By Emily Wei, Lifestyle Columnist
Happy new year! I hope that 2024 has been treating you well so far and what better way to ring in the new year than with getting a head start on any work you might have! The first step in this endeavour is to find a good place to settle down and focus. However, if you’re anything like me, sometimes studying/ doing work at home can become quite distracting (I attribute this to my dog giving me constant puppy dog eyes). Whether you’re a student burning the midnight oil, a professional seeking a serene workspace, or just someone looking for a space to focus, Halifax is home to an array of study spots with the perfect blend of ambiance, resources, and focus that is essential for getting your work done! So grab your textbooks and charge your laptops as we dive into a few of my favourite study spots around the city!
Starting off with some libraries, the Halifax Central Library and Kings College Library are places I’ve spent a lot of time in throughout the past few months. You can’t go wrong with either but they do vary in their overall aesthetics, so one may fit you better than the other. The Central Library is very modern and full of natural light from large windows whereas Kings Library has a bit more of an antiquey feel with less natural light. If you’re doing group work, I’d recommend the Central Library as many spots are designated for light chatting whereas Kings Library would probably be best suited for individual work, with most of the library being a quiet area.
Next up, cafés! All of these have been thoroughly vetted and approved by me so I hope you find some new inspiration after reading them through. First up, if you’d rather not journey downtown for a spot to hunker down and focus, try out Mellow Mug in Bedford! With a wide variety of snacks, food, and drinks, you’re sure to be well sustained and fueled for your study marathon. This café also has a really cute verdant, rustic, colourful vibe to it if that’s your type of environment! Next up, the Daily Grind has a similar type of feel but with a bit of a modern twist, located by the Halifax Waterfront. I would highly recommend checking this café out if you are ever nearby and in need of an academic retreat! The Rabbit Hole Café is unlike anywhere else I’ve been to in terms of design and mood. Despite being a café, it’s a surprisingly quiet atmosphere and an aesthetic that makes you feel like you’re in a cartoon. There’s not as many food and drink options as the other cafés but if you do decide to go here, please try one of the sponge cakes, you won’t be sorry! Lastly, in my opinion, Creamy Rainbow Café is a perfect mix of Rabbit Hole and the Daily Grind/Mellow Mug. They are home to some of the most adorable macarons in the city and delicious food and drink options.
That’s a wrap on our tour through Halifax’s prime study spots. I hope you get the chance to explore some of these throughout the year and get the momentum you need to power through 2024!
Image by benzoix on Freepik
