Taking Care of Business: Finding the Right Spot

Posted September 24, 2014 by L. Kelly Fitzpatrick

When it comes to homework, where we work can often determine if we work. Moving to a new city for a new job or academic program can mean setting your roots deep into some academic and professional goals – and sometimes that can mean finding the perfect place to sit down with your laptop and coffee, and get to work.

Let’s be real – coursework can grow to become an influential part of our lives. As someone who needs to leave Netflix’s sphere of influence in order to put words on a page, I know that going somewhere new, even without the comforting embrace of a wifi connection, can make the difference when trying to wrangle all those assignments. After becoming a regular in Western Massachusetts hotspots during my time as an undergrad battling a sea of footnotes, moving to Cambridge with the start of my grad program meant scoping out places where I could extract myself from my cozy apartment to get things done. Now entering my third semester at SLIS, I’ll share my personal list of favorite productivity powerhouses with you.

Iyo Cafe
Davis Square, Somerville
Waffle bar where you can both make and dress your own waffle for a reasonable price. Sometimes waffles are the necessary key to tackling that upcoming assignment.
Wifi Situation: 2 Hour voucher provided upon purchase.

Voltage Cafe/Gallery
Kendall, Cambridge
Adorned with a repurposed card catalog cabinet and globe, this gallery cafe combo is equipped with all the necessary tools to get work done – if necessary tools means croissants, espresso, and ample seating.
Wifi Situation: Available, Free

Bloc 11
Somerville
As the weather cools down, the back room of Bloc 11 is dangerously cozy alongside a fireplace with hot chai in-hand. Remain toasted in the company of one of their incredible baguette bound sandwiches.
Wifi: No dice on free Wifi, buddy. Existent, Paid

Mr. Crepe
Davis Square, Somerville
Nutella crepes and coffee – case closed.
Wifi Situation: All signs point to yes.

Darwin’s Lmtd.
Brattle Square, Cambridge
Known primarily as a sandwich shop, the comfy albeit limited seating in the café section of Darwin’s is worth the wait. Earl Grey Lattés [otherwise titled a London Fog]? That’s a thing here – you can have a tea latté of just about any tea in their selection! Just be sure to arrive before or after lunchtime to ensure available seating.
Wifi Situation: Affirmative, Captain!

Diesel Cafe
Davis Square, Somerville
Between red vinyl seats and a tall glass of thai iced tea, this spacious workspace will have you crunching endnotes in no time.
Wifi Situation: Existent, Paid