I’m so happy I don’t have to work on a thesis, or have to prepare for exams and highlighting course material with markers. I’ve got enough friends who still have to frequent libraries with their laptops. Whatsapps are answered late, telephones are switched off, and hitting a terrace has got to wait for a few weeks. All of this because that damned thesis has got to be written or that deadline has to be made.
Recognise this? Don’t panic, you’re not the only one. I can imagine you’ll get crazy after spending so much time at that stupid University Library, and studying at home doesn’t work. You only end up diving into your fridge or turning on the telly.
Do you live in Amsterdam? I’ll give some recommendations for quiet and inspiring places to work at. You bet you’ll be productive when you go there. Here they come:
Headfirst Coffee Roasters This new place’s located on the Westerstraat. It’s a small space, but great to work at with your laptop. Great boys behind the coffee machine prepare the tastiest cappuccinos to keep you sharp and awake.
Café Restaurant Amsterdam
has a long reading table on which you can easily put your laptop and books. A lot happens in the cafe (which I like because I can’t really concentrate in really quiet places) so there’s enough distraction if you feel like it. And the lunch menu’s filled with delicious things. My favourites are the sandwiches with vitello tonato or grilled vegetables mozarella.
Hutspot Amsterdam on the Rozengracht.
It’s a popular and quite large concept store, and there’s always enough space. Plugs aplenty for your charger, and they’ve got delicious fresh fruit with yoghurt and homemade granola if you go there in the morning. Hutspot’s also perfect when you want to have a break. Walk round the store because there’s enough to see and shop, from great young clothing to furniture designers.
De Sky Lounge Bar in het Doubletree Hotel
right next to Central Station. It’s a really cool place. You’ve got the best view ever and there’s a quiet atmosphere. Though don’t go there with hunger because the menu’s really too expensive for a day of studying. But it’s the perfect place to treat yourself on a glass of wine, one glass is realllyy good for studying.
Stanislavski on the Leidse square is a great, light space, tall ceilings, and big tables. The WIFI’s really quick and a great audience frequents the place. Also great is the huge terrace in front of the place with a view on the always busy Leidse square.
Boys and girls, good luck with your exams and deadlines. And whoever feels like a glass of wine after working so hard, knows where to find me.
