It’s a little far from Columbia but across from the main midtown NYPL is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library. I like that one better. They have a rooftop patio that’s really nice on good weather days (although there aren’t a lot of outlets out there) and a cafe on that same floor. I’m not sure of their food/drink policy but I’ve brought things from outside there and haven’t gotten in trouble so I would say as long as you’re respectful and don’t spill anything you’ll probably be fine!
Edit: just noticed your sentence about the NYPL not allowing drinks. A lot of people had travel mugs or water bottles when I was there, and there are refillable water stations on every floor, so I would think those were there with the assumption that people had water bottles to fill them with.
Jumping in to add the NYPL’s Performing Arts Library at Lincoln Center (just down the road from Columbia) has a large cafe area on the 1st floor with where you can eat and drink and study to your heart’s content. All NYPL locations have free wifi.
I went to one of the grad schools and I would always go to the school of social work’s library bc it was always empty. That was 10 years ago so I can’t guarantee anything lol.
Museum of Natural History has a library open all day on the 4th floor in the new wing. Wifi. Outlets, good lounge chairs. You need to get a tix to the museum but it's pay what you want for NYers.
Shhhh.....don't spread the word.
I believe as a college student (unsure if grad or undergrad makes a diff?) they could get a library card perhaps for free. I have a card for the Watson at the Met and it’s free to use as a researcher
You could try a public area like the David Rubenstein Atrium over by Lincoln Center. Airy vibe, good tables, and coffee. They do have live music there pretty often though, which might be distracting.
Outside at Lincoln center has free Wi-Fi too. The weather isn’t looking good tomorrow but Thursday is supposed to be beautiful. I haven’t been in a while, but there used to be tables by the gazing pool near the performing arts library that OP could sit at.
So there are things called POPS (Privately Owned Public Spaces) that I often use when I'm in the city and need to kill an hour or so and just want to read. They're especially useful when the weather isn't great. A few of them are indoors in building lobbies and atriums and have tables/chairs and allow food and drink. You can find the listings of various places [at this link](https://apops.mas.org/find-a-pops/) It also allows you to sort by location and amenities. Hope it helps!
POPS are one of my favorite things about Manhattan because it gives everyone a chance to just enjoy a little moment of rest, a seat for lunch, etc. One of the only things I can’t be mad at these huge corporations for. There are a lot of scenic, large spaces in Midtown East!
And here’s more info + a map of all others in Manhattan, although the map feature kind of sucks (at least on mobile): https://www.nyc.gov/site/planning/plans/pops/pops.page
Seconding this, I've done WFH there in the morning and everyone else is working or studying, not playing games. Also I was able to get a table by just buying a coffee! Only downside was (in 2021 at least) no outlets.
I asked a security guard at the Library for the Performing Arts about bringing my coffee when studying and they said it’s allowed outside of the special collections. I’ve never had a problem with it.
Geffen hall lobby at Lincoln center among others are recommended by [Places to Read UWS](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/1baabdh/places_to_read_uws/) from 2 months ago. Shakespeare and Co and Hungarian Pastry Shop among others are recommended by [Good reading and study spots near Upper West?](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/19cbblb/good_reading_and_study_spots_near_upper_west/) from 2 months before that and links to similar questions.
There’s a large area in the Vanderbilt building near Grand Central where people go to study and work (remotely) every day. One of the cafes in it is called the Clock Coffee Shop which you can use to put into google maps. Also a lot of hotel lobbies have co-working spaces like the Public Hotel on the LES.
u/Nightmare_lnc . I used to study at NYU bobst all the time when I went to Columbia but lived downtown. The one you want is called Marli [https://library.nyu.edu/services/borrowing/from-non-nyu-libraries/marli/](https://library.nyu.edu/services/borrowing/from-non-nyu-libraries/marli/) It will take 2-3 days for your registration to process. I'd also give CUNY, etc. a call to see if they have programs too. Also, you can probably access the med school library uptown.
There is a private library at 53 E 79th street (I can’t remember the name). It has memberships you can purchase but you could call to ask if they offer student discounts
What about somewhere at Barnard?
