Savannah Frizzle and Alissa Diggs work on their laptops at Avenue Coffee on Echles Street near campus. Avenue is one of the more popular study spots for U of M students.
The University of Memphis area is bustling with restaurants and cafeÌs where students go to hang out and get away from all the stress of school.
Coffee shops surround the campus area, and some students find them perfect for relaxing and meeting up with friends.
“My friend introduced me to Avenue Coffee,†Whitley Bilger, a business sophomore, said. “It’s a pretty cool place to chill and hang with your friends, and I’m glad I know it.â€
Avenue Coffee, located at 786 Echles Street, is open until 11 p.m. every night except Sunday. According to co-owner, Jaron Weidner, the cafeÌ’s founders chose the location so it could be “that place where students can relax or study.â€
“We definitely thought about it being a college spot,†Weidner said. “I think by also being open late, we become a hangout place for the students.â€
Another coffee shop students may be familiar with is Otherland’s Coffee Bar at 641 S. Cooper St. in Midtown. They serve food and coffee, so many students can be seen relaxing or studying.
“Everyone is enjoying themselves or in their zone,†Zubaidah Alhayali, a junior biology and psychology major, said.
“It’s comfortable, and you get good coffee,†Alhayali said.
Rachel Horton, an Otherland’s barista, said that many U of M students go there to enjoy the environment and relax.
“We’re pretty close to campus,†Horton said. “We have a lot of space, free Wi-Fi and good coffee.â€
Of course, coffee shops are not the only hang out spots for college students. Some prefer a night out on the town at restaurants or bars.
Young Avenue Deli, located in Midtown, attracts students with its food, drinks and occasional live music.
“I like to usually hang out at Young Avenue Deli,†Jake Hopkins, a senior marketing and music industry major, said. “It’s a great spot with a good atmosphere.â€
Although many students prefer nearby places to study and socialize, some don’t mind going even further out.
Students like Ibrahim Elayan, a senior biomedical engineering major, say places like IHOP or Perkins can be great for relaxing with friends and getting some work done because they are open 24 hours a day and offer free Wi-Fi.
“If you’re trying to study or meet up with friends, believe it or not, IHOP is one of the best places,†Elayan said.
Some U of M students find these places fun and suitable for breaks in between study sessions and work, but these are only a few of the unique places Memphis has to offer.
“Any place with good food, coffee and company is all you really need,†Elayan said. “It always just depends on the people around you – the environment.â€Â
