Entering her fifth year at the University of Toronto, Victoria Wilson has a few tricks up her sleeve when it comes to studying. One is to find places to study that make her feel happy. Her list of five coffee shops to study in has something for every type of worker. While avoiding corporate chains, all offer free wifi and a chance to elude their gloomy counterpart, Robarts.

5 Elements Espresso Bar

This three-level coffee shop is a cozy study spot that’s close to campus. The upper level is the cafe with table seating. The downstairs offers a more spacious study/work space equipped with two-person tables, and a seating area that faces a fireplace. This location is a little louder due to music, but still has a strong work/study vibe. I highly recommend the iced cappuccino with a shot of hazelnut.

Directions: From campus head east on Bloor to Avenue Road, then walk north. Approx. 15 minutes.

Ideal for: Those who study in medium-loud environments.

Tampered Press Espresso Bar

Tampered Press is right across the street from the beautiful Trinity Bellwoods Park, has lots of delicious and affordable food options, and an abundance of outlets and power bars so charging will not be an issue if you need to hunker down for an afternoon study session. This coffee shop is also one of the quieter locations on this list. While not very spacious, Tampered Press does facilitate a sense of community as everyone focuses on their own work at the central shared table or side tables.

Directions: Take the College Streetcar west to Crawford, then walk south through the neighbourhood and Trinity Bellwoods Park. (Approx. 30 minutes).

Ideal for: Those who study in quiet environments and need accessible outlets.

Creeds Coffee Bar

Only a 20 minute walk north of campus, Creeds offers what I believe to be one of the most spacious work spaces, with big, beautiful wooden tables and both comfy and traditional seating. They also have a freezer full of popsicles!

Directions: Walk north on Spadina to Dupont then head west on Dupont. Approx. 20 minutes. Or, take Line 1 North to Dupont Station, then walk west. Approx. 10 minutes.

Ideal for: Those who study in quiet environments and need more table space.

b espresso bar

If you want to study on campus, but want to get away from the libraries and chain coffee shops, b espresso bar is the place to be! It is attached to the Royal Conservatory of Music and backs onto Philosophers Walk. My favourite reason for studying here is the giant skylight, filling the open space with natural light. Note that there can be a fair amount of foot traffic and conversational meetings taking place, but overall it’s a great place to grab a coffee and have the illusion of feeling like you’re off campus.

Directions: Walk east on Bloor, just past Varsity Stadium. Approx. 8 minutes.

Ideal for: Those who study in medium-loud environments.

Fieldtrip Cafe

This cozy cafe near Ossington subway station is a bright and bustling place. Fieldtrip Cafe can get busy pretty quickly, but has an old school charm equipped with traditional school chairs, a wall of plants, and a nice patio for the warmer months.

Directions: Take Line 2 west to Ossington Station, then walk west three blocks. Approx. 15 minutes.  

Ideal for: Those who study in medium-loud environments.