Wilfrid Laurier University is nestled in a vibrant area bustling with cozy cafes, quiet libraries and scenic spots perfect for studying. Whether you’re cramming for exams, catching up on reading or working on a group project, finding the right place to focus is key. Here’s a list of the best study spots around campus to get down to business and maybe even enjoy the process.
1. The Laurier Library
Location: On Campus
Features: The Laurier Library stands as the intellectual nucleus of Wilfrid Laurier University, a beacon for those seeking knowledge, resources and a quiet study environment. With its many floors and diverse study zones, the library caters to every student’s needs, from silent individual study areas to collaborative spaces where ideas can freely bounce among peers. It’s equipped with ample resources including a vast collection of books, academic journals and digital databases. The inclusion of a café within the library premises means that a caffeine fix or a quick snack is never too far away, making those long study marathons a little more bearable. Whether you’re a night owl or an early riser, the Laurier Library provides a supportive and conducive atmosphere for academic pursuits.
2. Veritas Café
Location: On Campus
Features: Located right on campus, Veritas Café is operated by the Graduate Students’ Association, blending a scholarly vibe with a social atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for those who thrive in a slightly bustling environment, fitting for both productive solo sessions and group discussions. With its comfortable seating and warm, inviting ambiance, Veritas offers a menu of delicious coffees, teas and light meals to keep you energized. It’s a popular venue for occasional poetry readings and live music events, adding a cultural twist to the typical study day. Veritas Café is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a community space where students gather to study, engage and relax amidst their hectic academic schedules.
3. Princess Café
Location: Uptown Waterloo
Features: The Princess Café, housed in the heart of Uptown Waterloo, provides a stylish escape from the campus rush. Known for its vibrant indie vibe and walls adorned with local art, this café is a hotspot for students who enjoy a lively yet cozy study environment. The café offers a diverse menu featuring expertly brewed coffees, specialty teas and an array of gourmet sandwiches and baked goods. With its chic decor and casual, welcoming atmosphere, the Princess Café is perfect for students looking to study in a space that stimulates creativity and comfort. Its proximity to the university makes it a popular choice for both quick study breaks and prolonged revision sessions, making studying a more enjoyable and fashionable affair.
4. Seven Shores Urban Market and Café
Location: Just off the beaten path
Features: Tucked just off the well-trodden path near campus, Seven Shores Urban Market and Café offers a tranquil study haven where rustic charm harmonizes with a commitment to sustainability. This cozy café serves up a delicious array of locally sourced, organic fare to turn any study session into a delightful culinary experience. Imagine sipping artisanal coffee while reviewing notes in an inviting atmosphere filled with natural light and soft music, perfect for those who appreciate a quiet corner away from the bustling campus crowd. With its large communal tables and a menu rich in nutritious options, Seven Shores is the ideal spot for both nourishing your body and focusing your mind, making it a favourite among students who value both their palate and their planet.
5. The Huether Hotel
Location: Uptown Waterloo
Features: Just a heartbeat away from campus, The Huether Hotel is not only a piece of Waterloo’s history; it’s a study haven with a twist. Within its historic walls lies a cozy café that offers a scholarly refuge from the academic storm. It’s the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern-day café culture, where students can dive into their textbooks amid a backdrop of rustic brick and wood beams. Whether you’re sipping on a steaming latte or munching on a freshly baked pastry, the café inside The Huether Hotel provides a unique atmosphere that might just make your study sessions feel like a time travel adventure. So, if you’re tired of the typical library scene and looking for a spot that offers a side of ambiance with your academia, this historic hotel-turned-student lounge is the place to be!
6. Midnight Run Café
Location: Close to campus
Features: Despite what its name might suggest, Midnight Run Café doesn’t quite make it to the stroke of twelve, but it’s still the go-to spot for those nocturnal enough in their study habits. With doors closing at 8 PM on most weekdays and stretching a bit later on Saturdays, this café serves as a haven for both the early birds catching the thesis worms and the night owls looking to soak up some knowledge under the cozy café lights. It’s the kind of place where caffeine meets ambition, and where the mochas are as rich as your class discussions. Whether you’re scripting a masterpiece or just trying to make sense of economics, Midnight Run offers a quirky, comforting backdrop that makes studying a little less mundane and a lot more flavourful.