Our fellow scholars, picture this: you, us, and a steaming cup of Joe plotting world domination! Alright, fine, acing that next exam. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s that pesky time of the semester. Finals season is upon us, and dread is in the air. With textbooks thicker than bricks and heaving laptops giving out to the sheer volume of material to overcome, our only saving grace might just be a cup of happiness. Enter, study cafes.
But we know the challenge of finding a good study cafe. It’s like finding Narnia but with Wi-Fi, power sockets and coffee. More than that, it’s about the aesthetic location that serves as the perfect backdrop for your plot as you become that academic weapon you promised yourself to be. Well, as always, we’re here to spill the beans. Here are 10 study cafes that will lead you to academic glory. Let’s turn those caffeine jitters into crisp A’s, everybody!
Runes Coffee Roasters
First up on our list is a cafe that sets the tone for what a studying session in paradise would look like. Two words: glasshouse cafe. That’s right. Runes Coffee Roasters’ unique interior follows the design of a glasshouse, with its glass walls that let all the glorious sunlight into the cafe to replenish you with your vitamin D. In fact, according to University College London, natural light positively contributes to higher academic performance in reading and science!
On top of its stunning interior, the cafe also has free Wi-Fi and power sockets scattered throughout to keep your laptop strong and you stronger. From white and black coffee, Mocha, and Matcha to a fine array of teas to soothe those nerves, like Earl Grey, Peppermint, and Chamomile, their menu is equipped with the weapons you need to become the weapon you want to be. You can also snack and dine with a variety of pasta, rice bowls, and toasties to keep those energy levels up.
🗓️Date: Mondays to Fridays
📍Location: 28 Biopolis Rd, Level 1 Lobby B Wilmar International Ltd, Singapore 138568
⏰Time: 8am to 4pm
Enticed yet? Check out Runes Coffee Roasters on their Instagram profile for more details!
Estro Coffee
When one coffee empire steps down, another king takes over. And that’s precisely what happened at Basement 1 of Wheelock Place where Starbucks used to reside. Estro Coffee came and made the place its own. With fascinating drinks that might distract you from the world (or finals) domination you’re meant to do, you will realise that Estro Coffee is where art meets coffee.
Expect beverages like Iced Taro Hazelnut Latte, Berry Bliss Matcha Latte, and the Speculoos Dream Latte to provide the sugar rush you need for your studying! Anticipate a study session wonderland with goodies like Wi-Fi and power sockets, comfortable seats for you and your buddies, as well as the assurance that you won’t get kicked out (hopefully!).
🗓️Date: Mondays to Sundays
📍Location: 501 Orchard Rd, B1- 01 Wheelock Place, Singapore 238880
⏰Time:
- Mondays to Fridays: 8am to 9pm
- Saturdays to Sundays: 10am to 10pm
Run, don’t stroll, to Estro Coffee! For more information, head to their Instagram profile, or, better yet, head there right now!
Louisa Coffee Singapore
Say hello to Taiwan’s largest coffee chain! Opening shop in Bugis, Louisa Coffee Singapore comes straight to you from Taiwan with yummilicious drinks that took our breath away. Of course, they have your classic coffees that can never go wrong. But as you give your soul to the pains of academia, give it a reprieve with some of Louisa Coffee’s speciality drinks—Orange Peel Latte, Brown Sugar Latte, Taiwan Geisha, Coffee Mojito, and Black Coffee Latte! We’re frothing at the mouth just typing this.
But, of course, on top of these crazy drinks and delicious treats (we hear raving reviews about the Boston Cream Pie), Louisa Coffee serves as a perfect study ambience. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows and earthy tones create a cosy atmosphere that will fuel you as you mug hard. And to make sure you don’t falter, Louisa Coffee is prepared with power sockets galore!
🗓️Date: Mondays to Sundays
📍Location: 130 Beach Road, #01-13 & 14, Guoco Midtown, Singapore 189774
⏰Time:
- Mondays to Thursdays: 8am to 9pm
- Friday: 8am to 10:30pm
- Saturday: 9:30am to 10:30pm
- Sunday: 9:30am to 9pm
Their lattes are your fuel. The cafe is your haven. And their Instagram profile is your source for more information you might need!
Huggs Coffee
Of course, coffee is a warm hug. Especially when you’re caught in the icy abyss of the exam system, you might be yearning for the embrace of a piping cup of coffee (even in Singapore’s scorching weather). That’s when Huggs Coffee steps in. They are Singapore’s largest homegrown specialty coffee brand, so you know for sure that you’re getting delicious coffee that will heal your mind and soul.
