Are you swamped with schoolwork? Do you need a break from the typical library setting? Are you tired of being basic?

Although Starbucks helps fill our basic caffeine needs, visiting a local coffee shop is a great way to get some studying done and explore a new place in Gainesville. A change of scenery helps stimulate the mind, and Gainesville offers a variety of local coffee shops you can study at. Most of them are less than a 5-minute walk or drive from campus.

Here is a list of local coffee shops based on their distance from UF campus.

1. Pascal's Coffeehouse

Conveniently located less than a 3-minute walk from Library West, this two-story cafe creates a homey feel. It has various seating options to choose from - upstairs, downstairs, outside, inside, on a chair or on their comfortable couches.

2. Know Where Coffee

Only a 5-minute walk from campus, this quaint coffee shop has a unique approach to artisanal coffee. They have six different brewing methods and various coffees and teas to choose from. I get their cold brew with their homemade syrups, it goes well with any of their locally made pastries.

3. Karma Cream

Warning: Objects in the photo above are as tasty as they appear.

Less than a 10-minute walk from campus, this organic ice cream cafe will fill your craving for just about anything. They have vegan options as well! They have a full-service espresso bar, over 15 different teas and provide delicious sandwich and wrap options like the banana fluffernutter. They are open until midnight!

4. Volta Coffee, Tea & Chocolate

Less than a 5-minute drive from campus, this is the quintessential coffee shop. The glass-paneled windows optimize the natural light inside which I find to make me more productive. They also hang local art on their walls. Aside from their coffees and teas, they make specialty drinking chocolates that are all blended in a unique way. Their quiche of the day is also a favorite.

5. Maude's Classic Cafe

A 5-minute drive from campus, this indie coffee shop exudes a rustic vibe. Call it the Satchels of coffee shops. There are long benches to study on and a large outdoor seating area, a great place work on group projects.

6. Patticakes On The Plaza

A 5-minute drive from campus and located in downtown on Bo Diddley Plaza, this cupcake and coffee shop just opened. It is a great place to fulfill that sweet tooth and you can be productive inside or outside.

7. Curia On The Drag

Only a 5-minute drive away, this is everything a self-proclaimed hipster would want in a coffee shop. This gorgeous patio is right here in Gainesville, next door to Curia's art gallery. From their coffee, tea, wine or beer choices, to the intriguing decor from floor to ceiling and to the alternative music they play - Curia is a must to check out. They also don't close until midnight!