Bloggers’ Bites: Study Spots and Snacks
Bloggers’ Bites is a series of posts chronicling the foodie adventures of Penn Appétit’s blog staff. With midterm season starting in mere days, Penn Appétit bloggers shared what their go-to study spots are and the snacks they munch on while they work!
Connie Xu: Since I am a huge coffee aficionado and somewhat nomadic student, I love setting up camp at any nearby café. On weekdays, I usually journey my way down to Hub Bub Coffee, but during the weekend, when I really want to escape campus, I take SEPTA down to Center City and set up camp at La Colombe. I usually don’t snack when I study, but I drink tons of tea and almond milk to keep me hydrated and alert throughout the night. (Never underestimate the power of water, my friends!)
Lena Antin: My favorite study spot, hands down, is the Singh Center for Nanotechnology, located on 33rd and Walnut. Sure, it’s a trek for those living west of Hill territory, but because its walls consist entirely of glass, the gorgeous views and sunlight will keep you sane as you trudge through exam season. [Ed. note: Second this recommendation! It’s bright and quiet, and features ample space to lay out your notes.] While studying, my go-to snack is a bowl filled to the brim with fresh mangoes and strawberries from none other than the Fruit Lady truck by the Quad. If I’m losing steam later in the day, I’ll add a warm chai tea latte and dark chocolate-covered goji berries to the mix.
Grace Jemison: My favorite spot to snuggle in and study is Lovers & Madmen, on 40th Street between Chestnut and Market. A bit off the beaten path but still within a block from campus, it’s just quiet enough for you to feel like you’ve hit the jackpot but close enough to stop by on a busy day. Their French press coffees or lattes give the caffeine you need to power through studying. Sometimes I also just NEED to buy a gooey chocolate brownie to accompany my coffee to reach that $5 minimum for the debit card, you know? Seriously though, their coffees and pastries are some of the best around!
Nicole Luo: My favorite study spot on campus is the Penn Bookstore. I like that the space has a little bit of noise, which helps me to relax. My go-to snack for long study sessions are definitely freeze-dried apples! They’re slightly sweet and crisp to munch on; the perfect pick-me-up for a late night of work.
Amanda Nart: While laying out in the grass on a towel with a few books and my laptop may not be the most productive way to study, it is definitely the least stressful. I’ve been trying to hold onto summer by bringing out iced coffee, strawberries, and sesame sticks to get me through particularly long readings.
Victoria Peng: One of my favorite places on campus to study is Platt Performing Student Performing Arts House. While some people like an atmosphere of complete silence, I prefer the muted sounds of students practicing vocal, instrumental, or dance numbers. Most people know Romelie’’s office is the place to ask for rehearsal space, but they don’t know that it houses a treasure trove of fun-sized candy. So, between classes, I end up doing a little work and eating far too many candies in Platt.