But the highlight of Huggs Coffee is its jaw-dropping interior. The cafe’s warm hues, accompanied by its zen aura, will give you the inspiration you need. And the best part? Huggs Coffee has 21 outlets across Singapore, so you can gather your study army anywhere that works best for you, each complete with that signature interior design. Can you expect anything less from Singapore’s largest homegrown specialty coffee brand?
🗓️Date: Mondays to Sundays
📍Location: 30 Maxwell Rd, #01-03, Singapore 069114, and 20 more outlets!
⏰Time: 9am to 5pm
Huggs Coffee is a warm hug awaiting your presence to brew you that perfect, warm cup of coffee. Check out Huggs Coffee’s official website, Instagram profile and TikTok for more!
Twenty Eight Cafe
Nestled in the heart of heritage houses on Sophia Road lies a hidden sanctuary equipped with all you need to buckle down and conquer the mountain of readings you have left on your plate – and that my friends, is Twenty Eight Cafe.
If we were looking for the perfect word to describe the word “conducive,” I would turn to Twenty Eight Cafe. The interior of the cafe is perfect for mugging. With tons of natural lighting and big green plants, studying at this cafe might just tenfold your productivity—but why take our word for it when you can go down and experience it for yourself?
As one of our colleagues is a non-coffee drinker, the sheer range of drinks offered by the cafe would provide a good reason for them to study here. With Fresh Juices, Teas and Milkshakes to choose from, on top of your basic coffees, there is little reason not to head on over to Twenty Eight Cafe!
As a fellow student, I can sympathise with not wanting to break the bank when looking for places to study. But don’t let the location of this one fool you. With drinks starting at as low as S$4.90, you can study with peace of mind, knowing you didn’t hurt your bank account.
🗓️Date: Mondays to Sundays
📍Location: 28 Wilkie Rd, #01-06, Singapore 228051
⏰Time:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30am to 4:30pm
- Saturday to Sunday: 8am to 4:30pm
If you’re still looking for more reasons to head over to Twenty Eight Cafe, make sure to check out their official website or their Instagram profile! I assure you, it doesn’t get much better than this!
Plain Vanilla
There’s nothing plain or vanilla about this one! Introducing: Plain Vanilla, another homegrown brand. The brand started as a tiny takeaway spot in Holland Village and has expanded to six different locations, sprinkled all around the country!
We don’t know about you, but we love studying in town or the Central Business District. There’s something so motivating about seeing others who have been in your exact spot – banging their heads against their books – overcome that adversity and find their footing in the professional world.
As such, we’ve chosen to feature the Telok Ayer branch, given it is the perfect mix of yoga moms and frenzied bankers – whichever speaks to you more and forces you to hit those books harder. The calming pastel interior will alleviate all the stress off your shoulders and plunge you into the cool waters of peace. Besides the aesthetics, the Telok Ayer menu offers a range of healthy options to keep your brain juiced as you chomp down on nutritious and delicious food! If I had to choose, I would go for the Deli Salads and the cold-pressed juices, to really tap into my inner taitai.
🗓️Date: Mondays to Sundays
📍Location: 134 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068600
⏰Time:
- Monday to Saturday: 7:30am to 7pm
- Sunday: 7:30am to 5pm
If you wish to enter a world of casual and inexpensive luxury at Plain Vanilla, check out their official website and their Instagram profile.
Well Collective
Who says mugging is all pain? Well Collective is challenging that idea and giving customers the – admittedly paradoxical – chance to mug in a peaceful and stress-free environment. This is exactly what I needed when I was neck-deep in submissions. Do me a favour and think back on all the times you’ve been chased out or denied entry into a cafe when all you wanted to do was study. Safe to say, I’ve experienced that one too many times, and I’m sure it’s a universal experience.
But Well Collective understands the struggle all too well and has made it their mission to create a space where you can have a casual weekend with your loved ones or a place to dive deep into work. Their drinks menu is decked out with a wide range of coffees, teas, and fruit sodas, all priced between S$3 and S$9! Not to mention that their menu also offers vegan and vegetarian food options—it truly is a space for everyone!
In the spirit of being inclusive, Well Collective is also a pet-friendly space, meaning you can bring your furry friends along for moral support! If you don’t own a pet yourself, you can recharge with the abundance of pets roaming the area – the best way to reward yourself for all your hard work!
