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After three years of attending URI and experiencing semesters on and off campus, I have explored the ins and outs around campus for the perfect spots to study, relax, or sip coffee. I am a rising senior who is always on the go and who always needs caffeine at a local spot. 

If you are new to URI or are looking for some new locations to read or talk with friends, follow along as I share some of my favorite places over the past three years. 

 

Spots by the Water

Throughout my life, I have always loved being by the water. Therefore, it just made sense that I chose the state of Rhode Island to go to school. Because of all the beautiful beaches, I have found that many of my favorite spots near campus and by my off-campus house in Narragansett, happen to be near the beach. 

When I lived on campus, in Brookside Hall, my roommates and I made a deal to go to the beach at least once a week. This helped us leave campus and explore the areas around us. Each time we drove into Narragansett, we would turn on to different roads that led us to a different beach entrance every time. Narragansett Town Beach, Scarborough, Roger Wheeler, Salty Brine, and East Matunuck State Beach are just some of the many beaches in the area. On the warm September days in the beginning of the fall semester, and the last few weeks of the spring semester, the beach was a place to get fresh air and lots of sun. 

For me, being at the beach is always relaxing. Whether it is a hot summer day or a chilly winter evening, I will always be on the beach enjoying the sounds of the waves. Since my junior year at URI, I have been lucky to be living in an off-campus house that is just a few feet away from a private beach entrance. So, instead of driving to Roger Wheeler State Beach or Scarborough, I stroll down the road to enjoy the sand, rocky coast, and the weather with my roommates almost every day. The beach is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the water to recharge from the day or get ready to prepare for the week. 

Another one of my favorite places to take in the ocean breeze is walking along Ocean Road – better known as The Wall. Along a scenic 1A, the road provides a sidewalk with a stone wall overlooking the ocean. Every once in a while when I need a change of scenery, grabbing a coffee from Cool Beans, and sitting on the wall creates a beautiful view. With a hot coffee in hand, the cool breeze from the water, and the sun reflecting off the waves is the perfect place to make a phone call, finish a chapter of a book, or simply take a few deep breaths. Usually there are many owners walking their dogs and many surfers trying to catch a wave. 

Being by the water each and every day reminds me of how grateful I am to have chosen to come to the University of Rhode Island. Each of these places allows me to feel a sense of calmness and peace. 

 

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee

As someone who loves to drink coffee, read books, and listen to “coffee shop” playlists, I have a favorite coffee shop that I love to go to. If you love the bachelor and bachelorette, you too will love this adorable cafe! 

Audrey’s Coffee House and Lounge has been one of my and my roommates’ favorite spots to go to. It is owned by a couple, Ashley and Jared who were on the Bachelor and Bachelorette. Though I am not an avid Bachelor Nation watcher, the coffee shop is comfortable, modern, and has delicious food! It is located in the South County Commons and is a perfect spot for doing schoolwork. 

I not only love this coffee shop for its tasty flavors or scrumptious treats, but I love the decor and seating. With comfy couches, soothing music, and welcoming staff, I frequently spend my afternoons in the coffee shop getting my work done. Sometimes I am in there for hours at a time getting lost in the atmosphere. 

But, when I am on campus and not by the beach in Narragansett, I often find myself at RI Guys Donuts for an iced coffee. Near Upper College Road, by Swan Hall, there are many places to grab a bite to eat or get a coffee. RI Guys Donuts has delicious coffee and a place to study upstairs. I enjoy staying on campus when I have long class days. So, when I need a break for a quick refresh, RI Guys Donuts is where I go! 

Another location on campus to get work done but also have coffee is the Robert L. Carothers Library! During my sophomore year, I used to be a night owl in the library and get all of my work done after a long day of classes. Obviously, I needed coffee to survive the hours of completing coursework. Inside the library is the Daily Grind. Here, you can get Starbucks coffee and other small treats! 

Finding a place to study on or off campus is extremely helpful for focusing on getting your work done. I have found mine and hopefully, this blog will encourage you to find yours! 

 

Your Own Space 

The final place that I have found myself winding down or being more focused is in my own space. Once I moved into my off-campus house, I made sure to create an area dedicated to school work. This was my personal desk and the corner of my room by a large window. 

Though I am in my own house, I am still in a comfortable space where I can get my work done. On days when it is rainy or snowy, or even on a day where I feel lazy, I am able to stay inside while still being productive. By having a specific place to do work, it creates a bubble of focus to complete tasks I need to do. 

On campus, I try to create this bubble wherever I go. Oftentimes, because I am a journalism and English major, my classes are in Swan Hall and Ranger Hall. These are buildings that I am familiar with and feel comfortable in. Therefore, finding a space like the lobby or in a cubby in the hall is a perfect place to create a focus bubble. I also find it convenient to stay inside one of these buildings when you have more than one class a day. 

When doing school work, it is important to allow yourself to have the space and focus you need. Finding your own space, like a home desk or the lobby of your favorite school Hall, is the perfect starting point for finding a space that is right for you. 

I can’t wait to get back on campus and in my off-campus house to get comfortable in my favorite spots! I hope this blog can help you find a spot on or off campus that you like and are comfortable in to complete school work, talk to friends, or simply relax. 

 

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for my next blog!