NYPL in Bryant Park, a favorite for junior Cara Loganadhan.
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Brooke Della Rocco, News Editor
While taking pleasant strolls around Riverdale, one may not realize the wide variety of places around campus that have an environment for Jaspers to study or just wind down. There are tons of small businesses, coffee shops and parks surrounding Manhattan University and the greater New York City Metropolitan area that provide study spots for students. Many places recommended by MU students consist of areas where people can settle down with a book, draft an essay or study for finals.
The Quadrangle spoke with students from various parts of the MU community about their favorite study spots, both on and off-campus, that may not be given enough recognition.
Billy Walker, ‘26, communication major
The Quadrangle: Where is your favorite off-campus study spot?
Billy Walker: I don’t know if it’s considered studying, but I like walking through the nice neighborhood around campus. I just get myself calm to be able to study in that mindset.
TQ: If you could recommend a spot off campus, where would you recommend?
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BW: I love Moss Café so much, and their coffee and baked goods are so good. For me, being in a good coffee shop that has good vibes gets the job done.
TQ: Do you study off campus a lot?
BW: Off campus? Not really. Maybe at home!
Moss Café, located on Johnson Ave, was opened in 2015 and focuses on offering a positive experience to every member of the Riverdale community. They source their ingredients from local farms and are kosher under the Riverdale Vaad.
Moss Café further explains its mission in its website, writing, “We hope to encourage a greater consciousness in the food we eat, where it comes from and the impact it has on both the planet and our community.”
A common favorite on the cafe’s menu is the pistachio latte, which is a seasonal item only available in the spring.
Cara Loganadhan, ‘26, finance and global business double-major
The Quadrangle: Where is your favorite off-campus study spot?
Cara Loganadhan: I like the library at Bryant Park. There’s a quiet room there and I like studying there.
TQ: Would you recommend it to other students?
CL: I would. I think it’s really pretty and I don’t know what it is, but I like when there’s pretty stuff around me while I’m studying. It’s also super quiet there, and everyone around me is being super productive. I’m a little competitive so I’m like, “Okay they’re being productive!”
TQ: Do you study off campus a lot?
CL: It depends. Sometimes I also want to make a city day out of it, but otherwise I kind of do it in my room.
The New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is located right in the heart of Manhattan, and was established in 1970. Home to about 53 million items, this library is the second largest public library in the U.S. It sits next to Bryant Park, surrounded by flourishing gardens and a French-style carousel.
The library has numerous resources and is very accessible to the community, mentioning on their website the ability to book a study room.
“With your library card, you can now book space in one of our study and meeting rooms to collaborate in groups, get homework done, or get creative with an exciting project,” the website says.
All New York City students are eligible to get a New York Public Library card for free.
Frankie Scullin, ‘27, computer science major
The Quadrangle: Where is your favorite off-campus study spot?
Frankie Scullin: I don’t know, I dont go off campus much, but on campus, I like the cafe under Locke’s (Café 1853). I like getting some Zaro’s and sitting at the chairs and tables down there.
TQ: Which spots would you recommend for students to study at?
FS: I would really recommend Zaro’s. It’s pretty quiet, but also not too quiet, and they also have better ventilation compared to the library.
Zaro’s is a convenient space for students to get work done on campus, with lots of beverages and pastries available as well. Located on the bottom floor of Thomas Hall, next to Café 1853, the coffee shop is accessible to many students due to its extensive seating.
Students can pay for their items with meal swipes or dining dollars, or by using the GrubHub app, on which all students, including commuters, are eligible for a free premium subscription.
With the abundance of hidden gems and study spots around New York City, there is no shortage of options for students looking to study while also supporting small businesses.
Editor’s Note: Flynn Myers contributed to reporting.