Edit Sober: “I’m so glad to live in a world where there are Octobers.”

And I couldn’t agree more. I’m obsessed with autumn and café culture: interesting people, festive beverages, and sitting in a snug corner working on assignments.

Photo from flavorhunter.com

Personally, I find it insanely difficult to stay at home during this beautiful season. I’m not sure whether it’s the crisp air, the changing leaves, or the fact that I can finally break out my cozy knits again. But there’s just something about autumn that makes me overly excited to get bundled up and head out with my books to spend an evening tucked away in a favorite café. And since I’m constantly chasing deadlines, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect coffee shop where I can actually focus long enough to get some work done. I find that a lot of Vancouver’s so-called “study spots” get either overwhelmingly busy, or are just too pretentious to handle. But so far this season, I’ve discovered a couple gems in Vancouver (and in Victoria for my fellow Islanders). So, if you’re looking for cute spot to get some solid studying in, here are a few of my new favorites:

Photo by Fraser Cameron

1) The Grind - 4124 Main Street

The Grind is my number one spot. It’s designed specifically for studying, and most people inside are silent students, meaning I’m never annoyed by obnoxiously loud conversations. Although the interior isn’t as cute and cozy as I’d like, it’s the perfect spot to focus. It’s also massive, and unless you’re there on a Saturday afternoon, you’re almost always guaranteed a table. Oh, and it’s open until 11:00 PM most nights. Can’t go wrong.

2) Our Town Café–245 E Broadway

Okay, so this place is pretty small, and it’s also right on Broadway and Kingsway so it’s fairly busy. But, I still love it because of its adorable, vintage-inspired interior and cute little window seats up above the rest of the sunken café. It's got a casual, laid back atmosphere making it easy to read, write or whatever else.

3) Matchstick Coffee - 213 East Georgia

Not only is Matchstick a favorite study spot, but they also have incredible pour-over coffee, so that’s cool too. The space is brightly lit and fairly quiet, making it much easier for me to focus than a lot of spots. It’s also open until 9 PM seven days a week. PS guys, I’m talking about the Strathcona location, but I’m sure the Fraser/Kingsway location is equally fantastic!

4) JJ Bean – 146 West Cordova

Although plug-ins may be limited and the music is usually pretty loud (but also fantastic!), JJ Bean in the Woodward’s building is another favorite spot. Not only does the layout allow for a few quiet corners to hide in, but the massive windows also make it easy to gaze at the dreamy humans of Gastown.

5) Union Pacific Coffee - 537 Herald St.

For anyone that plans on making a trip over to Victoria anytime soon, Union Pacific, just outside of Chinatown, is another incredible spot that I can actually finish assignments in. It has a lovely secret terrace out back that’s surrounded by nothing except back alleyways from nearby business, meaning it’s quaint AND quiet. Big tables inside make group study sessions easy, and it’s in Victoria so it’s never really that busy.