Asha Longsworth
Staff Writer
Within five miles of the University of La Verne there are at least 25 third space study spots, or places outside of the on-campus box, in this case cafes.
“If you don’t enjoy where you are then it (is) hard to focus,” Astrin Cole, freshman theater major said. “I like it to be quiet. Wifi also makes a good study spot.”
According to a Universities and Colleges Admissions Services article in April 2024, titled “How your surroundings affect the way you study,” where you are affects how effectively you study and there are specific environmental factors: comfort, lighting, color, noise and clutter.
I chose five out of the 25 possible third spaces within a five mile radius on campus to review. I looked for places that have comfortable seating, bright lighting, minimal ambient noise, and ample space.
The closest was Nambah Coffee at 2232 D St. in La Verne with operating hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The coffee shop is practically on campus, making it extremely accessible to students.
“It’s really cozy and packed with people studying,” said Dana Gutierrez, a freshman at Arizona State University, while sipping a brown coconut latte.
Nambah has a social yet study friendly atmosphere with exposed brick and a pleasing layout. There is a mixture of couches, benches and chairs that creates both cozy corners and communal seating for about 20 people inside.
Its patio extends the space outdoors, making it easy to socialize, study or relax while still maintaining the organized, intimate feel of a neighborhood coffee shop.
My favorite part about Nambah is the coziness and overall experience. It’s busy, but never crowded, and they host events during the week that makes it not only a go to study spot, but also a space to hang out and connect with others through karaoke, pilates and more.
Next, I went to Iron & Kin located in the Packing House at 536 West First Street in Claremont, with operating hours from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s 3.3 miles from campus.
Iron & Kin’s website says that the shop is “driven by a commitment to provide coffee for ritual & connection.” This commitment is evident in the interior design. From the open ceiling concept and natural lighting to the communal bench seating, Iron & Kin is a bustling study environment designed for large study groups.
The menu features “affirmation lattes” with teas and coffees that have positively affirming names. I ordered an “Iced Gracious,” a lavender ceremonial grade matcha.
Another plus for this spot for me is the location. Across from Iron & Kin is Replay Vintage, a vintage clothing store. And at the end of the packing house is The Claremont Forum Prison Library Project bookstore, chock full of excellent used books.
I next visited Rev’d Up Coffee located 4.6 miles from campus at 212 W. Foothill Blvd. in Claremont. Their hours are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from Friday to Sunday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“My favorite part of this place is the people and the environment,” Maddie Nacey, a junior at Cal Baptist University, said.
The vintage motor aesthetic paired with the classical rock playing in the coffee shop gives it character. My favorite part about this place is the whole ambiance.
With seating for about 30 people, the high top bar stools give the cafe an elevated feel. The menu features various lattes and teas written in chalk on the sanded hoods of muscle cars.
Wish You Were Here cafe is located in Downtown Pomona at 101 East Third Street, about 4.2 miles from ULV.
The coffee shop is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. It has Latin-inspired dishes, cocktails and lattes. It has natural lighting with a cozy booth and couch seating for about 25 people.
Canani Coffee is a Palestinian and family-owned coffee shop 3.3 miles from campus at 101 West Mission Blvd., Suite 106, in Pomona.
Canani’s hours on weekdays are from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. It has a cozy feel with indoor seating for about 15-17 people. Canani serves freshly ground coffee, and Palestinian-inspired pastries and drinks such as their za’atar croissant and their pistachio rose latte.
I ordered the coconut matcha latte, which was not only rich in flavor, but also hospitality. The barista who made the drink asked me what I thought about it after. Canani’s hospitality is a recurring highlight in this shop’s Yelp reviews.
I value a study space with natural light, open seating, but still study friendly. Out of the five spots I tried, I would recommend Iron & Kin most highly.
According to the Albert Shanker Institute in 2024, cafes are among the many options of third spaces for young adults. They provide a sense of community and, similar to third spaces for children, these settings can provide academic and behavioral benefits for adults as well.
Asha Longsworth can be reached at asha.longsworth@laverne.edu.
Asha Longsworth is a senior communications major with a concentration in public relations, and a staff writer for the Campus Times.
Natalia Rodriguez is a senior creative writing and communications major. She is a member of ULV's The Blank Page Writer's Club and has served as a staff member for the school's literary magazine, Prism Review. She is currently arts editor and a staff photographer for the Campus Times and previously served as a staff writer.
