Serious study time is essential for all college students; however, finding that ideal study location can be pretty challenging. Maybe your roommates are being too loud, or long hours in the library just aren’t cutting it anymore and you need a place to go to study away from campus. So why not try a study escape? These top spots for studying off-campus in Malibu have a little bit of something for everyone.
Cafecito Organico: Located right next to Lily’s Cafe and Pastries, this cafe is only about 10 minutes from the Malibu Campus and is an ideal place to get in some quality study time. Cafecito Organico is unique in that it serves as both a coffee bar and a small antique library.
The coffee bar is situated in the front with one spacious, long table ideal for spreading out your books and papers. A small bookstore that provides a comfortable study environment is located in the back of the cafe. The shelves are cluttered with old and new books, and antique manuscripts are displayed along the wall. The bookstore also has comfortable chairs and a small table to sit at and do homework. Cafecito Organico also offers free Wi-Fi access. Info: 29169 Heathercliff Road, Malibu CA, 90265
DIESEL, A Bookstore: If you are looking for a bookstore to study in that is closer to campus, Diesel is the perfect place to go. Located in the Malibu Lumber Yard, this small bookstore is only a few minutes away from campus, but is easily overlooked as a study spot. The bookstore has the essence of a smaller Barnes & Noble, with neatly shelved books and display cases of calendars and other products. Seating inside of the bookstore is limited to a few cushioned chairs and a small table; however, there is ample patio seating and comfortable chairs outside. Info: 23410 Civic Center Way Suite A3; (310) 456-9961
Chocolate Box Cafe and Patio: The Chocolate Box Cafe — and the patio seating surrounding it — is generally a quiet spot in the Malibu Lumber Yard, though you may get distracted on a busy shopping day. The cafe offers a special discount for Pepperdine students and a wide variety of treats such as macaroons and crepes. Since there are only two tables located inside the cafe, the patio area directly outside provides a much better study space. With a spacious hardwood floor, comfy chairs and a few towering fishtanks, this patio is a great place to relax and study. Both the Chocolate Box Cafe and the patio are Wi-Fi accessible. Info: Suite C100; (310) 456-7977
Starbucks: Starbucks may seem like a pretty cliche place to study, but it actually provides a great work environment for both interactive and quiet studying. The Starbucks located in the Malibu Colony Plaza (right next to Ralphs) is one of the most accessible off-campus study spots in Malibu with shuttles running from Pepperdine to Ralphs Monday through Saturday for students who don’t have cars. This Starbucks is an extremely popular study spot for Pepperdine students and a great place to foster an interactive study environment, though it does frequently get a little loud and crowded. If you still want to study at Starbucks but prefer a quieter environment, try the Starbucks located in the Malibu Country Mart. This Starbucks is less frequented by Pepperdine students and has a spacious outdoor patio and inside seating area. Both locations offer free Wi-Fi. Info: Malibu Colony Plaza (310) 317-4515; Malibu Country Mart (310) 456-7300
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Another great coffee shop for studying is the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, located in the Malibu Lumber Yard. The Coffee Bean offers a similar environment to Starbucks, but its indoor seating is limited to only a couple of tables. However, there is a large seating area right outside that is brilliantly lit at night. This location also offers free Wi-Fi access. Info: (310) 456-5771
Malibu Bluffs Park: The peace and quiet of nature always makes for a great place to clear your mind and study away. The Malibu Bluffs Park does not disappoint when it comes to combining the beauty of nature with studying. The park has many tables and benches near the entrance to do homework. If you prefer a more remote and quiet setting to fit your studying habits, there are many trails leading away from the main area of the park that also have benches and tables scattered along the way. At Malibu Bluffs Park, you can also enjoy nature with free Wi-Fi access. Info: 24250 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu CA
So next time you feel the urge to get off campus and study, try visiting one of these locations for a true study escape.
