With finals season approaching, many Dobbs Ferry students have begun studying, but studying at home can prove to be difficult. Distractions from family members, inaccessibility of resources, or lack of motivation to work in a common environment drive many to different study spots throughout the town. Although Dobbs Ferry is small, many local shops, parks, and libraries can be utilized for studying. These spots include Climbing Wolf, Starbucks, Dobbs Ferry Public Library, Dobbs Ferry School Library, and Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park.
Climbing Wolf, located on Main St, Dobbs Ferry, is a favorite study spot for local students. The hybrid coffee shop and bar offers a beautiful environment with many options for interior seating, decorations such as paintings and photographs, as well as a view of Main Street, creating an ideal location for productivity. Large windows on the walls fill the store with natural light and provide scenic views for patrons. The store is open until 11 pm on most weeknights, closing at 8 pm on Mondays and Sundays and at 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Many students take advantage of the late closing hours, especially those with busy schedules or after-school sports, often spending afternoons and nights working. The cafe aspect of Climbing Wolf allows students to enjoy pastries, coffee, or other beverages while they work. However, because the establishment is partially a bar, it can get loud in the evening, especially on weekends. The increased volumes at certain hours may interfere with concentration, making working during those times harder. Still, students adapt, using noise-canceling headphones if they are alone or doing work in groups earlier in the day. Despite the possible interruptions of work, Climbing Wolf is often filled with students completing work or studying due to the atmosphere and accessibility of the cafe.
Starbucks on Stanley Ave is one of the most frequented places for Dobbs Ferry students studying outside of school. With its free wifi, comfortable seating, productive atmosphere, and easy access to food and drink, Starbucks maintains its status as a favorite study spot for many. Starbucks is far from the center of town, located in Chauncey Square. Despite this, students continue to travel there not only for the coffee shop, but for the plaza around it, including other restaurants and stores such as Ulta Beauty, Chipotle, or Chopt. This makes it convenient for students to eat dinner or to do some shopping while not at Starbucks. The popularity of Starbucks can be an issue. Seating is sometimes scarce for groups of people looking to work together during peak hours. Nevertheless, the atmosphere at Starbucks, although sometimes loud, is great for studying. A decorated interior and background music contribute to the environment that encourages productivity in students. Another reason behind Starbucks’ popularity is its variety of beverages and food. They have recently introduced a free refill policy for certain drinks, encouraging students to stay longer at the shop. Overall, despite the noise and occasional seating difficulties, Starbucks remains a popular destination for students looking to study, complete work, or simply grab a drink.
If the busy or noisy environment of Starbucks and Climbing Wolf makes it difficult to focus, the silent section of the Dobbs Ferry Public Library offers a quiet alternative. The library is located farther down on Main Street than most shops, about a 15-minute walk from the school, but the quiet working environment makes the walk worth it. The third floor of the library consists of two sections, the teen section and the quiet section. If students are planning on doing group work or a study session with friends, the teen section allows students to make noise while working. The teen section consists of four tables, separated by bookshelves, that groups or individuals can sit at. Conversation in this area is permitted, provided students are not disrupting others. On the other side, in the quiet section, no noise of any kind is allowed, creating a distraction-free work environment for students. The Dobbs Ferry Public Library offers desktops free for use as well as a printer free for use on school-related projects, allowing students to conduct research or print out papers they may not be able to at home. Although the library isn’t the best for group work, especially in the quiet section, the amenities and peacefulness of the area make it a popular study spot for many students.
If students are looking for a convenient study spot after school, the Dobbs Ferry School Library is a good alternative to other areas, especially for short study sessions. The library is located within the middle school, making it accessible to all students. It can be used during free periods or after school. The large number of seating options, including tables fit for group work as well as smaller desks that are available for individual studying, draws many students to the area. The library closes around 5 pm, making evening study difficult. However, it is still a good choice for students wanting to quickly complete homework, do some reading, or study for an upcoming test before heading home. The library may not always be open, so make sure to check the calendar posted on the library’s door to ensure it is available on a given day. In addition to the seating and accessibility, the library offers desktops and printers for students to use. The library can be loud on some days when large groups work there or teachers host reviews, but for students planning on doing group work or using noise-canceling headphones, the library is a valuable study spot that many students utilize.
Although the previous options have been more traditional study spots, the waterfront is a refreshing and scenic alternative for students to balance studying and spending time outdoors. With weather conditions improving as Spring goes on, students want to spend more time outside in the sun and warm weather. The waterfront allows students to enjoy fresh air and scenic views while remaining productive. Picnic tables throughout the grassy area are ideal outdoor study spots in which students can work in groups or individually. However, if students are willing to connect their computers to a hotspot, this issue can be solved. The other issue is the varying weather conditions. Recently, Dobbs Ferry has experienced a lot of rain, and this weather pattern will continue throughout the season, disrupting plans for outdoor studying. Despite these challenges, the waterfront is a favorite spot for many students who prefer to spend their time outdoors. In many cases, the view of the river and the beauty of the park may motivate students while working.