Stella DeBow, a University of Lethbridge student, spends her time studying in Bread Milk and Honey coffee shop. Photo by Hailey Slovack.
Heading into the busiest post-secondary season, many students are looking for places to study while avoiding busy libraries and the school environment. A way to add whimsey in a time of high stress and demanding classes. Luckily, Lethbridge is home to many coffee shops where students can go for a delicious latte with a side of productivity.
- Sonder Coffee
Where sleek, modern design meets cozy feels, Sonder Coffee Bar is a coffee shop that constantly sees open laptops, busy students and of course, delicious lattes. Opened in 2017, Sonder is located in downtown Lethbridge. It started as an outlet for Red Engine Coffee Roasters, which began in 2010 with owner Paul DeMaere. Over time, Sonder has been recognized for its inviting atmosphere, signature waffles and known to students as a top place to study in Lethbridge. Seq’hiya Simmons, a University of Lethbridge student, says it’s the environment that helps encourage her productivity.
“It’s the ambience of it. It’s very chill and it gives that classic coffee shop vibe,” says Simmons.
The word “sonder” is described as the realization that every person has a unique and complex life. Simmons feels the hustle and bustle of people is what makes Sonder Coffee Bar so unique, truly living up to its name.
- Bread Milk and Honey
The warm, tungsten lighting accompanied by airy windows that view into the streets of downtown Lethbridge and the smell of freshly brewed espresso. A coffee shop located in the heart of the city, Bread Milk and Honey is a Lethbridge classic. Since opening in a historical building in 2015, this coffee shop has been a prime study spot for Lethbridge students. Stella DeBow, a University of Lethbridge student, finds that in addition to the location of the café, she also enjoys the menu.
“I struggle with coffee shop food. There’s not usually a lot of savory options but here there’s really good eggs and wrap options,” says DeBow.
Bread Milk and Honey is a coffee shop beloved by students for its wide menu and traditional café feeling.
- The Penny Coffee Shop
In the dimly lit, decorated walls of this downtown coffee house, the sound of grinding coffee beans buzzes amongst the low chatter of people. According to students, The Penny Coffee Shop masters the true coziness of a local café with its own twist. In addition to its homey setting, the coffee shop also features paintings by local artists along the café walls. Student Jaskeerat Cheema feels that this environment is what has made The Penny Coffee Shop a top place to study in Lethbridge for over 25 years.
“I like that it doesn’t have that stereotypical modern coffee shops seem to have. It has a lot of charm and their food is good, their coffee is good and the people are nice.”
Cheema also mentions The Penny Coffee shop feels like a place of safety, making it
Great place to study.
- Jundal Coffee
Quiet music fills the bright open walls as this modern shop brings an electric yet calm feeling to an area bustling with activity. The calmness in a storm of people, Jundal Coffee is housed within Park Place Mall. A groovy local coffee shop that offers students a unique experience while enduring their studies. As it opened in February 2020, this small business not only pushed through COVID 19, but continues to thrive. Although it is a coffee shop, Jundal is recognized by most students for its wide variety of boba teas. Alex Conard, employee and Lethbridge Polytechnic student, enjoys Jundal for more than just its menu.
“I think the biggest thing this apart is in the mall so if you need a break from studying you can walk around the stores and I like to watch the people go by,” explains Conard.
Jundal Coffee leaps away from the usual café expectations and brings students a non-traditional studying space.
- Starbucks Coffee
A well-known coffee shop beyond the locals of Lethbridge, Starbucks Coffee is a globally familiar café but recognized by students as one of the most popular places to study. In addition to its large selection of customizable and seasonal drinks, Starbucks also provides essential services for students to study. Abby Fink, student at University of Lethbridge, feels that the combination of these factors is exactly what students need to boost their productivity.
“It’s a relatively open space and a content environment so it makes it easy to focus,” explains Fink. “And they normally have great Wi-Fi and great drinks.”
Founded in 1971, Starbucks Coffee has become the first choice for many students looking for a place to study.
