Homework is a tedious yet inevitable and necessary part of trudging toward a degree. That does not mean you need to become a Watzek gremlin who spends all of their time on campus, in the library, marinating in the dreary routine of academia and writing assignments. Believe it or not, you can balance being a student while exploring the beautiful city of Portland at the same time.
Especially during the first few months of the semester, when there are still sunny days, I do my best to study outside as much as possible — in the International Rose Test Garden or Washington Park downtown, along the Sellwood riverfront, out in the Columbia River Gorge or in any grassy, sunny spot in Portland. With rainy days now looming over us, we must find ways to get off campus, support local businesses, interact with other humans and get work done.
Unfortunately, not as many coffee shops, tea nooks and workspaces are open as late as they used to be before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I have done my best to scout the best study spots over the last few years and I am here to gladly share my hard-earned wisdom.
Rose City Coffee Co.
Students on campus or in Sellwood should acquaint themselves with this spacious coffee shop just across the Willamette River. With indoor and outdoor seating, the coffee shop serves coffee and sandwiches until 11 p.m., unlike most coffee shops which close around dinner time. A lot of folks use Rose City Coffee Co. as a workspace, so it can be a bit hard to find a table along the wall with an outlet, but if your computer is charged up or you are reading a book or doing handwritten work, it is a great spot to get some work done alone or with a few friends.
Hostel Cafe
Hostel Cafe in Northwest Portland is great for travelers and locals alike. Its downtown location makes it an accessible spot for students relying on public transportation. The coffee and food are on the pricier side but are very yummy, and the cost is worth it if you camp out at a table for a few hours and make the most of your time there. There are only a few outlets, so again, I recommend you charge your computer beforehand. On Monday nights, they have an open mic night in the next room, which can make for nice background noise. If you decide to give up on getting work done and want to enjoy the rest of your night, you can get a nice glass of wine or beer on tap and join the social music night in the room next door.
Coffee Time
Coffee Time is also in Northwest and is great during the day for getting work done. The cafe is spacious, with lots of lamps and dim, warm lighting throughout the rooms in the back. Food options are limited, but they make a delicious espresso tonic, and there are outlets galore. There are a few spots outside, which is nice because the tables inside do not get much natural lighting. They close at 6 p.m., but you can always hop over to Hostel Cafe, which is only a few blocks away.
Bula Kava House
Students who are interested in or acquainted with plant medicine, or who are curious about non-alcoholic social scenes might consider exploring some of Portland’s local kava bars. Bula Kava House, in the Southeast division, offers a variety of smoothies, smoothie bowls, juices and wellness shots in addition to a rotating selection of kava drinks. There are plenty of tables inside, where I often see people reading books or working on their computers.
Nalu Kava Lounge Tea House
Nalu Kava Lounge Tea House is a bit of a trek, located in Northeast Portland, but is worth the drive for the kava shells, mushroom elixirs, cacao drinks and tea blends. I would not recommend going to Nalu Kava with a group because space is limited. There is a spacious patio/roof area with plants and string lights, which is delightful in dryer weather. I suggest bringing a book you need to read or some non-computer work to do, because bright computer screens detract from the cozy, speakeasy, earthy atmosphere inside. Be sure to check their schedule to see if they are hosting any special events, such as community circles or open mics. It tends to attract an older crowd, but it is a lovely little spot in Portland for a cozy drink and some background noise while you read a book or study. Their winter hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Portal Tea Company (formerly Tea Chai Te)
Most LC students are acquainted with the Sellwood Caboose location, which is absolutely oh-so-charming. Portal Tea Company has a second location along NW 23rd. It is in a beautiful old Victorian house, equipped with outdoor seating on a balcony overlooking the street below, which makes for fun people-watching opportunities. The intoxicating scent of herbs and spices permeating the shop, the comfy little nooks and the cushioned seating options make this tea house one of the coziest places in Portland to study on a rainy day.
Altogether, I believe it is important to put time and energy into being a human, and not just a student, despite endless piles of work and demanding schedules. Take advantage of your four years in this unique, creative, food-oriented city by getting off campus and finding your favorite nooks and crannies. LC has a beautiful campus and plenty of different study spots, but a change of scenery can do wonders for a burnt-out student’s mind. I highly encourage you all to switch things up a bit, explore Stumptown, support Portland’s business owners and build community beyond campus.
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