A photo of the author working hard at one of her favorite study locations. Photo by Sydney Moss.

Between college applications, homework, and endless SAT practice, I spend a lot of time hunting for the perfect study spot. Some days that means a quiet library with zero distractions, and other days it’s a coffee shop, with just the right amount of ambiance and background noise. After spending considerable time finding the ideal study location, I’ve combined my favorite places to focus and even enjoy an iced matcha, if possible. 

Starting strong, Summit Coffee takes the top spot on my list. Its comfy atmosphere and numerous windows allow the sunlight to shine through, providing me with a happy and enjoyable experience studying, even though I may feel stressed. The best aspect of Summitt is their drinks. Ranging from a traditional drip coffee to hibiscus berry lemonade, Summit Coffee has a wide menu of drinks and even pastries that I enjoy. In complete honesty, I haven’t had most of the drinks on their menu. I typically tend to stick to their iced matcha, which is one of my favorite matchas in Atlanta. I love Summit so much that I end up visiting at least 2-3 times a week. I am fearful that by the time this school semester ends, I will be in severe matcha debt. 

Following Summitt, Starbucks is my next favorite study spot and coffee location. Although cliché, Starbucks consistently delivers reliability with its menu and overall atmosphere. Depending on the day you go, Starbucks can become chaotic (I tend to avoid Saturday mornings), but otherwise, it is a peaceful place to study. There are also numerous outlets at Starbucks, which is very convenient when I’m working on college essays or other assignments on the computer. Overall, I give Starbucks a good rating for their study location, and now, with the launch of their new fall menu, I am even more excited to spend more time there.

Lastly, my next favorite spot to study is Valor. Located in Dunwoody, Valor offers a variety of quirky drink items, similar to Summitt, that entice me to return. One of my favorites is their “Thic Mint,” a hot matcha with peppermint, which they serve from December to February. Speaking from a studying perspective, Valor is not the most ideal place for me to be productive. The inside of the shop has very strong acoustics, which makes people’s voices extremely loud, making it hard to focus. Despite this, Valor does have a nice outdoor seating option, which is where I prefer to go to be productive. 

So whether you’re cramming for a test or working on college applications, these are some of the spots that make my stress a little more bearable. And if you see me at Summitt, don’t be surprised, because I basically live there at this point.