By J1 reporter Ella Visty

As online homework is taking over, more and more students are ditching the library as a study place and setting up camp in coffee shops. While some people have questioned the effectiveness of studying in these environments, many students find it helps them focus.

Coffee shops have always been places for people to socialize, but in the past decade, they’ve become a popular spot for students looking for a change from the quiet libraries or the distractions in their home.

“I feel more productive when I work in public,” junior Ella Thibodeau said. “I just put in my AirPods and focus. If I’m with friends, we’ll chat a little, but we do our own work and still get a lot done.”

For some students, the coffee shop vibe offers an escape from home distractions. Without the draw to do chores, check their phones, or watch TV, students get a mental break from the usual study routine.

“I can’t focus at home,” junior Amira Thomas said. “I always end up doing something else or scrolling on my phone.”

The perks of coffee shops are hard to ignore: free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and the chance to grab a quick snack or drink. Thomas loves açaí drinks while she works, while Thibodeau prefers a little snack to fuel her studying.

But it’s not all positives. For some students, coffee shops can be distracting. The noise of people talking, music and coffee machines whirring can make it hard to concentrate.

“I’d rather study at home,”  junior Samantha Van Moorleghem said. “I don’t need my AirPods to be able to focus, and at coffee shops, there’s always someone talking or moving around.”

Another downside to coffee shops is the cost. Students are often expected to buy something every time they study, which can add up quickly, as the average drink is around $6. Some students make a purchase and stay for hours, while others feel guilty about spending money just to study.

Junior Quinn Tomlinson, a barista at Hay Jay Cafe in Bennington, acknowledges why students love studying in coffee shops. “It’s a comfortable, safe space,” she said. “I understand why they come here to work, and have never had problems with anyone coming here for productivity purposes.”

While coffee shops can help boost productivity and be a change of scenery, finding the right balance between staying focused and dealing with distractions is key for students.