Los Angeles is a diverse city with a rich culture and amazing weather. It can also be a great place to study or work. Whether you are at university or not, we all need quiet places to study and concentrate on our work. There are several good places to study in LA, from noisy coffee shops to silent libraries. Below is information about some of the top study spots in the city, each with a different atmosphere to help you stay productive. If you ever find yourself needing extra dissertation help, services like Academized can be a great resource. Academized offers professional writing assistance for students, helping them stay on track with their academic goals.
1. The Last Bookstore
A must-see in Los Angeles and a popular attraction for book enthusiasts, The Last Bookstore is an excellent place to work if you like being among current affairs, old books, and creative environments. The small two-story building is located in the heart of downtown LA with plenty of cozy corners to set up with a laptop or notepad. It has a lending library section that’s free, and everything about the space – from the old vintage books and street art installations to the smell of old paper and sofas to read on – creates a calm productive feeling.
My favorite place to sit is a sort of mezzanine hiding up in the second floor, in the library’s silent area. The area does get busy sometimes, so try to get in early in the day or during off-peak hours. I often check best essay services reviews before starting big writing projects to make sure I'm using the best available resources.
2. Los Angeles Central Library
Any bibliophile will like the Los Angeles Central Library, one of the largest public libraries in the US. While the cheapest option in the library’s basement is often full of noise, you can easily find some quieter and more comfortable rooms. Worth noting that the magnificent architecture of this building, along with its outstanding collection, is always a good motivation to start working.
The library is free with free Wi-Fi and equipped with lots of seating from quiet corners to open space. There are even meeting rooms for group projects. As for time, it is convenient for studying long hours due to its location in downtown LA and its long opening hours.
3. Alfred Coffee
Got to have your coffee cup to hand when you’re working: if so, Alfred Coffee is the place. Our favorite locations are in Brentwood (11908 San Vicente Blvd), Silver Lake (3337 1/2 Sunset Blvd), and of course Koreatown (3515 Wilshire Blvd). They are all ‘cool’ places to be, but also comfortable, and you can hang out there for ages.
In a recent study, 45 percent of people said that they work more efficiently in a coffee shop. Alfred has a relaxed hum of background chatter, and the elevated hum of espressos being pulled will also help to keep your brain switched on. The menu is wide-ranging, with drinks and snacks in abundance. It’s a busy shop, so there’ll be a queue at the till if you arrive at the busiest times of the day, but there’s always a seat free if you want to wait a few minutes.
4. Griffith Observatory Lawn
If you like to learn while enjoying some sun, the lawn that the Griffith Observatory sits on will be a perfect place for you. It is located on a hill with the city and the Hollywood sign in front of you, where you can spend your time with your study materials. No matter if you are preparing for a test or looking at your notes, everywhere you see will keep you calm.
The table below provides information about the Griffith Observatory Lawn and some other usual study areas. Overall, the Griffith Observatory Lawn is the most popular study spot for the majority of students.
At around five miles per hour, the time of one cycle from one station to the next is shorter for the Metro and the bus. On the other hand, the time for the subway is longer due to the higher speed of 25 miles per hour. In terms of travel speed, the bus is the slowest, followed by the Metro. The subway is the fastest.
The two busiest stations for the Metro and the bus are Union Station and Hollywood/Highland Center, respectively. In addition, Wilshire/Vermont is the busiest station for the subway.
Compared with other stations, the Griffith Observatory Lawn is the most popular study place for most students.
|
Feature |
Griffith Observatory Lawn |
Coffee Shops |
Libraries |
|
Atmosphere |
Outdoor, natural views |
Bustling, social |
Quiet, focused |
|
Wi-Fi Access |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Seating |
Picnic-style, on the lawn |
Tables, chairs |
Desks, study rooms |
|
Noise Level |
Quiet, with occasional |
Medium, background |
Very quiet |
|
Hours Open |
Daytime only |
Typically 7am-7pm |
Long hours, usually |
A welcome respite from the indoor study lounges, it also offers an opportunity to refresh both body and spirit in one of LA’s most scenic natural spots.
Probably the nicest place to study and write, should you have a yen to go to California, is the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino, just outside LA. There’s a hill attached to the entrance — if you walk up it you can gaze down on LA down below, in what they call the ‘dry lake bed’. It’s an impressive view. Huntington has an enormous research library. You have to pay the price of full admission, not cheap (for Americans), but you can buy a membership there, which is a bargain, if you’re working there often. The light is good, and the quiet — especially once you’ve been indoors in your room all day — is excellent for sitting bolt upright and toiling into the afternoon. After a full day at the library, it seems a good idea to put the books away, and take a walk.
The grandeur of the spaces and the plants, added to the intellectual elegance of the library for rare books and of the art collections, make this another of the world’s best spots (at least for this writer) to work as well as to flower.
6. Culver City Steps
For a more urban perspective, the Culver City Steps are a less serene, better concealed study spot. The outdoor chairs allow you to face and see the Los Angeles skyline while still benefiting from the free public Wi-Fi, which most users take advantage of. It’s a calm and social setting, as many locals hunker down in their books working diligently around you while still allowing opportunity for interaction. Just down the path are cafes where one can stop and grab coffee during a more time-intensive study session. If you are looking for an opportunity to check things off your to-do list while also breathing in some fresh air, this spot is for you.
Conclusion
Los Angeles is full of great spots to study if you’re into the stodginess of a library, the hustle and bustle of a coffee shop, or the silence of the great indoors. From The Last Bookstore’s creative vibe to the open air at Griffith Observatory, L.A. has you covered. Whether you’re preparing for an exam as a student or working remotely, these places will provide the best of both worlds – ambience and utility. The next time you’re in need of a place to study for a test or a job interview, try one of these spots; you never know, you may just find your new favorite place to work.
