If you are anything like me and every other college kid looking to find a getaway place to get your studying done, you can understand the struggle of finding that perfect café without actually having gone yet.

After having completed my first semester living in the city, I have created a list comprised of my go-to coffee shops that are highly recommended by me (and everyone I have shown them to!)

1. Swallow Cafe

156 Atlantic Ave

Brooklyn, New York

11201

Compared to many I have visited, this cafe had plenty of open seating: some specifically reserved for those dining and some designated for those using a laptop. There was even a lofted area with seating overlooking the entire café. In addition, because of the wood and brick accents creating a peaceful workspace, this was definitely worth the trip to Brooklyn for me!

2. Ground Support

399 W Broadway

New York, New York

10012

Being one of the very first coffee shops I ever been too since moving to the city, I like to call this one my go-to whenever I am wandering through SoHo. Despite the workspace seeming a bit small, the rustic and cozy atmosphere and the delicious Iced Mocha made up for it. Not only that, the employees were extremely kind and made the experience all the better.

3. Birch Coffee

21 E 27th St

New York, New York

10016

Whenever you are around Madison Square Park and craving a quick coffee to-go, this is the place for you. While the crowds of customers come and go, the service is excellent and always on top of it, making the long lines seem not so long. In addition to the somewhat-wide variety of seating, you can also find a cute little library in the back corner surrounding a small workspace to get away from the hustle and bustle that the shop entails.

4. Irving Farms

78 W 3^rd St

New York, New York

10012

Maybe it was because I was here during one of the very first days of the Fall season, but I could not help but love the aesthetic of this place. I could have stayed for much longer than I had already been, and trust me, I was there for quite some time considering I had to go up twice to buy two drinks. Not to mention the location is prime with Washington Square Park right around the corner and all of the shops surrounding it. Everyone was super kind and welcoming, and the music they were playing was very calming, as I had lots of work to get done in there.

5. 11th Street Cafe

327 W 11 St

New York, New York

10014

Last but most certainly not least, as my friends and I were roaming the streets of West Village, as well as in need of a coffee shop to get work done in ASAP, we accidentally came across this hidden gem. This café provides not only your average coffee, tea, and pastries, but also an extremely fresh and great food menu. While it had some of your basic lunch needs, the menu also allowed you to jump out of your comfort zone a little bit and try something totally new. And along with the comfy window bench, we sat at was a unique selection of wall décor and art!