Being amongst many grad students, I’m often finding hanging out with them for study sessions, where I other work on my many websites or my own assignments. Many times, my friends like to group up and head out for late night studying together as the night time provides less distractions. Without the sun shining, you feel less guilty staying inside keeping your eyes glued to your textbooks.
The most suitable places for latenight studying would have to have food (of course!), free wi-fi internet, power outlets for our laptops, and be open late. Fortunately, living in downtown Toronto, we do have a few options…
Name: Tim Hortons
Location: Many but I’m talking about the Bay and Wellesley one
Hours: Most are 24 hours
Amenities: Food, Coffee
Would Recommend: Yes, great if you’re just reading as they have bright lights and it’s not too loud there. But no plugs or internet.
Unfortunately, you’ll see they’re missing both power outlets and internet, but the place does have a fair amount of tables with somewhat comfortable seats. At the location I usually go to, they have a whole row of booth seats with cushioned backs which make sitting for long periods much easier.
And it’s Tim Hortons so you know what to expect food wise. Addictive coffee, scrumptious cookies, and delicious doughnuts to name a few. One of the downsides with going later is they usually run out of most food items. I’ve only been able to get a baguette sandwich 1 out of the 5 times I’ve came after midnight.
So if you don’t need internet or power outlets to power your electronic devices, then feel free to hop down to your local 24 hour Tim Hortons.
Name: 7 West Cafe
Location: 7 Charles St (near Yonge and Charles)
Hours: 24 hours
Amenities: Food, wifi internet, and some outlets
Would Recommend: Probably not, as it seems the servers don’t really like us studying there. Plus it’s really dark and loud.
7 West was recommended to me by a friend who stated they have free internet, and plugs. Name aside, this is more like a restaurant though, and less a cafe. There’s loud club music played in the background, and servers will come asking you if you need anything every 5 to 10 minutes. They also do frown upon those who plan to go there just to study.
I went there once with a friend to buy some of their famous caramel cheesecake, and get in a bit of studying, but after about 40 minutes or so of having our notebooks out (finding a table with outlets as an ordeal in itself) we were asked by the server to keep our stay no longer than another 20 minutes unless we planned on ordering more food.
My other friends have had better luck and were able to sit there for about 3 hours between the hours of 2am to 5am, and weren’t really harassed by the servers about their studying. It’s probably not the best place to choose to get some studying in if you plan on staying for a long time. On the other hand, the food here is great, and these guys are due for a T.O. Bites review.
Name: Golden Griddle
Location: A few around the city but the one I haunt is at Carleton and Church
Hours: 24 hours
Amenities: Food, wifi internet, and outlets
Would Recommend: Yes, and the servers are student friendly! It’s somewhat bright in some areas, and the music isn’t too loud.
Golden Griddle, a hot student study spot?! Well, yes! They have decent food fairly prices, lots of outlets, free wifi, and tons of seating space so you can usually find your own little corner. The overnight servers are pretty friendly, and if you tell them that you’re there to study, they’re usually okay with it as long as you order at least a tea or a coffee.
The downside is that Carleton and Church isn’t one of the friendliest areas of the city. 4 out of 5 times, when I leave the place I’ll get asked by someone for change, or get hassled verbally if I don’t respond. Also, I’ve seen a bike stolen right before my eyes, which I promptly reported. I’m used to seeing this, as I’ve lived in the city my whole life, but for someone new from out of town, this could be a bit intimidating. It wouldn’t hurt to travel with a study buddy.
Just make sure even if you’ve only ordered a coffee, please tip these guys at least a twoonie. Working overnight at a shady area of the city really sucks, and these guys deserve a tip.
Name: Futures Bakery & Cafe
Location: 483 Bloor St W (in the Annex near Bloor and Bathurst)
Hours: 7:00 AM – 2:00AM
Amenities: Food and outlets
Would Recommend: Yes, as long as you don’t need internet and don’t mind loud music. It is a little dark there for reading, though.
This place would easily be the spot for late night studying if it wasn’t for only being open until 2am, and having no internet. Oddly, I have seen people using the internet there, but I couldn’t find an open access point. It’s possible that they’re using someone elses locked network.
Futures has great food; some of the best desserts and they usually have a student special on food if you’re a U of T student card holder. On the downside, they’re usually packed right up until closing, and it’s pretty loud there. Finding a seat near some outlets might be a little bit tough.
Keep in mind, they do close at 2AM as well. If you plan on pulling an allnighter, expect to get kicked out early.