Many college students prioritize their study environments. For many, the goal is to maintain focus to achieve academic goals. If that’s what you’re looking for, here are some recommendations to inspire your study sessions, and they’re all near Grossmont College. 

Lestat’s

To begin, Lestat’s is a coffee shop with comfy seating and free WiFi. There are a few locations, with menus varying from $6 to $15 for sandwiches, pastries, coffee and more. A welcoming energy lights up the place as everyone is in their zone, encouraging you to aim for the exact level of focus. 

“Lestat’s is a lovely place to study at,” said Amy Holmes, a second-year student at Grossmont currently working toward transferring to SDSU by 2024.

Location: Lestat’s on Park, 4496 Park Blvd., San Diego.

Hours: Open 24 hours 

Location: Lestat’s Hillcrest, 1045 University Ave., San Diego

Hours: 8 a.m. to midnight 

Location: Lestat’s on Adams, 3343 Adams Ave., San Diego

Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Website: lestats.com 

Lightbulb Coffee

A unique, aesthetic spot that will make you feel comfortable is Lightbulb Coffee. Prices range from  $3 to $17, offering different eats from wraps, bagels and sandwiches, as well as coffees served in lightbulb-shaped cups. 

Johnny Alvardo, a regular customer, often gets the turkey avocado wrap with Turkish coffee as a drink. “This place is very spacious with a fun menu,” he said.

Location: Lightbulb Coffee, 8138 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Website: lightbulbcoffee.com

Enjoying a great atmosphere while studying is a must. Operated by veterans, Spacebar Cafe is a wonderful place to get clarity on what you’re studying. This cafe houses events including Wine Wednesdays, open mic on Fridays and much more. Ranging from $4 to $25, the menu offers a great variety of pastries, breakfast and brunch, with drinks to offer on the side. From my personal experience, this place has benefited me in many ways, from academically to hanging out with friends or family. 

Location: SpaceBar Cafe, 7454 University Ave, La Mesa

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Website: atspacebar.com

Libraries

Studying at cafes might get expensive for those who love coffee, so libraries are vital. You can bring your own food and the long aisles of books and the comforting scent draws you to focus on your last-minute assignments, catch up on homework, or simply delve into your studies. Grossmont College’s library has multiple resources you can get help from such as borrowing technology to reserving study rooms. 

Location: Grossmont College Library, Building 70

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Website: grossmont.edu/library

Another library option is the Grossmont Healthcare District’s Health & Wellness Library, formerly called the Herrick Library. Located off La Mesa, the library offers study space and a creative environment surrounded by health resources. Right now, the library is also hosting a mental health-themed exhibit by Grossmont College’s Art Department.

Location: GHD’s Health & Wellness Library, 9001 Wakarusa St, La Mesa

Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Website: herricklibrary.org/