions, use the whiteboards, or hang out with friends. I go there when I want to be more social — the librarians have only shushed me twice.”
Then there’s the stacks, the upper floor of the library with books available for checking out. Designed with introverts (or easily distracted people) in mind, it’s a “No Talking Zone.” Labun likes studying on the top floor of the library when he needs to focus.
The Abbotsford campus library is open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday, with shortened hours Friday to Sunday. A downside of studying in the library is that you can’t eat food and you have to wear a mask at all times. If you can go several hours without snacking, however, I highly recommend it.
The SUB at the Abbotsford campus benefits from a variety of study areas.
The main area is nice if you can find seating, but the small, round tables tend to be wobbly and the chairs are a bit uncomfortable. The couches are nice for relaxing, but it’s not a place for easy studying unless you like balancing your laptop and textbooks on your lap. But you can always grab a drink from Fair Grounds Coffee while you’re there. 5/10
The Peer Resource and Leadership Centre lounge is a casual study area with a mix of tables and couches. It’s a bit of a gamble because they occasionally open up the sliding walls, which gets distracting with people entering and exiting the SUB. I appreciate that it’s attached to the student kitchen, so you can microwave your lunch or cook some noodles without losing your study space. 7/10
I’ve tried to study in the StrEats eating area a few times, but the loud, catchy music makes it impossible for me to focus. The upside to this is that I’ve never had a problem finding seating; it’s usually quite empty. 4/10
UFV Cafeteria 6.5/10
I always see people studying in the cafeteria when I go to microwave my lunch. The upside is that there’s plenty of seating, and the tables are large enough for all your papers and books. The downside to the cafeteria is that people are always moving in and out, so it can get distracting when you’re writing an overdue essay.
I don’t often choose to study there. There are a few quieter places on campus during the day, and sometimes the tables are dirty. However, it usually clears out in the late afternoon. During semesters when I’ve had evening classes, it’s been an eerily quiet yet relaxing place to pull out my books.
Clearbrook Library 7/10
The Clearbrook library in Abbotsford is a nice change in scenery from the UFV library, with many of the same elements. It’s a library, after all; it has books, computers, and study desks. One downside is that, like the UFV library, there’s no food allowed. I’m sure you could sneak in a granola bar if you hid in an obscure corner, though.
I’ve studied there several times this semester and it hasn’t been very busy. In fact, it’s one of the quietest places I’ve studied. For those of you who dislike studying in noisy areas or places with music, this is a great space.
The Clearbrook library is open 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. from Friday to Sunday. Fair warning, though — the library computers automatically log out after 45 minutes, and you have to talk to the front desk if you want to get back in.
Beans and Leaves 8/10
I’ve enjoyed studying at Abbotsford’s Beans and Leaves: Coffees and Teas of the World Inc. because it’s usually quite empty. They have armchair seating, tables, and stool seating in front of their big windows. I also appreciate their weirdly long name.
They have a relatively large menu with plenty of lunch and drink options.
Beans and Leaves is usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. Unfortunately, they limit people’s stay to two hours, but I’ve never had a problem when I’ve “accidentally” stayed longer.
SippChai Cafe 9/10
I’ve only studied at Abbotsford’s SippChai Cafe once, but the friendly atmosphere makes me want to go back. The staff was extremely friendly, asked me what I was working on, and joked about doing homework on a Friday. They interacted with every customer like they were friends — and it seemed that most of them were regulars.
They have round tables for one or two people, or groups of armchairs for a more casual study session. The decor is busy with Indian artwork.
As for the menu, SippChai has everything from butter chicken and Americano to Circle Square Donuts and their “world-class” SippChai latte. As a non-coffee drinker, I was satisfied with their amount of hot and especially cold non-coffee options. My one concern is that they don’t have a lot of seating.
Also, if you’re socially anxious, their wi-fi password is not password protected, so you don’t have to ask for the password. SippChai is open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. most days.
House of James Coffeehouse 8/10
House of James Coffeehouse is a nice place for studying as well. Located in Abbotsford, it’s cozy and has a good selection of drinks and food, although I’m not too familiar with the menu. I especially like that it’s attached to the House of James Christian bookstore, which gives me an ample excuse to avoid my homework and wander through the bookstore instead.
Second year Geography student Aidan Wouda’s favourite study spot is House of James.
“I enjoy studying here because of the comfortable atmosphere. Its primary patrons are senior citizens, and as such it is always a cheerful environment,” Wouda said.
The coffeehouse is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. It deserves bonus points for the bookstore and negative points for distraction, so I guess it evens out.
Cafe Amarti 8.5/10
Cafe Amarti is one of the more popular Abbotsford cafes for studying, and there’s good reason for it. The tables are large enough for all your papers and a laptop, and the menu, though expensive, is delicious. I’ve only had the grilled cheese and the eggnog latte, but I’d order both again.
If you’re popular, there’s seating for six to eight people for a great big study sesh. If you’re a loner or you have one friend to your name, there are smaller tables too (and you’ll probably get more studying done). You might have to be strategic about where you sit, however, if you need an outlet. Find a table near a wall and you should be good to go.
My favourite part is the ambience. Have you ever listened to those YouTube videos of coffee shop noises? That’s exactly what Cafe Amarti sounds like — distant voices, mugs getting set down, and some light, mellow music. I rarely listen to music here because it’s the perfect blend of white noise to keep me focused. I am distracted by the nice decor, with rustic tables and draping lights.
A note for our unvaccinated readers: they have a notice that they require proof of vaccination, although they did not ask for it the last time I visited.
