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Back-to-School Guide: 12 Coffee Shops Near Top Universities in America
Back-to-school season in the US always comes with more than just syllabi and crowded lecture halls. University neighborhoods buzz with students scoping out the best places to fuel up before class, cram for midterms, or meet up with friends after a long day. Coffee shops near campuses end up doing it all: they serve as study spaces, group project headquarters, and social hubs where caffeine is the unofficial currency. The right café matters when the Wi-Fi has to hold steady through a three-hour study session, the playlists can’t be too distracting, and the drinks need to keep energy levels up. From East Coast institutions like NYU and Rutgers to West Coast favorites like UC Davis and the University of Washington, these campus coffee shops make the return to class a little easier.
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Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Ann Arbor
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea is a dependable café that blends quality drinks with a relaxed atmosphere, making it a favorite for students around the University of Michigan. The menu includes standout iced matcha lattes, classic espresso drinks, and fresh pastries that pair well with long study sessions. The courtyard seating offers plenty of space to work, read, or catch up with friends.
Hidden Grounds Chai & Coffee House - New Brunswick
Hidden Grounds has become a staple near Rutgers, serving creative drinks and hearty bites in a lively yet approachable setting. Students stop in for seasonal specials or classic lattes, often paired with popular items like salmon bagels or pita sandwiches. The café is compact but designed for both short breaks and long study sessions.
Abide Coffeehouse
Abide Coffeehouse sits at the center of student life in Wilkes-Barre, nestled between two universities. The interior offers cozy seating for study sessions or group work, while the menu covers everything from specialty lattes to fresh tea blends. The staff is known for being warm and welcoming, which gives the café a community feel that students appreciate.
Lola’s at The Inn
Lola’s blends a cozy, home-like vibe with the energy of a student hub. Just steps from IWU, the café offers warm lighting, mismatched furniture, and quiet nooks that make it ideal for studying or small group gatherings. The menu highlights comforting drinks and gluten-free pastries, making it inclusive for a wide range of students.
Summit Coffee Co. — Davidson
Summit Coffee has long been part of the Davidson College experience. Students frequent the café for its quality roasted beans and easygoing atmosphere, often stopping by before or after the local farmer’s market. Open-mic nights and music events add to its appeal as a cultural gathering space.
Temple Coffee Roasters — Davis
Temple Coffee Roasters is a student staple in Davis, with a reputation for meticulous brewing and bright, airy spaces. The café offers a strong menu of seasonal drinks and vegan pastries, keeping pace with the diverse campus community. Seating is designed to handle both solo study and group discussions, and the staff is consistently praised for being welcoming.
Prevail Union | ATL
Located in a stylish setting, Prevail Union combines great coffee with a welcoming environment. The café features a range of seating options, making it perfect for meetings or solo work sessions. With a focus on community and quality, Prevail Union has become a favorite among locals.
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Flour Bakery + Cafe Central Square
Flour isn’t just a bakery—it’s a whole experience. Founded by award-winning pastry chef Joanne Chang, this spot turns out some of the best sticky buns, Boston cream pies, and breakfast sandwiches in the city. There’s also house-made lattes and real caramel in your coffee—no syrups here.
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Leon Coffee House
Leon Coffee House brings Latin heritage to Seattle's coffee scene with delicious lattes, pastries, and waffles. The seating area is beautifully decorated and a great place to relax, study, or chat with a friend. They serve unique drinks like the taro latte and Mexican mocha and even offer fried tortilla chips in place of regular ones.
The Bagelers Coffeehouse
For a breakfast that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee, The Bagelers Coffeehouse is a great spot near Lincoln Park Zoo. With a variety of bagels, fresh cream cheese, and a delicious selection of coffee, this cozy shop is ideal for a quick but satisfying pre-zoo stop. The friendly staff makes every visit a pleasant one, and the atmosphere is laid-back, perfect for grabbing a coffee to-go.
Newsbar Cafe
Located on University Place, Newsbar Cafe is a hidden gem known for its delicious bagel breakfast options, which are perfect for pairing with a refreshing iced coffee. It’s not just about coffee here; the café’s loyalty program, accessible through its app, makes it a local favorite for people who want great coffee and snacks without breaking the bank.
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Think Coffee - Greenwich Village
Think Coffee is more than just a café; it’s a brand committed to ethical sourcing and social good. Their Butterscotch latte, sweetened with a touch of condensed milk, offers a rich and creamy coffee experience. Whether you’re meeting friends hosting a meetup, Think Coffee’s cozy and relaxed ambiance makes it an ideal setting for any occasion.
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All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
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All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
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All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
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