Students here at Auburn University take two things very seriously:
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Academics
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Food
*listed above varies in regarded importance and priority depending on day and student
With finals right around the corner (SOS), our misery as sleep-deprived college students is about to enter that newfound level that leaves us questioning our sanity. Every. Single. Time.
I’ve found that as a student, it’s nice when you can find a place to study that shakes up the same-o, same-o scenery (one can only spend so many hours in ol’ faithful RBD until questioning his/her sense of humanity, and coffee shops, while study hot spots can often hold only a handful of people) and all the better if that place involves food. Luckily, Auburn offers niches that combine convenience with tasty food and comfortable booths. Remember these four places next time you’re looking to munch while power studying:
1. Big Blue Bagel
Location: Downtown Auburn
Wi-Fi: Strong, open and available to guests
Hours:
Sunday 8AM-3PM
Monday 7AM-9PM
Tuesday 7AM-9PM
Wednesday 7AM-9PM
Thursday 7AM-9PM
Friday 7AM-9PM
Saturday 7AM-3PM
Noise Level: Consistent buzz, (so if you like background noise, this is your place)
Lighting: Cozy, fairly dim (aka you won’t have to strain your eyes while staring at your Mac)
Tables: Both booths with larger tables and stand-alone tables with chairs available
Available Food: Well, bagels, obviously, but also burritos, omelettes, salads, wraps, sandwiches, and plates.
(P.S. Try “Fruit on a Bagel” on a multigrain bagel with strawberry cream cheese. 10/10 recommend. There’s a whole new world out there for your taste buds to experience.)
2. Gigi’s Cupcakes
Location: Downtown Auburn and Opelika (3794 Pepperell Pkwy G, Opelika, AL 36801)
Wi-Fi: Locked, given password upon request
Hours:
(Downtown Auburn) (Opelika)
Sunday 12–6PM Sunday 12-6PM
Monday 10AM–9PM Monday 7-8PM
Tuesday 10AM–9PM Tuesday 7AM-8PM
Wednesday 10AM–9PM Wednesday 7AM-8PM
Thursday 10AM–9PM Thursday 7AM-8PM
Friday 10AM–9PM Friday 7AM-8PM
Saturday 10AM–9PM Saturday 7AM-8PM
Noise Level: Low
Lighting: Average – bright (pink and green walls, ladies!)
Tables: Little seating, small-average size tables and chairs (customers normally don’t linger for long periods of time and often take their sweet treats to-go)
Available Food: Cupcakes Snapchat – even Insta – worthy
3. Panera Bread
Location: 1550 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830
Wii-Fi: High, always (Bless you, Panera)
Hours:
Sunday 7AM-10PM
Monday 6AM-10PM
Tuesday 6AM-10PM
Wednesday 6AM-10PM
Thursday 6AM-10PM
Friday 6AM-10PM
Saturday 6AM-10PM
Noise Level: Low to consistent background noise
Lighting: Cozy – medium-lit (rest assured, it’s calming)
Tables: Comfortable booths both large and small with accompanying tables that coincide with size of booth in addition to multiple tables varying in size and chairs
Available Food: Pastries, salads, soups. Paninis, mmm…
4) Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe
Location: 339 S College St A (right down from CVS Pharmacy) and 2119 Interstate Drive Suite C4 Opelika, AL 36801
Wi-Fi: Locked, but available upon request
Hours:
(S College St) (Interstate Drive Suite)
Sunday 11AM-7PM Sunday 11AM-8PM
Monday 11AM-7PM Monday 11AM-9M
Tuesday 11AM-7PM Tuesday 11AM-9M
Wednesday 11AM-7PM Wednesday 11AM-9M
Thursday 11AM-7PM Thursday 11AM-9M
Friday 11AM-7PM Friday 11AM-9M
Saturday 11AM-7PM Saturday 11AM-9M
Noise Level: Low to consistent buzz
Lighting: Cozy, medium-lit
Tables: Few booths with large tables, many single tables with chairs
Available Food: Gyros, grilled chicken, salads, etc. all with a Mediterranean tang
Given these eateries, you might find studying to be halfway enjoyable. If anything, your taste buds will think so! Best wishes.