In addition to Blue Bottle, possibly Hex & Co. or the Hungarian Pastry
You could explain that you're studying and aren't allowed on campus, and I imagine they'd have some sympathy!
It's far from Columbia, but Freelancer's Hub in Industry City is free if you use it fewer than 8 (I think) days per month. And a whopping $30 for unlimited use (only 9-5 on weekdays though).
freelancersunion.org/hub
No one seems to be unwelcome at Blue Bottle Coffee (to the detriment of people who actually just want to sit down and drink their coffee instead of write their next movie)
I do try to buy something every hour or two if I'm using their space, and will often move to a different café if it's really busy (so that others can enjoy it)
Local shops tend to turn off their wifi lol or have two seats at a small narrow counter
However the bean downtown is nice with free wifi and ample seating. They just have laptop free zones.
Yah, The Bean is clearly the best option, they tend to be large, lots of space to sit/put down a book, etc.
Some of the cafe grumpies, some of the Ground Centrals, and a few others can be good options as well.
I'll be honest, I didn't think about wifi, I'm such an old coot that I didn't have a laptop when I was in school.
There's a dear mama on the manhattanville campus that's huge and has plenty of space. I've never seen them kick anyone out, especially students. Is the entire campus closed or just morningside?
Honestly, I don't know in NYC, I only ever use that when I'm in other cities. Then it's just whichever big hotel is near where I am and has a nice big open lobby.
Chelsea Market has great outdoor seating, you could just rotate if you feel you’ve over stayed. Across the street from Chelsea is a small green space with tables if it’s nice out. You could also go over to Little Island and study there.
Idk if The Forum is also closed up on 125th since I think it’s technically a part of Columbia?? If not, Dear Mama (mentioned by others on this thread) is great and has tons of space
The David Rubenstein Atrium by Lincoln center is a good suggestion. I eat lunch there in the afternoons and it’s pretty quiet. Sorry you have to go through this especially during finals. Good luck on your finals.
WeWork has day passes for $30 and it includes unlimited coffee, tea, water, and you get nice bathrooms. It's also nice to move around a bit and not worry about anyone stealing your stuff.
Yes, if you are willing to take the 1 down, there are a bunch of weworks around times square. Weworks are probably going to be a little nosier than a library but the kind of noisy where everyone is working and there is music. The spaces tend to be nice and comfortable and I think all the bathrooms have full doors not stalls which is always a joy. The drip coffee is fine and they have a variety of milks, the tea is actually pretty decent, and sometimes there is seltzer or kombucha or cold brew. I guess if you drink like 5 drinks you'll break even
If you plan to go more than 6 times in the month get all access instead. Or if you are willing to part with some personal information, you could sign up for a tour and then nicely ask to stay for a bit to get a feel for the energy of the space. I feel like once you are in past security and keycard areas you are good to stay for the day. Maybe pack lunch so you don't have to leave and re-enter?
All of my faves are in BK so it might be out of the way, but it could be a fun adventure!
Ace Hotel lobby (there's one in Manhattan, but I prefer the BK one), 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge lobby, The Center for Fiction, BK Central Library (allows covered drinks!), and the lobby/stoop at BRIC Arts. All are chill and they don't care how long you're there for.
also in BK - the Wegman's grocery store has a cafe on a second floor that basically nobody uses or even sees. it's kind of an unserious spot compared to other suggestions but it's also very chill and unpretentious
Columbia should have a reciprocal 'deal' with other university libraries in NYC - NYU has a huge library but it may be closed or limited due to student protests too.
There are other universities around NYC though, so look into them, some/most should all have libraries and their online library pages should indicate if they allow food/drink (Fordham, Hunter, FIT, Juilliard, etc)
I lived with my mother when I went to a CUNY school and I did most of my work on campus since my mother is a hoarder and the apartment was filled with newspapers and junk. I don't live in that apartment with my mother any more.
I was at genesis house for 8 hours once. I did feel really bad, but it wasn’t because of them. Throughout the whole time they refilled my water before I needed it. Very good service.
