OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Whether you’re hitting the books before exams, catching up between classes or just looking for a change of scenery, North Central Florida has plenty of off-campus places perfect for studying. Whether you’re attending the College of Central Florida, the University of Florida, Santa Fe College or Lake-Sumter State College, these off-campus study spots provide a change of space while keeping you close to class.
Coffeehouses & Cafes
1890 Tea House
For students looking for a quieter alternative to a coffee shop, 1890 Tea House offers a unique study environment in historic downtown Ocala. Rather than grab-and-go, the tea house specializes in traditional loose-leaf teas, afternoon tea service, light lunches and desserts. Guests can study in the downstairs public dining area or enjoy the outdoors while those planning a group study session can reserve one of the private tea rooms for a more intimate setting over lunch, dinner or afternoon tea. The atmosphere is calm, elegant and ideal for long reading sessions or collaborative meetings.
Concord Coffee
Located alongside University Avenue, Concord Coffee combines specialty coffee with a spacious industrial-style interior that’s popular among students. The cafe offers espresso drinks, teas, pastries and light breakfast items, with plenty of tables and reliable Wi-Fi for long study sessions.
Foxtail Coffee Co.
Foxtail Coffee has become a favorite among students thanks to its modern atmosphere, specialty coffee and comfortable study spaces. The company operates two Gainesville locations that are especially convenient for college students. The Butler Plaza café offers a spacious interior with plenty of seating, making it ideal for longer study sessions, while The Hub location near Midtown provides a lively yet productive environment within walking distance of campus. Both locations serve handcrafted espresso beverages, cold brew, teas, pastries and seasonal specialties, along with free Wi-Fi and seating suitable for solo studying or meeting with classmates.
Students attending the University of Florida will find both locations especially convenient. The Butler Plaza location at 2851 SW 35th Dr. is about a five-minute drive from UF, while The Hub, located at 309 NW 13th St., is about a five-minute walk from campus. Butler Plaza is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., while The Hub is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can reach out to 352-792-6333 for the Butler Plaza location and 352-792-6202 for The Hub location for additional information.
The Gathering Cafe
If you’re looking for a study spot that feels a little quieter than a traditional coffee chain, The Gathering Cafe offers a welcoming atmosphere just minutes from the College of Central Florida. The café features comfortable indoor seating, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffee drinks, teas, smoothies, breakfast and lunch options and fresh baked goods. Its relaxed environment makes it a great option for solo study sessions, catching up on assignments between classes or meeting classmates for a group project over coffee.
The Gathering Cafe is located at 306 SW Broadway St. in Ocala and is about 10 minutes from CF’s Ocala Campus and CF’s Vintage Farm Campus, and five minutes from Marion Technical Institute, Marion Technical College and Rasmussen University of Ocala. The café is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is closed Sunday. You can contact 352-421-9810 for additional information.
Opus Coffee
With several locations situated just minutes from the University of Florida, Opus Coffee has long been one of the city’s most popular student study spots. Known for locally roasted coffee, espresso drinks and pastries, each location offers ample seating, Wi-Fi and an atmosphere that ranges from lively to quiet depending on the time of day…