I do a lot of studying, and if you’re like me, finding the perfect place to study can make all the difference. Whether it’s studying for my midterms, preparing for the SAT, or tackling my regular school work, I need a good study spot to be able to get my work done.

Luckily, Solon and our surrounding communities are full of great cafes, libraries and other places to settle in with your laptop and textbook.

To find out which ones stand out, Junior Leah Taddeo and I ventured to three popular spots and rated them on three important criteria: noise level, crowdedness and snack quality. If you’re on the hunt for a new study spot, check out one of our top spots below.

3. Starbucks

Noise Level: 4/5
Crowd: 3/5
Snack Quality: 4/5

In last place is Starbucks, a classic spot for students everywhere. While Starbucks is known for its free Wi-Fi and casual atmosphere, during the holiday season it tends to become way busier.

Starbucks does tend to be noisier, with loud music constantly playing. While I can manage the noise level pretty well with my noise-canceling headphones, others may find it distracting if they’re looking for a focused study session. Taddeo finds this noise a bit too much and usually opts for quieter spaces. If you want some ambiance, this may be a good spot for you.

Again, tt can also be pretty busy at times– in my experience, many students flock there right after school to get their homework out of the way. If I do choose to study here, I find that going on the weekends during mid-morning has the least amount of crowds. The seats at Starbucks are fairly comfy. There’s booths and a patio area if you want to study outside on a warmer day.

Starbucks has solid food. There’s coffees, sandwiches, cookies and so many other options if you want a quick pick-me-up. The food can be quite expensive though for the quality.

Overall, Starbucks gets a 3/5. It’s a solid pick, but it can be too loud or crowded at times, if you prefer a quieter space I would skip Starbucks.

2. Solon Public Library

Noise Level: 2/5
Crowd: 3/5
Snack Quality: 2/5

If you want a super-focused and quiet study environment, the Solon Public Library might be the perfect place for you.

It tends to be super, super quiet. But unfortunately, there has been construction in the library for the last few months. When the construction crew is working, it’s audible from certain parts of the building. If you’re in the teen center, the noise of construction is pretty audible. It isn’t so loud that you can’t focus at all, but if you want a silent atmosphere, you may want to move to the front of the library away from the construction.

The library sometimes gets busy, but most of the time it’s not too busy. There are a limited number of seating areas, and they can fill up pretty quickly. Depending on where you sit, there might not be a lot of room to spread out. There are some fairly small tables, and the larger ones tend to fill up pretty quickly. On most days, there usually is a fair amount of open space right after school. During a busier time, such as exam season, that isn’t always the case.

The library does offer vending machines, but they really only contain chips, candy and other snack foods. If you choose the library, I recommend bringing your own snacks. Even then, the librarians do discourage you from snacking on anything that could make a mess.

Taddeo and I rate the library a solid 3.5/5. It’s a classic study spot, but depending on the time you go and where you sit, it may be a bit too busy. Don’t go expecting great snack options to help fuel your study session. The Library is a great spot for a focused study time.

1. Heritage Coffee

Sound Level: 3/5

Crowd: 4/5
Snack Quality: 5/5

Heritage Coffee has a cozy, inviting atmosphere, and it is Taddeo and I’s favorite study spot in the Solon area.

It’s really not that noisy at all. While there is music, it’s playing at a comfortable volume and not distracting. Background chatter is definitely present, but for those who like ambient noise, the noise level is perfect.

It’s also usually not very crowded. There are always seats available, even during busier hours. The tables are pretty large, so there is a nice amount of space to spread out and place your materials. The seats are  comfortable, sofas are also present in the cafe if you want something super relaxing. The food and drinks at Heritage Coffee are perfect. Personally, I recommend the Golden Latte–it’s devine. The pastries are tasty too.

Taddeo and I give Heritage Coffee an overall rating of 4/5.

Conclusion

Solon is full of great study areas. Depending on your personal choice of atmosphere, different places may be better for you.

If you want a lively atmosphere, opt for Starbucks. If you want a more concentrated, quiet atmosphere the Solon Public Library is a great spot. Heritage Coffee is the perfect mix of noise, crowd and food perfect for most people.

This midterm season, remember: take your time and try not to cram! You will do a lot better on your exams if you slow down, practice, and rely on your training. Don’t wait until the last minute.

Have fun studying!