A Student’s Guide to Studying in Santa Barbara

By Lilly Trautwein

As the school year progresses, academic workload starts to pick up. Students are gradually settling into more assignments, tests, and overall work that needs to be done outside of class. 

But despite being called homework, it can sometimes feel almost impossible to complete these tasks at home. In a room full of distractions, people struggle to study. For many students, the only way to get work done is to do it somewhere outside of their house. 

Santa Barbara’s mix of urban and suburban areas proves ideal for this very situation, as it provides students with a variety of third-spaces to study and complete assignments.

Cafes are an enticing option, as they provide a social atmosphere, free WiFi, and, of course, study snacks. 

Santa Barbara High School senior Fia Peterson frequents two coffee shops in Santa Barbara. “I really like Cajé. There are a few ones throughout town, but my favorite one is on Haley Street because there are so many plants in there, which creates a calm atmosphere. I also really like the Handlebar on Canon Perdido,” Peterson said. 

She goes to these places whether she’s studying with friends or alone, noticing that she is much more productive when working in public. “When there are other people around me, it holds me accountable. And also, it just has better vibes than sitting in your room,” Peterson said.

These are great areas to work, especially when completing group projects or study sessions, where multiple students need to meet somewhere outside of class. 

For many, having people near them who are studying motivates them to do the same. For others, however, a group of people can be overwhelming while trying to think. Public parks offer solitary, relaxing places to get work done. Places like Alice Keck Park, the Mission’s Rose Garden, or the Sunken Gardens outside of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse all have beautiful scenery, fresh air, and typically small crowds, creating the perfect setting to focus. 

Paisley Thomson, a junior at Laguna Blanca, loves sitting outside to get her homework done. “I usually go to the Sunken Gardens [at the courthouse] to do my homework. It’s near my house and I feel very focused when I’m around nature. It’s usually quiet and there are just less distractions when I’m outside,” Thomson said.

Keep in mind if you choose to study at one of these spots that the sun can make it hard to see laptop screens. Parks are better for reading or completing on-paper assignments. Also, remember to bring a towel or blanket to sit on, as you never know if tables or benches will be taken.

Not far from the Sunken Gardens is another viable, yet often overlooked, study spot. The Santa Barbara Public Library is the perfect balance between parks and cafes. While still providing the WiFi that many cafes have (as well as free technology access), it is also a serene environment for getting work done. Not to mention, it holds thousands of physical resources helpful for completing essays or research. For those who need people around them to keep themselves on task, but find cafes too distracting, libraries are an excellent choice. 

Lulu Simpson, a junior at Santa Barbara High School, commonly uses the library as a distraction-free zone to complete her work. “When I need to study but can’t find a quiet and calm place, I often go to [the Santa Barbara Public Library]. I try to dedicate a few hours every week to studying, and being able to use the library is extremely helpful,” Simpson said.

Santa Barbara boasts a multitude of places where students can come to get work done. From the many cafes to the beautiful parks to the wonderful Public Library, there is a study spot for just about everybody.

So, the next time you’re struggling to focus on an assignment, try leaving the house. Sometimes a change in environment is all you need.