Photo: Via The Chicago Public Library, Bourgeois Pig, Explore Chicago
1. The Chicago Public Library
If you’re a Columbia, DePaul, or Roosevelt student and have lived in the University
Center at Congress and State, you've probably had a great view of the Harold Washington
Library Center of the Chicago Public Library. It’s hard to believe that many students
have never been inside, but The Chicago Public Library truly is a quiet place to
escape your loud roommates or the everyday hustle and bustle of the South Loop. Go
with a group and reserve a study room to get some work done before you run out
of time and those dreadful final projects are due.
Chicago Public Library, 400 South State Street (at Congress Parkway); 312-747-4300.
2. The Bourgeois Pig
Nicknamed “The Pig”, The Bourgeois Pig Cafe has been a staple for students and North
Side residents alike since the mid '90s. It’s blocks away from the DePaul and is a
good excuse to leave your cave apartment. Thankfully, The Pig’s interior already
feels like a home away from home and has lots of little nooks and crannies where you
can stow away with a soup or sandwich to clock in some serious study time.
The Bourgeois Pig, 748 West Fullerton (at Halsted Street); 773-883-5282.
3. Grant Park
Most Chicago apartments don’t have front (or back) yards, but luckily all of Chicago shares one
and it’s called Grant Park. Fresh air helps you retain information (or
at least that’s what we like to think) and there’s nothing better than sitting outside while
you mercilessly tear through study guides and final papers. Also, nearly unlimited
grassy open space allows for you to bring a friend or two, a blanket, and a snack to
break up the monotony of studying that is textbooks and highlighters.
Grant Park, 337 East Randolph Street (at Columbus Drive); 312-742-7649.
Photo: Via Barnes & Noble, Eleven City Diner, Columbia College
4. DePaul University Barnes & Noble
Conveniently located in the South Loop, The DePaul Center has many chairs and tables
to kill time between classes or on a weekend study sesh. During study breaks, grab a slice of pizza or frozen yogurt to help your body power through those long, studious hours.
DePaul Barnes & Noble, 1 East Jackson Boulevard, (at State Street); 312-362-8795.
Eleven City Diner is modeled around old school diners and
Jewish delicatessens. Serving melts, sandwiches, and burgers, it has
plenty of brain food options for you to nosh while cramming the night before a final.
Also, don’t stress too hard because if things become a little too much to handle, they
have local beers ready to sip (or chug) on tap.
Eleven City Diner, 1112 South Wabash Street, (at Roosevelt Street); 312-212-1112.
6. The Conaway Center
Conaway Center
The Conaway Center is the hub for most big events going on at Columbia College, but
when Zine-Fest or the Mary Blood Ball isn’t happening, this is a great place to study. If
you’re a student, there is an all-Mac computer lab conveniently located inside where you
can print out your papers for just 10 cents a page. Otherwise, they have plenty of table
and chair set ups and a small coffee shop, too.
Plus, it’s where most of film classes are located so you'll often see students meeting to discuss
film projects. In other words, you and your study buddies can meet (quietly) here.
The Conaway Center at Columbia College, 731 South Plymouth Court (just South of Harrison Street); 312-369-6802.
7. Kickstand Coffee
Kickstand Coffee is cute Lakeview getaway where you can find a pastry, sandwich, or
a fabulous Espresso drink to caffinate up for inevitable late night hours
working what you’ve put off all semester (we’ve all done it). It’s
also a chill hangout where you won’t be bothered by obnoxious patrons and as long as
you don’t mind eves-dropping on the blind date happening one table over,
you can put Kickstand on the top of your study-here list.
Kickstand Coffee, 824 West Belmont Avenue, (at Clark Street); 773-248-6300.