Best Places to Study in Ames Besides the Library
Sometimes you just need a change of scenery.
Whether you're an Iowa State student looking for a new study spot, a remote worker who needs to get out of the apartment, or someone who simply focuses better with a little background noise, Ames has plenty of places to study beyond the traditional library.
From cozy coffee shops to beautiful parks and unique campus spaces, here are some of our favorite places to get some work done around Ames.
Coffee Shops for a Productive Study Session
A little caffeine, comfortable seating and some background noise can be the perfect combination for getting through that paper or studying for an exam.
Morning Bell Coffee Roasters
111 Main St, Downtown Ames
If you're looking for a quieter coffee-shop atmosphere, Morning Bell is a great downtown option. It's locally focused, has a comfortable atmosphere and is well suited for reading, studying or getting some laptop work done.
Best for: Solo studying, reading and focused work.
Visit Morning Bell Coffee Roasters
Cafe Diem
229 Main St, Downtown Ames
Cafe Diem is a classic Ames coffee-shop option with plenty of food and drink choices. The downtown location makes it convenient if you want to combine a study session with a walk around Main Street.
Best for: Longer study sessions, group projects and people who need snacks to fuel their productivity.
Cafe Milo
4800 Mortensen Rd, West Ames
Cafe Milo is a cozy West Ames option that's particularly popular with people looking for a relaxed place to settle in with a laptop or book.
Best for: Quiet studying, reading and getting away from campus.
Labyrinth Coffee
159 Sheldon Ave, Campustown
Located in Campustown, Labyrinth Coffee is a convenient option when you want to stay close to Iowa State without actually studying on campus. It's a great place to settle in with a laptop, book or classmate.
Best for: ISU students, solo studying and a Campustown coffee break.
Burgie's Coffee
110 Airport Rd, South Ames
Burgie's is another local option for coffee, breakfast and getting some work done. It's a particularly convenient choice if you live on the south side of Ames.
Best for: Early-morning studying, breakfast and a change of scenery.
Take Your Studying Outside
When Iowa weather cooperates, take advantage of it.
Sometimes stepping away from four walls is exactly what your brain needs.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park
5205 Grand Ave, Ames
Ada Hayden offers beautiful open spaces, walking paths and plenty of opportunities to get outside.
Bring your headphones, textbook or tablet and find a comfortable spot to read or review notes.
Best for: Reading, reviewing notes and getting some fresh air between assignments.
Pro tip: This is probably better for a notebook or textbook than your laptop. Wi-Fi and power outlets aren't exactly the selling point here.
Learn more about Ada Hayden Heritage Park
Brookside Park
1325 6th St, Ames
Brookside Park is one of Ames' most recognizable parks and offers plenty of space to spread out.
Grab a blanket, find some shade and turn your study session into an outdoor break.
Best for: Reading, flashcards and studying when you don't need Wi-Fi.
Learn more about Brookside Park
Reiman Gardens
1407 University Blvd, Ames
For a more scenic study break, Reiman Gardens provides a beautiful setting right next to Iowa State.
While it's not necessarily the place to spend an entire day on your laptop, it's a great option for reading, brainstorming or taking a break when you've been staring at a screen for too long.
Best for: Reading, creative thinking and taking a mental reset.
Study Spaces on the Iowa State Campus
If you're an ISU student, you don't necessarily have to head straight to Parks Library.
Iowa State University Student Innovation Center
606 Bissell Rd, Ames
The Student Innovation Center has collaboration areas, study spaces and plenty of room to work.
It's a great option when you need to work on a group project or want a modern environment that's a little different from a traditional library.
Best for: Group projects, collaborative work and studying with classmates.
Visit the Student Innovation Center
Hixson-Lied Student Success Center
215 Beach Rd, Ames
This is another campus option that's worth knowing about. The Hixson-Lied Student Success Center offers academic support spaces, study rooms and areas for both individual and group work.
Best for: Studying between classes, group work and academic support.
Visit the Hixson-Lied Student Success Center
Don't Forget About Your Apartment
You don't always need to leave home to be productive.
In fact, your apartment can be one of your best study spots if you create a space specifically for getting work done.
Create a dedicated study zone
You don't need an entire room.
A small desk, dining table or designated corner can become your go-to workspace.
Try adding:
- A good desk lamp
- A comfortable chair
- Simple organization
- A small plant
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Easy access to outlets
- A monitor for longer work sessions
The goal is to create a space that tells your brain, "When I'm sitting here, it's time to focus."
Your Living Room Can Work Too
Not everyone likes studying at a desk.
If you're reading, reviewing notes or watching lectures, your couch may be perfectly fine.
Just be careful of the classic "I'll just sit down for five minutes" followed by a two-hour nap.
If your couch automatically makes you sleepy, move to the kitchen table or a desk instead.
Have a Balcony or Patio? Use It
One of the easiest ways to change up your study environment without actually leaving your apartment is to move outside.
On a beautiful Iowa spring or fall day, grab your laptop, headphones and textbook and turn your patio or balcony into your own private outdoor study spot. It's hard to complain about studying when you're doing it in the sunshine.
How to Choose the Right Study Spot
Different assignments call for different environments.
Need complete concentration? Try your apartment desk or a quiet campus study space.
Need some background noise? Head to a coffee shop.
Working with a group? Try the Student Innovation Center or a larger coffee shop.
Need a mental reset? Take your textbook outside at Ada Hayden or Brookside Park.
Need Wi-Fi and outlets? Stick with a coffee shop or indoor study space.
Completely burned out? Stop studying for a minute. Take a walk. Get a coffee. Go outside.
Sometimes changing your environment is exactly what you need to come back focused.
Find an Apartment That Fits Your Lifestyle
Where you live can have a big impact on how you spend your time.
For Iowa State students, young professionals and families, Ames offers a variety of neighborhoods and rental options—from apartments close to campus to townhomes and single-family homes with more space.
At Elite Property Management, we believe your rental should feel like more than just a place to sleep. It should be a place where you can live, work, relax and feel at home.
Looking for your next place in Ames or the surrounding area?
Explore available rentals with Elite Property Management and find a space that fits your lifestyle.
Final Study Tip
Don't be afraid to switch it up.
Your favorite study spot on Monday might be a coffee shop. On Wednesday, it might be your apartment. On Friday, it might be a sunny spot outside.
Find what works for you—and don't forget to take breaks.
Because sometimes the best productivity hack isn't studying harder. It's knowing when to step away, grab a coffee and come back with a fresh perspective.
What's your favorite place to study in Ames?
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