Amelie CameronI hate studying at home; it’s too cramped, and I get easily distracted (my TV is always calling out to me). So, I decided to make it a habit to study outside—and it’s the best decision I’ve made recently.
I actually get to focus on studying! Maybe it’s because I paid to be in a certain study spot, so now, my brain is pressured to make the most of this opportunity.
My favourite study places are usually libraries and cafés, but I’ve also started going to co-working spaces (because why not?). If you’re also looking for a great spot to study, here are a few of my go-to places in Toronto.
Libraries
Toronto Reference Library
From: torontolibrary
Address: 789 Yonge St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9 am to 8:30 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 5 pm
- Sunday—1:30 pm to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14163955577
If what you’re studying involves a lot of research, the best spot for you is the Toronto Reference Library. This is the largest public reference library in the country, so whether you need books, microfilm, or some other items, this place has got you covered.
Another thing I love about this library is how well-equipped the study room is. The tables are big enough to accommodate all my books and gadgets, and the chairs are comfortable enough that I can sit for hours on end without any problem.
Of course, the environment here is also pretty quiet, allowing you to study in peace. Just don’t come here when you’re sleep-deprived, okay? Because you’ll undoubtedly just spend the entire time napping (don’t ask me how I know).
| Pro Tip: It’s best if you come here via public transportation. There’s no dedicated parking spot here. If you do insist on driving, you can find paid parking lots on Asquith Avenue and Church Street. |
John P. Robarts Library (UofT)
From: uoftalumni
Address: 130 St George St, University of Toronto
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—8:30 am to 11 pm
- Friday—8:30 am to 6 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14169788450
Another library that I recently got into is the John P. Robarts Library, which is in the University of Toronto. This library is especially perfect for anyone studying a humanities or social sciences subject because these fields are the main focus here.
There are many reading rooms here, and all of them are cozy. Some rooms even have light therapy lamps, which are my favourite inclusions that the library has done. These lamps are made to mimic spring and summer light, and somehow, they motivate me to finish what I’m working on.
| Pro Tip: You can bring snacks or a packed lunch to this library. Just make sure you’re eating in the designated areas. The reading rooms on Floors 2, 3, and 5 allow eating inside. |
North York Central Library
From: yongenorthyork
Address: 5120 Yonge St, North York Center, North York
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9 am to 8:30 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 5 pm
- Sunday—1:30 pm to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14163955535
I’ve only started going to the North York Central Library recently, and I’m already obsessed. This library is another reference library like the Toronto Reference Library, so it’s perfect for students who need to do a lot of research on certain topics.
This library has four general study rooms, but if you want to study alone, there are also individual options. In addition to study rooms, you can also find tools like a Braille writer, magnifiers, and even computers loaded with Kurzweil 1000 and 3000 software. This library is really prepared for everything!
| Pro Tip: The library doesn’t have its own car park, but you can find paid parking on Beercroft Road. |
Cafés
Page One Coffee + Bar
From: pageon_cafe
Address: 106 Mutual St, Unit #8, The Merchandise Building Lofts
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 4:30 pm
Page One Coffee + Bar is amazing because it’s set up to look and feel like a library. There are shelves everywhere, with books and typewriters, and the tables are large enough to accommodate multiple books, plus your notebook and laptop.
As for the drinks, you can order a cup of coffee or, if you’re feeling adventurous, a cocktail! I personally just stick to a simple cappuccino because alcohol is only going to slow me down.
I also love to pair my coffee with cookies; the sea-salt chocolate cookies are my favourite because they’re so indulgent!
| Pro Tip: If you’re using a gadget, be sure to choose a seat by the wall because it’s most likely going to have an electrical outlet nearby. |
Jimmy’s Coffee
From: jimmys_coffee
Address: 84 Gerrard St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—7 am to 6 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—8 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14167921141
Jimmy’s Coffee is an adorable coffee shop on Gerrard Street, and that’s exactly what I love about it. It’s not too busy, no matter what time of day I come here, and the vibe is cozy, almost like I’m sitting in a friend’s living room. It’s perfect for studying!
