The Top 5 Study Locations in Fort Collins
1. The Alley Cat
This goes without saying for those living in Fort Collins, but if you are new to the area, there is no better place to get work done. Unlike everything around it, the Alley Cat is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, which means you can always indulge in your late night study habits. The Alley Cat’s laid-back atmosphere and bohemian aesthetic is one of a kind in the Fort Collins area and it only takes one visit to fall in love with this place. Be sure to try their legendary chai shakes or lattes, both of which have gained quite the reputation.
2. The Wild Boar
Located off College and Lake Street, the Wild Boar is only a few blocks away from the UCA making it very popular with the theater crowd. While the Wild Boar isn’t open 24/7, it still offers a great environment to get work done with its more “homey” feel. Like all good coffee shops, the Wild Boar has a wide selection of coffees and teas available. However, if you fancy something more filling, they have a huge food menu that offers full meals in addition to the typical baked goods and sandwiches.
3. Mugs Coffee Lounge at the Oval
Location is everything in a college town and the closer to campus the better. This is what makes Mugs a top pick on my list since it sits right across the street from the famous CSU oval. If you are running in between classes and need to get some work done in a place that isn’t campus, Mugs has you covered. The atmosphere here is far more contemporary than that of most other coffee shops in town, and while some may prefer the more lived in aesthetic, I enjoy the more modern, minimalistic feel.
4. Old Town Library
Sometimes all you want is some peace and quiet, whether your roommate's party is getting out of hand or the coffee shop buzz is just too much, you can always turn to your local library. Placed right in downtown, the Old Town Library (part of the Poudre River Public Library District) offers a break from everything else and an opportunity to really focus on that paper you left until the last minute. Who knows, maybe you’ll even find a book you like to take home until next time you return. While the environment isn’t as comfortable as some of the other places in town, the access to resources and complete silence is a big plus.
5. City Park
Fort Collins has a little something for everyone, and if you are the more outdoorsy type, City Park offers a great environment to sit back, relax, and get work done in the great outdoors. From early Spring until late Fall, City Park is a hub of activity with a water park, lake, open fields and walking paths to attract visitors. Even though you only have a few months to enjoy City Park once school starts in August, the trip will always be worthwhile as you finish homework basking in the setting sun over the foothills nearby. Pack a picnic lunch and throw down a blanket to make the most of your time at this beautiful local park.
