We all need to study, and although we all have options of where to study, whether it be the dorm room, on campus, our car, or a place in town, is one better than another? We want to get the most out of those study sessions as well, but do you know what environment is considered ideal? The optimal study session has a moderate level of ambient noise of 70 decibels, according to a group of researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While most of us don’t know what 70 dB sounds like, a good comparison is the sounds in a bustling coffee shop. So, I took the time to review a local coffee shop while studying with other students at Copperline Coffee + Café in Daytona Beach.
Located just under 2 miles from main campus, at One Daytona, Copperline is a reasonable distance to either walk or drive to. There is ample parking even during the busy times, like when I visited during Bike Week. Upon entering, you are greeted by friendly staff and the familiar smells, synonymous with just about any coffee shop. While the shop is on the smaller side, there is ample seating for small study groups, one corner even has a three-person couch with two opposing chairs and a large trunk to use as a table-top surface. The middle of the room consists of four tables with seating for four people at each. For students who prefer to study alone or with one other person, the windows are lined with small, round tables and two plush, high-back wing chairs.
The room has several outlets for those who need to charge devices. There is also free wi-fi but there was no password posted so our group used the One Daytona free wi-fi instead, which worked for us just fine. A bathroom is also available and necessary when mixing caffeine and long study times. My group was there for a total of four hours and not once did we feel rushed or unwelcomed.
The coffee menu felt adequate for the size of the location and the expectation of the clientele. I am not a coffee drinker, but the menu had a variety of coffees, espressos, teas, lattes, juices, sodas, and other options for just about anyone’s needs. The pricing was in line with other coffee drinks as well. I went with an iced chai latte, and it exceeded my expectations on flavor, I felt as though it was worth the price, even if it was a grab and go item without the advantages of a coffee shop atmosphere to study in. While I didn’t try anything from the food menu, there was one available that had a few sandwiches, salads, a soup, chili, small breakfast items and desserts. The selections looked well prepared and to be good portion sizes from my view of what others ordered.
Most importantly though, does it meet the ambient noise level conducive to a productive study environment? Absolutely. When we first arrived, the noise level was very much to a minimum, registering at 55 dB on my decibel reader. There weren’t many people there and those that were, stayed relatively quiet. Within the first hour of being there, the room came to life and consistently the decibel readings were at 70dB for the remained of our time there. The room was the perfect volume for us to be able to comfortably talk to each other while also being able to focus on the materials we were studying.
Copperline Coffee + Café is the perfect study place for Daytona State students, and you’ll most likely see other students there as well. This place has everything that you need for either long or short study sessions. There are comfortable seating arrangements, outlets, internet, friendly staff, a bathroom, food, and drinks, both caffeinated and non. It is easily accessible, conveniently located and has that perfect level of ambient noise so that you can get the most out of your study time. Do you think that you will give them a try?
Melissa Corradi
Contributor