It also helps that their coffee is fantastic. I personally recommend the Hoffa Blend coffee, which is their signature espresso blend. The flavour is bright and sweet, with a hint of caramel and a distinct cocoa note at the end.
| Pro Tip: You can give a friend a gift card from this shop. |
Dineen Coffee Co.
From: dineencoffeeco
Address: 140 Yonge St, Dineen Building
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—7:30 am to 5 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Contact Number: +14169000949
Admittedly, Dineen Coffee Co. isn’t the quietest coffee shop, but all the same, I love coming here. I especially love coming here when I have to write a paper. Maybe it’s the buzzing energy here that motivates me to finish the paper ASAP—who knows?
To fuel my writing session, I like to order an iced mocha because it combines the strength of coffee and the addictive sweetness of chocolate. If I’m hungry, I get a turkey and brie sandwich; it’s a simple treat, but I love the salty-savoury flavour combination.
| Pro Tips: Dineen Coffee Co. also offers catering services if you’re interested.Alternatively, you can host an event here. |
Balzac’s Reference Library
From: morningcoffee.to
Address: 789 Yonge St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—7:30 am to 8 pm
- Saturday—8 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—9 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14169223700
If you’re studying inside the Toronto Reference Library and you want a change of scenery (or maybe you just want some food), you might want to check out Balzac’s. This coffee shop is located inside the library, so it’s easy to get to.
The Winter Blend coffee is my favourite because it invokes the feeling of getting warm in the middle of winter. The main flavour is a plum-like sweetness, which is complemented by rich earthiness. There’s also a hint of dark chocolate in this coffee, which I love.
| Pro Tip: If you love to bake and want to make some of the shop’s bestselling pastries, the shop’s website has a few recipes available that you can try. |
The Library Specialty Coffee
From: tlscoffee
Address: 281 Dundas St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—8 am to 6 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +16473508839
The Library Specialty Coffee is very snug, even cramped, but somehow, it’s still a great study spot for me. It’s pretty calm and quiet here, and I think the minimalist setup helps me focus.
The flat white coffee is my go-to drink. The espresso in this one is pretty smooth and intense, and the coffee’s overall texture is silky. Their pastry selection is not as extensive, but the occasional chocolate chip cookies have been a delight for me.
| Pro Tip: There’s no parking spot here, so I recommend coming here via public transportation. |
Versus Coffee
From: versuscoffee
Address: 70 Adelaide St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—7:30 am to 6 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—8 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +16479875470
Speaking of minimalist coffee shops that are perfect venues for studying, Versus Coffee is another worth checking out. The inside is quiet and peaceful, but I prefer sitting on the patio. The bright and sunny atmosphere there inspires me to lock in and get things done.
As much as I love coffee, I prefer the tea here. The London Fog tea is my personal favourite; I love the mellow malt and smoky flavours from the steeped Earl Grey tea, which are complemented by the vanilla syrup’s sweetness.
| Pro Tip: If you want a more filling treat, I recommend pairing your drink with a pastry or meal. I personally recommend the smoked salmon toast. It’s rich, smoky, and tangy. |
Lait Night
From: laitnightcafe
Address: 81 Huron St, Main Floor
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—5 pm to 3 am
- Friday—5 pm to 4 am
- Saturday—3 pm to 4 am
Contact Number:
If you have to study late into the night, then Lait Night is the perfect café for you! This café is open until the wee hours of the morning, so you can really get your cramming in here.
The shop is also a treasure trove of sweet treats that will keep your energy up as you study. Personally, I’m a big fan of the oolong fruit teas (I’m a fan of bubble teas in general). The strawberry one is so sweet and fruity, and the balls are fun to chew!
