I don’t know what September feels like without the thought of back-to-school season. Getting ready for a new school year means something different for every student, sure – for college students (speaking as one myself), we mentally prepare for spending an absurd amount of hours studying.

I've been attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire for about three years. During that time, I've been on the hunt, as many students are, for the best study spots. 

Let me tell you, I am still discovering more as I get to know Eau Claire better and better.

As of right now, going into the 2026-27 school year, here are my top recommendations for downtown area study spots. If you're an incoming student, you're welcome; if you're a returning student, hopefully this resonates or gives you a new study spot too.

Mclntrye Library

When the middle of the semester creeps up on you and your workload becomes back-breakingly heavy, it might be time to utilize the university's library (103 Garfield Ave., Eau Claire).

Each floor of the library offers a different vibe depending on what you're comfortable with or looking for that particular day. (Respect the unspoken rules: the higher the floor level, the quieter the noise level.)

For those on a tight budget, the library will always be FREE, with an abundance of resources. Plus, you don't need a vehicle to get there, which is especially convenient during the winter.

For the times when I cannot be near ANY distractions, I utilize the study rooms – with no windows – to block out pretty much everything.

Being in the company of other stressed college students does make the experience better, for some odd reason. Everyone staring at their computers or books, fueled by at least 100mg of caffeinated energy drinks and wearing noise-cancelling headphones, somehow bonds us all together.

Phoenix Coffee

As someone who does not prefer coffee, the only kind I'll ever crave is from Phoenix Coffee (100 N. Farwell St., Suite 114, Eau Claire).

Phoenix has a wide menu – with student discounts – and deals every day of the week. My favorite drink is the hot chai with apple syrup in the cold months (with the occasional foam art; perfect to add to my camera roll).

In late May, Phoenix expanded their seating options, taking out the wrap-around bar that was there and replacing it with new tabletop seating and furniture. This will give patrons and us students more choices on where to spend the next few hours (including the dreadful, finals week ones). 

Make sure to charge your computer before getting too far into your assignments, Phoenix has limited charging outlets.

They also offer punch cards – up to five punches – to earn free drinks. So basically, buy all your friends coffees and keep all the punches for yourself. Girl math.

The Cabin in Davies

The Cabin, located on the first floor of Davies Student Center (77 Roosevelt Ave., Eau Claire) just past the bookstore, serves Starbucks coffee and offers breakfast items in the food court.

This well-known spot gives students a convenient space to sit between classes, catch up on emails or assignments, or gab with friends. 

Though seating can be limited, the hightop tables next to the color-changing wall is always the area I try to catch. As someone who tends to space out while doing, well, anything, it helps me focus – thanks to the relaxing vibrancy in the background.

At the top of the hour, space gets cluttered by stress-filled students getting out of class or coming in to sit down, which does create some coffeehouse-style background noise. 

Of course, sticking around campus means you don't need to bum a ride from a friend or spend money on gas. (Photo via UW-Eau Claire)

Eau Claire Downtown Coffee (ECDC)

If you're looking for a place to study in the heart of downtown, try out ECDC (205 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire). According to the seven UW-Eau Claire students I asked, ECDC comes highly recommended for those in need of good study spots.

The menu has a variety of dietary friendly options – vegan, vegetarian, substitute milk choices, etc.– including food. I am a personal fan of the savory garlic-filled Gibson sandwich.

ECDC looks out onto Barstow Street which can be entertaining for people watching, especially while procrastinating your to-do list.

For the ones chasing aesthetically-pleasing spaces for studying, ECDC's fireplace adds warmth to the otherwise simple, chic interior (even though you can’t really feel the heat from the fireplace).

Grand Avenue Café

My newest discovery in the downtown area is the Grand Avenue Café (119 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire). This café is also book themed, with wrap-around bookshelf-inspired wallpaper and menu items named after literature classics (The Great Expectation sandwich, Wuthering Ham omelette, etc.).

The grandma core interior and cheap eats offers visitors a sweet, small-town vibe place to sit down and enjoy others' company. Or in the case of studying students, a spot to tone down your stress levels while conquering assignments. 

During the warm months they have outdoor seating overlooking the beautiful floral beds from neighboring small biz, Four Seasons On Grand. If you need to get up to walk around or take a study break, go across the street and get a forever bracelet or peruse the newest jewelry collections at Token Jewelry.

Oh, and a little birdie told me Grand Avenue Café would love to expand their customer base to include more college students. So, let's rally and help out our local café, mmkay?

Grand Avenue Café is the ultimate cozy coffeehouse – just look at that book-themed wallpaper.