🗓️Date: Mondays to Sundays
📍Location: 418 Northshore Drive, #02-11/12 Northshore Plaza, Singapore 820418
⏰Time:
- Monday to Thursday: 12pm to 10pm
- Friday to Sunday: 10am to 10pm
Your one-way ticket to this haven is waiting for you! Make sure to check out their official website and their Instagram profile for more details!
PRAIRIE by Craftsmen
Next up on the list is PRAIRIE by Craftsmen, a place where creativity thrives! If your head has been in a flurry and you’re looking for a place to destress while you study, this is the place for you! As soon as you step through the door, you’re transported to a cafe in southern France. PRAIRIE’s eye for interior design is incredible. With wooden furniture, pops of colours that come in the form of tiles and calming greenery, rest assured you’ll be leaving your burdens at the door.
We know how important it is to stay fueled when your brain is working in overdrive, so of course, we had to take a look at the menu! One scroll through their Instagram profile, and you’ll be rushing down to one of their outlets. The food and drinks there look beyond delicious – and that is not an understatement! Some stand-out options were the Scallop Chilled Pasta (that’s only available at their Cluny Court outlet!) and the Sparkling Lychee Americano. Have fun exploring all they have to offer!
🗓️Date: Mondays to Sundays
📍Location: 501 Bukit Timah Rd, #01-05C Cluny Court, Singapore 259760
⏰Time: 8am to 9pm
Good food and good vibes—what more could you possibly ask for? Visit their official website for their full menu and list of outlets!
Genius Central
Look, the name just about says it all. Welcome to Genius Central. Don’t worry—you’ll feel right at home! Genius Central is located in the heart of Telok Ayer and is already an extremely popular place for people to work. It’s very common to see meetings or company gatherings being held at Genius Central, so if you wish to surround yourself with the same productive energy, this is the perfect place for you!
Now, the best thing about Genius Central is that you can book a spot for yourself in advance! You can either book a spot for four or eight hours, but note that there is a minimum spend of S$18 and S$30, respectively. Gone are the days of fighting with other students or office workers for a seat, thanks to Genius Central.
There are tons of food and beverage options available on their menus! One pairing that particularly caught my eye was the Miso Glazed Pumpkin Bowl (S$19) and the Quiet Monkey (S$9), a concoction of caocao, banana, honey and cashew milk – but those are just a few of the hundreds of options waiting for you at Genius Central!
🗓️Date: Mondays to Sundays
📍Location: 7-13 Amoy Street, #01-01 Far East Square, 049949
⏰Time:
- Monday to Thursday: 8am to 8:30pm
- Friday and Saturday: 8am to 9:30pm
- Sunday: 8am to 3:30pm
Add Genius Central to your list of study cafes! If you’re looking for more information or simply just want to book a spot for yourself, check out their official website!
the RITUAL
Step into the RITUAL, where every sip will fuel you throughout your study session! There’s nothing more comforting than wrapping your hands around a nice steamy cup of caffeine and biting into a buttery, flaky croissant as you brave through your pile of assignments – doesn’t that sound like the best pick-me-up?
Just picture this: soft lighting, cosy nooks, and the gentle hum of fellow students absorbed in their studies. Whether you’re looking for a caffeine fix to fuel your late-night cram sessions or just a quiet little corner to dive into your textbooks, the RITUAL provides the perfect setting to focus, refuel, and conquer your exams!
🗓️Date: Mondays to Sundays
📍Location: 383 Bukit Timah Rd, #01-09B, Singapore 259727
⏰Time: 8am to 6:30pm
the RITUAL is more than a cafe; it’s a sanctum for academic success. And this sanctum awaits your discovery! Dive into the RITUAL’s world of flavour and vibes on their official website and Instagram page – your journey to caffeinated bliss awaits!
And with that, our dearest academic warriors, you are equipped for the battle we call ‘Finals Season 2024’. Armed with caffeine-fueled wisdom and the knowledge of ten of Singapore’s most alluring study cafes, you’re ready to face those examinations and deadlines with the fervour of a thousand espresso shots!
Remember that amidst all this chaos, there’s always a cosy corner and a cup of coffee waiting to fuel your academic journey (and also to mutter those prayers to the deities of knowledge and examinations for mercy). May that GPA be ever in your favour, aided by these study cafes. Good luck!
Cover image visuals courtesy of Runes Coffee Roasters, Twenty Eight Cafe, and Genius Central.
