I know that many of my readers are students like me who spend a lot of time studying. The nature of studying is to find a quiet place where you can study undisturbed. I've shlepped my notes to random places around NYC and have discovered some great places as a result.
I think the #1 studying spot for anyone in a big city (or small for that matter) is Starbucks. I know it's not an original place, but still... nothing beats Starbucks!
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| Credit: www.gourmet-coffee-cup.com |
I am lucky to have a Starbucks directly across the street from my home, and I frequent it on a regular basis to do my school work. The best time? Early in the morning, or late at night. I tend to avoid mid-day because I can never find a seat.
If I find myself studying later than 10pm (when my Starbucks closes), I head uptown to Columbia University where they have a Starbucks open until 2am.
Recently, a friend directed me to the New York Public Library Rose Main Reading Room on 42nd Street and 5th Avenue. (The library with the lion statues on the outside):
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| Credit: www.mhpbooks.com |
This room is exquisite!! I tried to find the best picture I could that would accurately show its elegance, but as with everything in life, you have to experience it in person to get the full effect.
The Rose Reading Room is the length of two city blocks, and weaves together old-world architectural elegance with modern technology. Long oak tables and brass lamps, marble arches and pillars, and the best of all - an amazing mural on the ceiling! Of course, there is free public wifi.
The room underwent a multi-million dollar restoration in 1998. The effects are magnificent. Although the quiet atmosphere is highly conducive to studying, its beauty and detail captivated me so much that I found myself getting distracted. Only once my eyes were satisfied was I able to focus on my work.
The first scene of the famous movie Ghostbusters was filmed in the NYPL Reading Room. Check out this hysterical spoof in the Reading Room by the brilliant group Improv Anywhere:
I think it is so cool that we have this spectacular room in the middle of the big city. It is definitely a haven from all the noise and dirt outside.
This library is located right next to Bryant Park, so you can head out there if you need a change of scenery.
Enjoy!
Oh Nypl! Never been in the reading room (tho I have seen this improv a/w clip before... and in general they are just so awesome. If you ever want to kill time, they have many many filmed missions that are fantastic to watch) but the whole library is just this other dimension of elegance and beauty. Def worth a visit if you've never been (and if you have... well, you don't need convincing.
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