

Open through the remainder of the fall, this pier with views of the Delaware and Camden waterfront is great for an outdoor study date and a short walk from all the tourist attractions you should conquer your freshman year: the Liberty Bell, Elfreth’s Alley, and the BlueCross RiverRink. Also remember that you’re not at a library, and in fact many people go to coffee shops to hang out with their friends. If you have to take a call (video or voice) while working at a coffee shop, try to keep your voice low. Need a post-study session pick-me-up? Stroll down South Street for thrift shopping, cheesesteaks at Jim’s or Ishkabibble’s, and a debaucherous happy hour at daiquiri specialist Fat Tuesday. Respect the cafe and its patrons by keeping noise to a minimum, cleaning up after yourself, and not hogging extra space. I like to have breakfast at the cafe rather than at home, because I feel better and relaxed than having breakfast at home. The space also doubles as an art gallery, with their most recent show highlighting works from Laura K.

Unlike the rest of the coffee shops on this list, Chapterhouse stays open consistently late, making it the ideal spot for a marathon day of midterm studying. Owned by author-activist Marc Lamont Hill, Uncle Bobbie’s does coffee “in a way that doesn’t look like an episode of Friends.” A Black-centric, community-centered space, the coffee and bookstore twofer sells a mix of young adult fiction and anti-racist literature, espresso, and - yes - sweet potato pie. to 7 p.m.Tuesday to Friday 8 a.m to 7 p.m. Plug in to some beats that you can relax and study to with the ongoing lofi hip-hop radio playing.

Cortado at Ultimo Credit: Danya Henninger / Billy Penn Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books Bring the cafe atmosphere right to your bedroom or desk setup with Lofi Cafe.