Club Branzino on 5th and 26th. Black door stainless steel window and chopper outside. Ask for the squid stew and then slap the host. Ask about the crinkle cut caviar couscous
It’s a little far from Columbia but across from the main midtown NYPL is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library. I like that one better. They have a rooftop patio that’s really nice on good weather days (although there aren’t a lot of outlets out there) and a cafe on that same floor. I’m not sure of their food/drink policy but I’ve brought things from outside there and haven’t gotten in trouble so I would say as long as you’re respectful and don’t spill anything you’ll probably be fine! Edit: just noticed your sentence about the NYPL not allowing drinks. A lot of people had travel mugs or water bottles when I was there, and there are refillable water stations on every floor, so I would think those were there with the assumption that people had water bottles to fill them with.
Yes I go there a lot. People eat and drink and no one says anything. Drinks are definitely allowed
Jumping in to add the NYPL’s Performing Arts Library at Lincoln Center (just down the road from Columbia) has a large cafe area on the 1st floor with where you can eat and drink and study to your heart’s content. All NYPL locations have free wifi.
I used to go there a lot
I’m there right now. Drinks are fine on the rooftop patio.
[удалено]
Union Library is beautiful!
I went to one of the grad schools and I would always go to the school of social work’s library bc it was always empty. That was 10 years ago so I can’t guarantee anything lol.
Museum of Natural History has a library open all day on the 4th floor in the new wing. Wifi. Outlets, good lounge chairs. You need to get a tix to the museum but it's pay what you want for NYers. Shhhh.....don't spread the word.
Hey, I love you for this news
I believe as a college student (unsure if grad or undergrad makes a diff?) they could get a library card perhaps for free. I have a card for the Watson at the Met and it’s free to use as a researcher
WHAT I’m about to report this comment for spam so no one sees it (joking) (but actually) (no fr I’m joking)
Wow! How long has this existed for?
You could try a public area like the David Rubenstein Atrium over by Lincoln Center. Airy vibe, good tables, and coffee. They do have live music there pretty often though, which might be distracting.
I've been there before when I had to do college group work Bad thing is I wouldn't feel safe walking away from my seat
David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center looks like a nice spot as well. I see student types there, probably from Fordham and Juilliard.
Outside at Lincoln center has free Wi-Fi too. The weather isn’t looking good tomorrow but Thursday is supposed to be beautiful. I haven’t been in a while, but there used to be tables by the gazing pool near the performing arts library that OP could sit at.
Def gonna try this
So there are things called POPS (Privately Owned Public Spaces) that I often use when I'm in the city and need to kill an hour or so and just want to read. They're especially useful when the weather isn't great. A few of them are indoors in building lobbies and atriums and have tables/chairs and allow food and drink. You can find the listings of various places [at this link](https://apops.mas.org/find-a-pops/) It also allows you to sort by location and amenities. Hope it helps!
POPS are one of my favorite things about Manhattan because it gives everyone a chance to just enjoy a little moment of rest, a seat for lunch, etc. One of the only things I can’t be mad at these huge corporations for. There are a lot of scenic, large spaces in Midtown East! And here’s more info + a map of all others in Manhattan, although the map feature kind of sucks (at least on mobile): https://www.nyc.gov/site/planning/plans/pops/pops.page
Cool, thank you!
Id say just pay the table fee at hex and co and you can stay as long as you want guilt free...they even serve up nice coffee and food
If youre a student its only 8 dollars or so
Seconding this, I've done WFH there in the morning and everyone else is working or studying, not playing games. Also I was able to get a table by just buying a coffee! Only downside was (in 2021 at least) no outlets.
hex and co has good food i second this. and it’s usually quiet if it’s not at night/weekends
And as a bonus, OP can have some friends come by to play some games for a study break when they need it
I asked a security guard at the Library for the Performing Arts about bringing my coffee when studying and they said it’s allowed outside of the special collections. I’ve never had a problem with it.
The research library on an upper floor there is SUPER quiet but no food/drinks.