Be sure to try their desserts as well. I’m obsessed with their daifuku, in particular, which is a special type of mochi that’s made with fresh strawberries and red bean. The mochi wrapping is so stretchy, and the burst of fruity sweetness is so addicting!
| Pro Tips: You can swap milk in your drink with an alternative like soy, oat, or almond milk. Show your student ID to get a special discount. |
Fika Café
From: morningcoffee.to
Address: 28 Kensington Ave
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—10:30 am to 5 pm
- Friday and Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number:
Fika Café is intended to be a place where you can take a break (in Swedish, “fika” means “to go out for coffee,” after all), but personally, this is a great spot to lock in and get all my school work done.
The Maple Latte is a favourite; the coffee flavour is rich and intense, and the maple syrup adds a nice sweetness. If you’d like to pair something with your drink, you can’t go wrong with their cinnamon buns. They’re earthy and sweet, and the cardamom flavour stands out!
| Pro Tip: Give a fellow student a gift card from this cafe. |
Found Coffee
From: found.coffee.to
Address: 324 College St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—8 am to 4 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14165169666
My friend recommended Found Coffee to me, saying that it’s an Instagrammable place (the pastel colours look so pretty). But when I came here, I realized that it’s also a great study spot. That’s why I keep coming back whenever I can.
I love getting the matcha here. It has that velvety mouthfeel that I like, and the flavour is a combination of sweet and a hint of umami. I like to add a salted caramel syrup to my cup to make it all the more decadent.
If I’m hungry, I order an avocado toast as well. The crispy toasted bread paired with the avocado’s nuttiness and slight sweetness and the egg’s rich savoriness are unparalleled.
| Pro Tip: If you come here often, you can score rewards, thanks to their loyalty program. |
Carbonic Coffee
From: carboniccoffee
Address: 37 Baldwin St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—8 am to 8 pm
- Sunday—9 am to 8 pm
Contact Number:
The best way I can describe the atmosphere at Carbonic Coffee is that it’s chic, rustic, and bohemian. This shop also has pretty abstract art paintings, which add even more colour to the space. Because of all this, studying here is a fun experience.
Their mocha latte is my favourite fuel to get me through a study session. The espresso is strong enough to keep me awake, while the notes of chocolate satisfy my sweet tooth.
If you love desserts, you have to try at least one of their cakes. My recommendation is the Rocher cake. It’s so chocolatey and nutty, and the hazelnuts add a lovely crunch with every bite.
| Pro Tips: If you’re planning to stay for some time, I recommend choosing the high chairs or the seats at the front. They’re the most comfortable in my experience. The high chairs will also have electric outlets under them. Wi-Fi is super choppy here, so keep that in mind. Make sure you have a good mobile connection in case you need the internet during your study session. |
Co-Working Spaces
East Room
From: eastroom
Address: 50 Carroll St
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday—9 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14166285333
In addition to libraries and cafés, co-working spaces are another great option. Entrepreneurs and business people are the main demographics, but students can also take advantage of the benefits.
One popular co-working space you can check out is the East Room. This one has the look and feel of a cozy living room. The windows are big, allowing for lots of natural light in, and the chairs and sofas are comfortable enough to keep you focused on your work.
I also really like that they have many options. You can study in the open space, lounging on the sofa, but if you prefer some privacy, they have private rooms as well. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to become a member to access these options.
| Pro Tip: If you successfully refer a friend to this co-working space, you can earn extra credit to your account. |
Workhaus
From: workhauslife
Address: 181 University Ave, 3rd Floor, DBRS Limited
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday—9 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14169173392
If you’re currently working on a group project, then I highly recommend Workhaus. This co-working space boasts a sprawling area with long tables, so the vibe encourages productive collaboration.
The open area is good enough, but I prefer the private office because it’s, well, private and lockable. This helps me and my group-mates to focus and get things done.
Workhaus also caters to people who love to study alone. There are several dedicated desks here, and they’re all roomy enough to accommodate all your stuff, plus they have an outlet for your laptop and other gadgets.
| Pro Tip: This co-working space can help you book tickets to events like Collision and Elevate, where you can network with other professionals. This is perfect if you’re planning out your career path ahead of time. |
