As we have passed the first five weeks of the fall semester, A & E co-editor Claire Lee has come up with five suggestions for where students can productively study while enjoying some snacks and refreshing beverages. The four criteria Lee used are low noise level, seating, drinks/food and accommodations. 

1. SIP & SAVOR: 5/5

106 W Wilshire Ave, Fullerton, California

Noise Level ★★★★★

Seating ★★★★★

Drinks/Food ★★★★★

Accommodations ★★★★★

This cafe deserves the title as a local favorite that blends its vibrant atmosphere with its delicious drinks.

The interior of Sip & Savor exudes warmth, with rustic decor and cozy seating that make it an inviting spot for studying and socializing. It’s a go-to spot for students needing a quiet place to work because of its underrated reputation.

The cafe’s large windows allow natural light to flood the space and create an environment that is ideal for focus and relaxation.

This charming cafe is known for its beverages, featuring drinks like the Tiramisu Matcha Latte ($7.50), which is well-known for its sweet cold foam topped with a ladyfinger biscuit.

For those looking to complement their drink with a dessert, the cafe offers an enticing selection of shaved ice and tasty baked goods. Popular choices include the Matcha or Chocolate Cake Cookie, which are crowd-pleasers that pair perfectly with any drink.

Whether guests are there to dive deep into their studies or simply enjoy a peaceful moment with a cup of coffee and friends, Sip & Savor is a welcoming spot nearby.

2. THE MUGS: 4.5/5

444 N Harbor Blvd Ste 108, Fullerton, California

Noise Level ★★★★☆

Seating ★★★★★

Drinks/Food ★★★★★

Accommodations ★★★★★

This popular cafe located in Downtown Fullerton offers delicious and innovative coffee drinks, such as their signature Iced Black Sesame and Tiramisu Lattes ($6.75). 

Since its opening last year, the cafe has garnered many customers, specifically high school students, because of its spacious tables and modern, wood interior. Free Wi-Fi is available, ensuring efficiency when using any technology device, which is convenient for every visitor.

The cafe serves a wide variety of flavored milk, premium tea such as the Berry Hibiscus and Curant ($4.50), and refreshments like Blue Lemonade and Blood Orange Tonic ($5.25) to order during studies.

If looking for a snack, guests can also order delicious pastries, including the blueberry or earl gray scone ($6.00), served with a side of extra butter and strawberry jam. 

If guests prefer a savory flavor, the menu contains Ham and Cheese or Pizza Croffles ($9.50) with a side of homemade potato chips and a respective sweet chili or barbecue sauce to accompany the freshly baked bread.

However, because of the popularity it gained as a close-by study spot, it is difficult to find seats on the weekends.

3. STEREOSCOPE COFFEE: 4/5

4542 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, California

Noise Level ★★★☆☆

Seating ★★★★★

Drinks/Food ★★★★★

Accommodations ★★★★★

Known for its crafted beverages, this coffee shop offers a unique experience with its Madagascar Vanilla Latte ($6.70) or Lychee Peachy drink ($6.00). 

It has an extensive menu, with many types of coffee beans and traditional Japanese ceremonial matcha to cater to every taste. The cafe also offers seasonal drinks, such as the current PiaColatte drink line ($7.45).

Stereoscope Coffee has a sleek and minimalist interior design. The airy space has long rectangular communal tables –  perfect for solo studies and even group sessions. With its aesthetic atmosphere because of the cafe’s black and white design, it is easy to focus and stay productive. 

Wi-Fi and outlets are available, which makes it an ideal spot for students needing a reliable place to get work done.

Because of its popularity, particularly among college students and remote workers, finding a seat is a challenge during peak early afternoon hours during both school days and weekends, so plan accordingly if hoping to secure a spot.

4. SOJEATA: 3.5/5

115 E Commonwealth Ave Unit A, Fullerton, California 

Noise Level ★★★☆☆

Seating ★★★★☆

Drinks/Food ★★★★★

Accommodations ★★★★★

Sojeata is a hidden gem that offers a clean space to study because of its spacious tables. Although the owners are currently preparing to move their location from Downtown Fullerton to a new spot, this cafe is worth dropping by. 

The glass tables and white furniture are minimalistic, allowing the cafe itself to fit many guests at once. Many customers can appreciate the aesthetic decor while sipping on a drink or working on their school assignments.

The business serves coffees and fruit teas that are made in-house. If guests are looking for something sweet to consume during long study sessions, the cafe specializes in organic milk teas ($6.50) and freshly churned artisan ice cream ($6.00). The menu also includes daily fresh-baked pastries like donuts or croffles, which is a blend of croissants and waffles. 

According to the cafe’s website, the new location will be announced shortly.

5. BOBA YA: 3/5

14748 Beach Blvd, La Mirada, California

Noise Level ★★★☆☆

Seating ★★★★☆

Drinks/Food ★★★★★

Accommodations ★★★★☆

If planning to study until late at night, look no further because unlike most cafes, Bobaya closes at midnight.

The interior is rather small, but the table sizes are open enough to spread out worksheets, notebooks and binders. The cafe has an outlet next to each table, making it convenient for customers to charge their devices when running out of battery.

The cafe also offers fusion foods like the Bulgogi Quesadilla or popular Korean snacks like Fish Bread that comes with a sweet filling of the customer’s choice.

With a wide range of milk teas ($5.75) with flavors such as strawberry or dalgona, which is melted sugar candy, refreshing fruit smoothies ($6.45) and warm pastries like the Cream Waffle ($7.25), this quaint store is perfect for partaking in the unfortunate student reality of cram studies. 

It is an appropriate spot for students who cannot focus at home and are looking for a place to stay and be productive.