Why Studying in Coffee Shops is Sweeter than Christmas Morning
The idea of using a place that’s traditionally associated with relaxation and socialising as a place to work might seem odd. But your local coffee shop might actually be the ideal spot to cram for your exams, prepare that important report or develop the big new idea that’s going to make you a leading name in your field.
Why students study in coffee shops?
The drug does work…
Instant access to good quality, great tasting caffeine is one of the more obvious reasons why studying in cafes is so popular. A typical coffee shop latte contains about 200 milligrams of this brain enhancing chemical, the ideal dose to inhibit sleep hormones and stimulate both problem-solving and memory skills.
And sugar helps too!
Low blood sugar levels make concentration impossible. If you fancy a snack along with your brain boosting beverage there’s be lots to choose from, and you won’t break your work-flow by getting up to prepare your food and drink.
A comfortable environment
For many students, the question of studying at home vs coffee shop is answered on this point alone. Student accommodation isn’t always welcoming, brightly lit, or even very warm. If your local coffee shop isn’t all of these things. search a bit further afield and find another one!
Better for group work than the library
Many coffee shops have comfortable lounge areas, perfect for a group get together and discussion. Unlike librarians, your waiting staff won’t get irritated if the discussion gets animated. In fact, a bunch of students caught up in the excitement of exploring ideas tends to contribute to the lively, intelligent ambience that coffee shops thrive on.
Beyond the Student Years
It’s not just students who’ve cottoned on to the secrets of coffee shop productivity. People who work from home, or anyone who has the freedom to spend some part of their day away from the office can take advantage of the unique environment that a well-run coffee shop offers.
Concentration is catching
For many people being around those who’re engaged in activity boosts their own concentration, so the ‘controlled bustle’ of a cafe, especially one where lots of other people are working makes an ideal background. No one seems to know quite why or how this works, but it’s a well observed phenomenon. It’s been likened to the effect of using a pacemaker in a cycle race to make you ride faster.
Low level background noise boosts creativity
Research suggests that working or studying in cafes is particularly beneficial when the task involves creative tasks. A background noise level of around 70 decibels is the ideal level of ‘semi-distraction’ that encourages the brain to make the broadest possible connections, exactly the sort that encourage innovative ideas. This, happily is the typical noise level of a busy cafe.
Was the selfie stick really invented in a Starbucks? We’ll never know for sure but the idea has such wide popular appeal that it’s taken on the status of an urban myth. One thing that is for sure is that there’s a website which aims to reproduce the background noises of a coffee shop, and the development of this, definitely was inspired by the creators recognising that they did their own best work in their local cafe.
And finally….a word on coffee shop etiquette. Most local coffee shops (I will mention my favorite Bonjour Brioche Cafe) will be delighted to see you using their space as your work space. If they’re not they don’t deserve your custom! For the sake of politeness, you really should buy something at least every couple of hours, and if your favourite establishment also has a busy lunch trade they’ll appreciate it if you don’t tie up a table that could seat six for a single latte. Free up the space by taking a break and going for a walk, fresh air is good for productivity too!