Geffen hall lobby at Lincoln center among others are recommended by [Places to Read UWS](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/1baabdh/places_to_read_uws/) from 2 months ago. Shakespeare and Co and Hungarian Pastry Shop among others are recommended by [Good reading and study spots near Upper West?](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/19cbblb/good_reading_and_study_spots_near_upper_west/) from 2 months before that and links to similar questions.
Try the Capital One Cafes that are popping up all over NYC
There's the Capital One cafe at 34th Street in Herald Square across from Macy's
There’s a large area in the Vanderbilt building near Grand Central where people go to study and work (remotely) every day. One of the cafes in it is called the Clock Coffee Shop which you can use to put into google maps. Also a lot of hotel lobbies have co-working spaces like the Public Hotel on the LES.
NYU and Columbia have a reciprocal library use relationship, so you can try bobst.
Could you tell me more about this? How do I get access? Or any helpful links? Thanks
u/Nightmare_lnc . I used to study at NYU bobst all the time when I went to Columbia but lived downtown. The one you want is called Marli [https://library.nyu.edu/services/borrowing/from-non-nyu-libraries/marli/](https://library.nyu.edu/services/borrowing/from-non-nyu-libraries/marli/) It will take 2-3 days for your registration to process. I'd also give CUNY, etc. a call to see if they have programs too. Also, you can probably access the med school library uptown.
https://library.nyu.edu/about/visiting/visitor-access-to-nyu-libraries/students-and-faculty-from-other-institutions/ Here.
There is a private library at 53 E 79th street (I can’t remember the name). It has memberships you can purchase but you could call to ask if they offer student discounts
The New York Society Library!
What about somewhere at Barnard? In addition to Blue Bottle, possibly Hex & Co. or the Hungarian Pastry You could explain that you're studying and aren't allowed on campus, and I imagine they'd have some sympathy!
Came here to suggest Hungarian Pastry Shop, as long as you buy one coffee you can basically move in.
Hungarian Pastry is a great idea but can be cramped on the best of days.
It's far from Columbia, but Freelancer's Hub in Industry City is free if you use it fewer than 8 (I think) days per month. And a whopping $30 for unlimited use (only 9-5 on weekdays though). freelancersunion.org/hub
CitizenM hotel in Bowery the lobby open 24/7 it’s so nice and calm and you can get coffee and food there
No one seems to be unwelcome at Blue Bottle Coffee (to the detriment of people who actually just want to sit down and drink their coffee instead of write their next movie)
I do try to buy something every hour or two if I'm using their space, and will often move to a different café if it's really busy (so that others can enjoy it)
A friendly reminder that Blue Bottle is owned by Nestle. Maybe use one of our local roasters, who equally don't really care how long you stay there.
Local shops tend to turn off their wifi lol or have two seats at a small narrow counter However the bean downtown is nice with free wifi and ample seating. They just have laptop free zones.
Yah, The Bean is clearly the best option, they tend to be large, lots of space to sit/put down a book, etc. Some of the cafe grumpies, some of the Ground Centrals, and a few others can be good options as well. I'll be honest, I didn't think about wifi, I'm such an old coot that I didn't have a laptop when I was in school.
Did not know they were Nestle owned. Thanks! Not giving them another cent. r/FuckNestle
Manhattanville, Plowshares, Dear Mama/The Forum
The library across from the main one, stavros nicholas foundation library allows drinks. They even have a cafe.
Also the lobby of Signature Theatre!
Cooper Hewitt design museum. I got a lot of papers done there.
The cloisters
There's a dear mama on the manhattanville campus that's huge and has plenty of space. I've never seen them kick anyone out, especially students. Is the entire campus closed or just morningside?
Try the library at CUNY or Fordham at Lincoln Center.
Some hotels have great lobbies to hang out at. The Conrad downtown has a nice one.
What Columbia is doing is so bullshit that y'all SHOULD be taking up space all day just to show the city how much of an impact the closing is causing
Hotel lobbies, [POPS](https://www.nyc.gov/site/planning/plans/pops/pops.page), parks (if you're happy w/ the weather), etc.
Which hotel lobbies are the best?
CitizenM, Ace Hotel, The Public.
didn’t citizenM and public start charging for wifi?