It is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Cafe Amarti remains, for me, a “special occasion” study space; I can’t justify paying $8 for a grilled cheese sandwich every week.
Cedar and Moss is a hidden gem located at Charis Camp in Chilliwack. I spent a lot of time studying here during UFV’s online semesters. The cafe has an outdoorsy, camp feel with a small selection of drinks and delicious baked goods. The baked goods sell quickly, and the selection usually changes daily.
Their outdoor patio (featuring a covered fire pit) sits right beside a running creek, although most of the outdoor tables are mesh and difficult to study on. Given that it’s December, their indoor area is a better option. They have limited seating, but it’s a quiet place and I’ve never had trouble finding a table. The chairs are cozy, the staff is friendly, and, best of all, they have a wood fireplace close to the tables.
I’m glad to feature Cedar and Moss because of its association with Charis Camp, which housed flood evacuees and migrant workers over the past weeks.
The coffee shop is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
Yellow Deli 7/10
The Yellow Deli in Chilliwack serves sandwiches, salads, and “the fruit of the Spirit.” Run by the Twelve Tribes spiritual group, it has a very unique atmosphere and is a calming place to study. The unique part of the Yellow Deli, besides the religious aspect, is that it’s open from Sunday at noon to Friday at 3:00 p.m., 24 hours a day.
English student Aleena Stoochnoff’s favourite study spots are local coffee shops or The Yellow Deli.
“24 hour availability, caffeine, and quality snacks are a pretty good bonus,” she said. “Since being stuck online, it’s been nice to have the option to get school readings and studying done elsewhere.”
Given its popularity, it’s probably best to avoid regular meal times if you’re planning on studying there for a few hours.
Smoking Gun Coffee 8.5/10
Smoking Gun is certainly a vibe. Located in the newly renovated part of downtown Chilliwack, its decor and music sets it apart from your basic coffee shop. It has hanging vines, dried tangerine slices hanging from strings (who thinks of that?), and brick walls. Hipsters and city folks, this one’s for you.
The tables are small, but it’s good for one or two people with their books — as long as you can focus with the bustling noise of a cafe. It is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Smoking Gun is a busy cafe, but if you can find a seat, it’s definitely worth trying out.
The Penny 9/10
Maia Fairbairn-Wiebe, a fifth year BA student, enjoys studying at The Penny in Mission. It is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, with shortened hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
“It has a lovely, cozy atmosphere with wonderful staff and rustic decorations,” she said. “The music is chill and the couches are super comfy, but there [are] also other seating options such as the long table with kitchen type chairs, or a window nook, nestled in the front of the store. I once took a 3 hour online exam at The Penny.”
The only problem, Fairbairn-Wiebe said, is the parking situation. Most of the spots are parallel parking on a one-way street, and it can be tricky to find a spot. 9/10
Twins Coffee 10/10
Jane Beimers, a third year Psychology student, recommends Twins Coffee in downtown Langley. It is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. most days.
“Upon approaching the cafe expectations are low, but once you walk through the glass and wood double doors the aroma of dark coffee and sweet baking fills your senses,” Beimers said. “Everywhere you look are plants — the corners, tables, and bar all have greenery surrounding them.”
Beimers likes to order a white mocha with an extra shot of espresso, and spends time studying on the wooden benches.
“It’s usually not too noisy in the cafe as many students come to study there, although you do have to plan to visit at slower hours as the cafe doesn’t have an abundance of seating available.”
Wendel’s Cafe 7/10
Wendel’s Cafe is located in Fort Langley. With breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and drink options, it’s an any-time-of-day place for studying. It’s a busy place and seating can be cramped.
Evan Von Riesen, a BA student in the CYC program, likes to study at Wendel’s. “I like Wendel’s because there is good wifi and the food and drinks are delicious,” he said. “I like the busier atmosphere with [lots] of people, and it is louder which I enjoy.”
Wendel’s Cafe doubles as a bookstore, so if you need a study break or just like to browse, there are plenty of books waiting for you.
The cafe is open from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, so it’s great for both early morning studies and late evening cram sessions. Proof of vaccination is required for dining.
Home 7/10
Studying at home can be distracting for some and relaxing for others. For myself, I like to study at the kitchen table when my roommates are at work. However, I tend to drift toward procrastination when I study at home. Laundry, meal prep, and sleeping seem to take precedence. This might not be my home’s fault, however, given that I can procrastinate anywhere. It’s a talent I possess.
Labun enjoys studying in his bedroom. “I like my room because I don’t have to wear a mask and can get unlimited tea and play music loud,” he said. Let’s just hope he doesn’t have roommates.
When COVID-19 is over, I will definitely appreciate maskless study sessions. Unfortunately, I’ll be long graduated before that happens.
If all the libraries and cafes start to seem too repetitive for you, I have one final suggestion for a more unique, scenic study experience. Mind you, it’s a bit on the pricey side. Drive to Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen and board the ferry (walk-on is fine). On your way to Vancouver Island, find a nice, cozy spot on the ship to study and enjoy the beautiful ocean view right outside. When you arrive, turn around and purchase a ferry ticket back home. You’ll have yet another enjoyable study session right on the water.
Happy studying!
Images: Danaye Reinhardt and Laura Ayres/The Cascade
Danaye studies English and procrastination at UFV and is very passionate about the Oxford comma. She spends her days walking to campus from the free parking zones, writing novels she'll never finish, and pretending to know how to pronounce abominable. Once she graduates, she plans to adopt a cat.
