Looking for a new place to study? Here’s where Lexington college students recommend

Monica Kast

A good study spot can be a game-changer in college.

Sure, you could study in your dorm room, but Lexington is a city full of options for when you need a change of scenery to get work done.

The Lexington-Herald leader polled Lexington college students and alumni about their favorite locations to study. Coffee shops were a frequent favorite, especially local coffee shops around town.

Respondents had several things they were looking for in a study spot, including room to spread out, good coffee and snacks, and a solid atmosphere. Here were some of those locations.

Starbucks

If you’re looking for a place to study with multiple locations and plenty of drink options, Starbucks is a reliable choice.

“The smell of coffee is calming to me, there’s always music playing, and although it’s not quiet, I go there often!” Samantha Erickson said.

The University of Kentucky has several Starbucks on campus, including one in the Gatton Student Center and another in the W. T. Young Library. On campus, students can use their flex dollars from their meal plan at Starbucks, according to UK’s website.

There are multiple Starbucks locations around Lexington too, which may be less busy for those who need a quieter environment.

UK Science and Engineering Library

The University of Kentucky has many hidden study spots, and Andrew Thibaudeau recommends UK’s Science and Engineering Library.

“The Science and Engineering library is the best study spot because it is the quietest, quaintest library on campus,” Thibaudeau wrote. “People pass it over either out of ignorance or the assumption that they must be in science or engineering to go in.”

Thibaudeau praised the library for its Subway, study rooms, and on the third floor, “decades-old maps and the occasional eerie sound of water dripping behind the walls.” (It is spooky season, after all.)

“Who doesn’t love a slightly spooky library?” Thibaudeau wrote.

The library is located on UK’s campus near the College of Engineering building.

For Lexington Coffee Week, The Dark Horse from Manchester Coffee Co. includes miso-caramel, charge espresso, steamed oat milk and a gomashio furikake garnish in a Cappuccino format. Photo provided
For Lexington Coffee Week, The Dark Horse from Manchester Coffee Co. includes miso-caramel, charge espresso, steamed oat milk and a gomashio furikake garnish in a Cappuccino format. Photo provided

Manchester Coffee Co.

If you’re looking to buckle down and get work done, Betsy Billings recommends Manchester Coffee Co.

You can “always count on it having a great atmosphere to study and write (a) paper,” Billings wrote.

Manchester Coffee Co. roasts its own coffee beans, and has plenty of drink and bakery options to choose from. There are two locations: one on E. Third Street at the Met and one in the Distillery District.

For Lexington Coffee (and Tea), Coffee Times is rolling out the Blueberry Pie a la Mode, a coffee drink with the flavors blueberries, cinnamon, brown sugar and ice cream. All the coffee week drinks are $3. Eric Novak
For Lexington Coffee (and Tea), Coffee Times is rolling out the Blueberry Pie a la Mode, a coffee drink with the flavors blueberries, cinnamon, brown sugar and ice cream. All the coffee week drinks are $3. Eric Novak

Coffee Times Coffee House

If you’re looking for a quiet location that also has great coffee and pastries, Becca Peniston recommends Coffee Times Coffee House.

“There is quite a bit of room,” Peniston wrote. “Lots of spaces so you can meet and study with friends.”

Despite the name, Coffee Times offers more than just coffee. They are options for those who prefer tea, including loose leaf tea available for purchase, and a store area you can browse when you need a break.

Coffee Times is located off Nicholasville Road.

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