Secret Study Spots

Naturally, I procrastinate. Then comes a time when I’m left with no option but to actually get down to business. My room houses distraction upon distraction. Good ol’ Honnold Mudd can get monotonous. And let’s face it - all of the lounges smell rank. At this point, I need a change of scenery. So instead I turn to off-campus spots when I need to crack down. Claremont’s cliché study spots, namely Starbucks and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, are often crowded, cold, and uncomfortable. Here are a few diamonds in the rough, that don’t require you to buy a coffee.

Best for study groups: Mudd’s Platt Campus Center Hours – all day It’s quite a task to coordinate everyone’s schedules for studying and projects, let alone find a place to accommodate a large number of students. The Platt Campus Center, though, could be the perfect solution. You might have to knock on the door and grab a Mudder’s attention to let you in, but it is definitely worth it. The place is a huge space filled wall-to-wall with oversized leather chairs, couches, and coffee tables. Because of its lounge-like status, it is open 24/7, unlike most CMC facilities. Also, The Mudd Hole is just a quick trip down the stairs for those much-needed study breaks.

Best for daytime studying: Scripps’ Denison Library Hours – M-Th 9:00am to 11:00 pm, F 9:00am to 5:00pm, S 12:00pm to 7:00pm, Su 12:00pm to 11:00 pm If it’s sunny but cool-ish in the afternoon hours, Denison is your best bet. The big glass windows create the illusion of being outside in the nice weather, while being snuggled up amongst cozy furniture and old-school wooden bookshelves. Denison offers both living room style and organized table studying areas. The hours are a bit odd so check them before you go, but certainly a good option.

Best for free Wi-Fi: Fruizen Desserts Hours – 11:00am to 11:00pm everyday This new-ish addition to the shopping center on Claremont and Foothill is a nice way to escape the 5C bubble. And the best part: free Wi-Fi. It’s super clean and cheery, with great working vibes. A cable TV, usually playing MTV, provides a fun distraction as well. While you study you can snack on gelato, boba drinks, sweet and savory crepe creations, or exotic shaved ice combinations. Prices are reasonable and the owners are friendly and especially welcoming of students.

Best for outdoor reading: The New Village Courtyard Hours: all day On a nice day when reading is your only task, try out the courtyard by the movie theater. It is complete with tables and chairs, umbrellas, and a soothing fountain fixture. Young families and children of Claremont frequent this spot, which can be a refreshing change of pace. And if you’re lucky, you can even get some color as you work. Food and shopping interruptions are readily available, and Wi-Fi can be bootlegged off of surrounding businesses.