As the semester progresses, homework loads often increase and tests become more frequent. Finding the perfect and quiet place to study can pose quite a challenge for many Chamblee High School students. Having a go-to study spot may help students stay focused and manage their time more effectively while handling schoolwork. However, this “ideal” location varies from person to person, and students have differing opinions on their study regime.
“I like being able to study at a place where it’s pretty quiet,” said Sarah Fadjariza Dumais (‘27), “I choose to study either in cafes or in the school library. I’m probably in the school library almost every single day of the week and then a cafe maybe once or twice a week, depending on my schoolwork.”
Some individuals require total silence, while others thrive in environments surrounded by friends and chatter, focusing better in group sessions at bustling cafes. For Lucia Cohen (‘26), studying with friends at a coffee shop is the perfect motivation for productivity, while also rewarding herself with a treat.
“My favorite study location is Starbucks, especially with friends… I always get an iced latte with oat milk and caramel drizzle,” said Cohen.
Being with friends can not only serve as an enjoyable experience while studying, but also provide a drive to continue working.
“With my friends, I’m more productive because I focus more when I have someone there holding me accountable. Sometimes I’ll drift off when I’m by myself,” said Jessel Martin (‘29).
For Cohen and many others, a snack or drink is the perfect way to stay energized while doing schoolwork.
“I like studying at a local coffee shop so that I can get a fun drink. At Starbucks, I love getting either a refresher or a latte with a fun flavor,” said Layne Huey (‘27).
Even in quieter corners outside their usual spots, students find small motivators that help them stay on task.
“Sometimes I go to Barnes & Noble to study and get a hot chocolate,” said Sloane Drummond (‘26).
However, some students enjoy a study spot where they can grab a snack without spending money and enjoy the company of a friend.
“My second favorite study location is Julia’s [Cashin’s] house. At Julia’s house, there are free snacks, and Julia keeps me motivated. She always has Nutella. If I need to study for a quiz or a test, such as AP Euro, we do it together. There aren’t quite as many distractions compared to my own home,” said Miranda Greco (‘26).
Some students enjoy not only being at home but also being by themselves, feeling more productive on their own than with their peers.
“At home it’s quieter,” said Dominic King (‘28). “I don’t usually study outside of the house. I might study with friends at school, but I know I’ll get more done by myself.”
Preferring to study by themselves, many students find that being with friends is distracting.
“I feel like I’m more productive when I study by myself because when I have my friends I get sidetracked easily,” said Maddie Ross (‘29).
If the house isn’t sufficient, some Chamblee students venture elsewhere to tackle their homework and have even more quiet.
“I go to the Dunwoody library sometimes. It’s nice because they have study rooms, which are always silent. At home, I’ll be lucky if there isn’t too much going on. I need silence to study well,” said Drummond.
From Nutella at a friend’s house to caramel-drizzled lattes at Starbucks, students have their own way of tackling the school year. Whether it’s quiet, a snack, the company of friends, or something else that keeps them going, many Chamblee students have found ways to make studying less overwhelming and more effective.
