- Exploring student-friendly spaces in Colombo
April is coming to an end and with it comes the end of another school year. In tandem, many students are also preparing for the international Ordinary, Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level exams that traditionally happen in May and June. Several university faculties and private universities are also gearing up for exams.
“This time has been very stressful for me because AS Levels are no joke,” Jessica Bandaranaike, 17, told The Daily Morning Brunch. “Sometimes, I need a quiet space where I can hear myself think. Unfortunately, a lot of the cafes around me are filled with annoying music.”
Many students echoed Bandaranaike’s wishes for a quiet study space away from their home. Because of this, we compiled a list of student friendly spaces where studying and revising is not only possible but rewarding.
Barefoot Gallery Cafe
Barefoot Cafe is one of those quiet outdoor spaces where one can sit, sip some beverages and open some books. The place also has some yummy food that would provide sustenance to any tired student.
“I often go to Barefoot to sit outside and regain my sanity,” Amaya De Silva, 27, said. “The food is yummy and gives me plenty of energy to get through my thesis.”
Barefoot also has an art gallery filled with work from both local and international artists as well as a batik and book shop to give students a much needed break from their daily stress. The much needed mental escape makes this cafe popular not just with students but with those of us who prefer some peace and quiet.
“When I’m tired of looking at my research, I always walk over to the art gallery or buy a book that I can read on my break,” she said. “This is why Barefoot is my go to place.”
Cafe Kumbuk
Cafe Kumbuk is another outdoor cafe that promises a calm and relaxing atmosphere for students. The place has both an outdoor garden as well as an indoor area, which is perfect for those of us who are desperate to escape the heat.
“Kumbuk is a great place to just disappear and get some work done,” Rajni Tiwari, 18, said. “While having some great food options, the place isn’t too loud unlike some cafes that blare music.”
Tiwari said that the outdoor garden area really helps her focus on her studies and brings her some peace.
Seed Cafe
Seed cafe has always been extremely popular with students due to its proximity to schools and its quiet location. The cafe welcomes many students and offers a wide variety of food options to choose from including gluten free and vegan options.
“I really love seed cafes because my friends and I can walk there after school,” Tiwari said. “It’s relatively quiet and we often get to see and interact with students from other schools.”
Tiwari said that she enjoys meeting other students at Seed and revising with them.
“I love Seed because it is so popular with students so I can make study buddies and exchange notes with others,” she said. “And it’s a great way to vent about exams.”
Kaffi Colombo
Located in Crescat, Kaffi is a small, intimate cafe that offers a place where students can open their books with little disruption.
“What I like about Kaffi is that it’s relatively quiet and has great food,” De Silva said. “I can go over there, take out my iPad and focus for hours. And no one will disturb me.”
Because of its location, Kaffi is surrounded by shops, nail salons and a jewelry store.
“I love studying at Kaffi because it’s near a nail salon,” she said. “So whenever I’m feeling anxious or overwhelmed, I walk over and get my nails done. And it instantly helps clear my mind.”
Lakmahal Community Library
Finally, while cafes are great spaces to sit and revise, nothing can replace the experience of a library. Situated on Alfred House Road, Lakmahal is a library and a community space with several clubs and events centering around arts and culture.
“It’s an amazing place if you are studying the arts,” Michelle Silva, 25, said. “I’m doing an English degree so Lakmahal has all the books I need.”
The library offers a quiet and friendly environment, including an outdoor garden where students regularly come to study.
“I love coming here because it’s surrounded by books,” Silva said. “So whenever I get tired of studying, I simply pick up a book and let my mind wander.”
The library is known to be an inclusive space where people from all backgrounds gather to read, study and bond over books.
As students across the country continue to look for friendly spaces, the demand for cafes that allows one to think is growing. While some of us may be fond of loud music and a fast-paced ambiance, a slow and student-friendly experience will always be dear to a lot of us.