News
The University of South Florida's final exams are next week . Students won't see the outside of the library for a week ... or will they? Instead of staking out your usual study carrel, try hitting the books at one of these spots near the USF Tampa campus. — Dalia Colón dcolon@tampabay.com
Cafe Kili
Free Wi-Fi and coffee roasted in-house are two reasons to study here. There also are nine types of coffee, 17 kinds of tea and a full menu. With live music some nights, you'll want to take advantage of the free conference room for a quieter place to read. 5731 East Fowler Ave., (813) 988-2879, cafekili.com
Study break: Play a game. Choose from checkers, Sorry! and more.
Bring: Spending money. The cafe also sells jewelry made in the owners' native Kenya.
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (or later) Monday to Thursday; 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Village Inn
The $2.13 cup of coffee comes with a full pot (and unlimited pot refills), so you can stay caffeinated without waiting for a server. And unlike at some study spots, the servers bring your order to the table, so you don't have to worry about your laptop being stolen when you get up to fetch your meal. The restaurant added free Wi-Fi at students' request. 11302 N 30th St., (813) 977-7925, villageinnrestaurants.com
Study break: Let them eat pie! Wednesdays, get a free slice with any purchase, even if you just order a drink.
Bring: Your appetite.
Hours: 6 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Thursday; open 24 hours Friday and Saturday.
Panera Bread
During finals week, this eatery looks like a computer lab. And with free Wi-Fi, it really is a great place to get work done if you don't mind the occasional, "John, your broccoli cheddar soup is ready." Reward yourself with a cookie or three. 11860 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., (813) 866-9333, panera-tampa.com
Study break: Head across the parking lot to Staples, where you can restock your supplies.
Bring: A fully charged laptop battery — there aren't many outlets — and a friend to watch your stuff while you grab your food or use the restroom. In light of recent campus computer thefts, you can't be too careful.
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Kaleisia Tea Lounge
With more than 100 types of tea, this is the perfect place to get caffeinated. The laid-back atmosphere and free Wi-Fi make it easy to stay awhile. Settle in on a comfy couch or study al fresco on the patio. 1441 E Fletcher Ave., (813) 977-8266, thetealounge.com
Study break: Choose a board game.
Bring: Your old textbooks to sell when you're done studying. Kaleisia shares a plaza with Books and More (usfbooks.com).
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Closed Tuesday.
Blue Lizard Hookah Lounge
The vibe is laid-back, with comfy furniture and low-key music. There are also plenty of outlets for your laptop, complimentary Wi-Fi and a printer. (Black and white copies cost 10 cents per page.) Last semester, the lounge started selling coffee. There's also beer for sale and candy bars and chips. If you're studying into the wee hours and your stomach starts to grumble, order food from a nearby late-night eatery like Five Star Pizza or Gumby's Pizza and Wings. Blue Lizard will let you eat on the patio. 5025 East Fowler Ave., (813) 936-6970, bluelizardhookah.com.
Study break: There's always hookah. And board games! Connect Four, anyone?
Bring: Cover money. The $10 admission fee includes one free hookah bowl; after that, it's $1 per bowl. Nonsmokers pay $5 cover.
Hours: 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily.
University Mall
Since October, University Mall has offered free Wi-Fi. Adjacent to the upstairs food court, there's an Internet lounge area with couches and coffee tables. Directly below, there's another Wi-Fi hotspot with tables and chairs. So the mall could make a decent study spot if you're working on project that doesn't require silence. 2200 E Fowler Ave., (813) 971-3465, universitymalltampa.com
Study break: Grab some food, shop, catch a movie. The possibilities are endless.
Bring: Someone to keep you on task.
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Lettuce Lake Park
Don't need the Internet? Head here to reread your notes and let fresh air calm your stress. There are a dozen covered picnic shelters where you can spread out your books. 6920 E Fletcher Ave., (813) 987-6204, hillsboroughcounty.org
Study break: Stroll the boardwalk, walk the 1.25-mile trail or hit the playground.
Bring: A cooler with drinks and snacks, bug spray and $2 entry fee per vehicle.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
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