College Guide 2013: Best Off-Campus Study Spots in Providence

Blue State Coffee

College Hill/Providence

A café where you’re guaranteed to feel guilt free, even if you put off that essay until the day before it’s due. Blue State Coffee donates 2% of their sales to local non-profit organizations that are voted for by the customers. Enjoy an espresso at their location in the Brown University Bookstore or their stand-alone spot up the road on Thayer Street.

300 Thayer St, Providence

401-383-8393

Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 AM - 9 PM, Saturday-Sunday, 8 AM - 9 PM.

Second Location: The College Hill Café, 244 Thayer St, Providence (in the Brown University Bookstore).

401-863-6873

Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-8pm, Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-6pm.

Photo: Flickr/EthanK

Coffee Exchange

Providence

If you’re passionate about supporting fair trade and organic coffee, look no further than Coffee Exchange. The Wickenden St. location makes it perfect for place for Brown students looking to get away from campus. With a variety of coffee roasts, they offer enough options for everyone. Outside seating is available for nice days and the cozy atmosphere is perfect for studying.

207 Wickenden St, Providence

401-273-1198

Hours: Monday-Sunday 6:30 AM - 11 PM.

Photo: Flickr/Caroline Fenn

Small Point Café

Downtown Providence

Find yourself bustling downtown and in need of a quiet oasis? Head straight for Small Point Café, which offers locally grown coffee prepared to order, no shortcuts taken. The prices are affordable and the atmosphere is filled with green-friendly materials, making this independently run spot a great place to get away. A must try for Johnson and Wales University students!

230 Westminster St, Providence

401-228-6999

Hours: Monday 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Tuesday-Friday 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM, Saturday-Sunday 8:30 AM-9:30 PM.

Photo: Flickr/Hey Paul Studios

Brewed Awakenings

Johnston, Cranston and Wakefield

With multiple locations, Brewed Awakenings can be found wherever you’re studies may take you. The Wakefield location is close to the University of Rhode Island campus, making this a perfect place to study without interruption. They feature 14 varieties of brewed coffees and teas; signature drinks offered hot or cold, and fresh fruit smoothies. The variety of menu offerings will wake you up or cool you down.

Check website for local addresses, phone numbers, and hour. 

Photo: Flickr/Terry Johnston

Panera Bread

Providence, Wakefield, Newport, Smithfield

A national chain that feels comfortable in every location, Panera Bread has locations close to many Rhode Island colleges, The menu features breakfast and lunch favorites including invigorating coffee drinks, soul warming daily soup options, and pastries that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Each café includes a welcoming atmosphere with fireplaces and comfortable seating that will inspire “A”-worthy work.

Check website for local addresses, phone numbers, and hours.

Photo: Flickr/dionhinchcliffe

Beehive Café

Bristol

Close Independence Park overlooking Bristol Harbor, Beehive Café offers a relaxed space with room to spare in their two story building. Breakfast and lunch are served Sunday-Wednesday, while dinner is offered Thursday-Saturday. In the meantime they offer coffee, teas and a selection of pastries, great for weary travelers from Roger Williams University. Ingredients come from local farms, so you’ll be well nourished for your assignment.

10 Franklin St, Bristol. 401-396-9994

Hours: Monday-Wednesday 7 AM - 4 PM, Thursday-Saturday 7 AM - 9 PM.

Photo: Bryan_Chan

Starbucks Coffee

Lincoln, Newport, Providence

A café that spans across the globe, Starbucks is known everywhere for their consistency and convenience. With locations close to many Rhode Island colleges, your favorite coffees, Frappuccino’s, and teas are never too far away. Every location offers free WiFi and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages customers to stay while they work.

Check website for local addresses, phone numbers, and hours.

Photo:

Empire Tea and Coffee

Newport

This Newport coffee shop is one of the largest in Rhode Island, offering over 5,000 feet of space that allows for an optimal study environment. Empire Tea and Coffee offers a variety of tea and coffees drinks that features international flavors. WiFi is available with any purchase, and the location is close to Salve Regina University.

22 Broadway, Newport

401-619-1388

Hours: Monday-Sunday 7 AM - 10 PM.

Photo: Flickr/bibliothekarin