The library is a daunting place. The sombre light and mothball smell can turn even the most devout nerd away from studying. It is difficult to focus when you are forbidden from uttering a peep, from opening wrappers and chewing too loudly or from roaming around to get the blood flow back to your brain. Studying in a relaxed atmosphere is a surefire way to better retain information. No hard feelings against Concordia’s resourceful Vanier and Webster libraries, but head online to see several locations you can crash before an exam, and find a better place to bury your nose in a book or cup of coffee.
Shäika Café
Shäika Café is known amongst hip urbanites for its calm ambience. Big windows, green plants, and up-and-coming artists’ work adorning the white walls, makes this a perfect place to unwind and take notes. Couldn’t care less about its interior design, you say? Well then try munching on one of their veggie wraps, salads, pizzas or desserts and sip on their certified organic and fair trade coffee &- all for a reasonable price.
5526 Sherbrooke St. W.
Wi-Fi: Yes
Website: www.shaikacafe.com
Hours: Monday from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Thursday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. until midnight
Saturday from 9 a.m. until midnight
Sunday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
P’tisserie de la Gare
This quaint little coffee shop looks like it got lost on its way to Paris, with its charming European décor and pretty little pastries. A four-minute walk from the Loyola campus, this bakery is a nice place to warm up with one of their flavoured coffees and soft croissants or cool down with a selection from their refreshing iced teas. If you do not mind the melodic jingle the door makes every time it opens, “The Pat” is a great place to settle down with your books. Take a breather from your laptop and catch up on readings, as they do not have Wi-Fi. Everything in that sweet little place tastes really expensive, but it is surprisingly not. Royal West Academy high school students can fit The Pat’s delicacies into their piggybank budgets, so do not feel you are financially unworthy of this gourmet hangout.
24 Westminster Ave., right above Sherbrooke St. W
Wi-Fi: No
Hours: Weekdays from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Weekends from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Starbucks in Chapters
Any coffee drinker knows that Starbucks is the mecca of caffeine and cookies. This location in particular beats out its other by-the-book counterparts because it overlooks downtown’s main artery. Because it is located three floors above ground, it drones out much of the sirens and honking from the street below. Thousands of books are at your disposal (to purchase, of course) in the event of an Internet crash, so you will not feel isolated and devoid of information. As long as you purchase a beverage or baked good, you are entitled to loiter for up to eight hours.
1171 St. Catherine St. W
Wi-Fi: Yes
Hours: Saturday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.
La Croissanterie
Located across from the Faubourg on the corner of Ste-Catherine and St-Marc, La Croissanterie is a small café with a relaxing vibe and comfortable atmosphere. Known to some as Café Linda, this spot serves homemade food at a great price. The old-style décor contributes to the café’s homey feel, and the small staff is always very friendly and welcoming. Head over to enjoy some fresh sandwiches on warm croissants, delicious soup, salads, and lattes. The noise level is just right, with classical music often playing in the background. This allows you to read without distraction or you can use their free Wi-Fi. La Croissanterie may be a little hole in the wall, but it is a great place to eat and study come exam time.
1909 St. Catherine St. W.
Wi-Fi: Yes
Hours: Open everyday from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m.