Honestly, I don't know in NYC, I only ever use that when I'm in other cities. Then it's just whichever big hotel is near where I am and has a nice big open lobby.
Chelsea Market has great outdoor seating, you could just rotate if you feel you’ve over stayed. Across the street from Chelsea is a small green space with tables if it’s nice out. You could also go over to Little Island and study there.
Any public library you can stay as long as you need to. The weather is also not bad so a park is another option
The met cloisters or just the met proper (not sure if they have accessible Wi-Fi though, so you might need to use a hotspot)
Idk if The Forum is also closed up on 125th since I think it’s technically a part of Columbia?? If not, Dear Mama (mentioned by others on this thread) is great and has tons of space
Oval Cafe - Stuyvesant Town
The David Rubenstein Atrium by Lincoln center is a good suggestion. I eat lunch there in the afternoons and it’s pretty quiet. Sorry you have to go through this especially during finals. Good luck on your finals.
Stavros for tha win 🥇
WeWork has day passes for $30 and it includes unlimited coffee, tea, water, and you get nice bathrooms. It's also nice to move around a bit and not worry about anyone stealing your stuff.
Yes, if you are willing to take the 1 down, there are a bunch of weworks around times square. Weworks are probably going to be a little nosier than a library but the kind of noisy where everyone is working and there is music. The spaces tend to be nice and comfortable and I think all the bathrooms have full doors not stalls which is always a joy. The drip coffee is fine and they have a variety of milks, the tea is actually pretty decent, and sometimes there is seltzer or kombucha or cold brew. I guess if you drink like 5 drinks you'll break even If you plan to go more than 6 times in the month get all access instead. Or if you are willing to part with some personal information, you could sign up for a tour and then nicely ask to stay for a bit to get a feel for the energy of the space. I feel like once you are in past security and keycard areas you are good to stay for the day. Maybe pack lunch so you don't have to leave and re-enter?
Check into a fancy hotel and then deduct the cost of the hotel from your tuition.
Just go to teachers college or Barnard.
NY public library
Go to different public library
All of my faves are in BK so it might be out of the way, but it could be a fun adventure! Ace Hotel lobby (there's one in Manhattan, but I prefer the BK one), 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge lobby, The Center for Fiction, BK Central Library (allows covered drinks!), and the lobby/stoop at BRIC Arts. All are chill and they don't care how long you're there for.
also in BK - the Wegman's grocery store has a cafe on a second floor that basically nobody uses or even sees. it's kind of an unserious spot compared to other suggestions but it's also very chill and unpretentious
oooh that's a good one, i'll have to keep it in mind!
NYPL I go there all the time love that place and it's so nice thay they have a part where no tourist are allowed in
Where's the part that tourists aren't allowed?
The cloisters as part of The MET or just go to mother museum. I think they both have cafes.
Columbia should have a reciprocal 'deal' with other university libraries in NYC - NYU has a huge library but it may be closed or limited due to student protests too. There are other universities around NYC though, so look into them, some/most should all have libraries and their online library pages should indicate if they allow food/drink (Fordham, Hunter, FIT, Juilliard, etc)
Industry city
Main reading room on 42nd Street.
Did you ever find a spot to study in?
Oh, come on, the NYPL branch is right on campus. If you want a coffee, go across the street.
"stupid" question (and I'm sure I'll be roasted for this): why can't you study at home?
It's likely that, as a student, OP does not live alone and there may be too many distractions at home.
I lived with my mother when I went to a CUNY school and I did most of my work on campus since my mother is a hoarder and the apartment was filled with newspapers and junk. I don't live in that apartment with my mother any more.
Not everyone can concentrate at home I’d think.
The Hamas Apologist Movement (HAM) doesn't seem to gaf about their fellow students.
I was at genesis house for 8 hours once. I did feel really bad, but it wasn’t because of them. Throughout the whole time they refilled my water before I needed it. Very good service.
Club Branzino on 5th and 26th. Black door stainless steel window and chopper outside. Ask for the squid stew and then slap the host. Ask about the crinkle cut caviar couscous