Winter is upon us, and with it comes exams, final papers, presentations, and hours of studying. The season brings shorter days and academic pressure. Why not take a break from your usual study spot and check out a café?

As a student at Vancouver Island University (VIU), I took it upon myself to visit local cafés—finding the most efficient study environments, locations with affordable treats, and first-hand insights by speaking with café regulars and managers.

My first stop was Serious Coffee on 60 Commercial St. My initial thoughts are that it almost feels like someone’s living room. It’s cozy and inviting.

The menu has some variety, but nothing too unique. I spot your regular drip coffee, iced latte, hot chocolate, and Americano. The basics.

Price-wise, a drip coffee, depending on the size, is $2.50, to $3 dollars—whereas a latte is five eighty.

Baked goods, such as their cream cheese carrot loaf, oat fudge bar, or tripleberry crumble, are similarly priced, with most under $10. 

They also have a wider variety of fun drinks, like smoothies and Italian sodas—a nice way to spice up a study session.

This Serious Coffee location closes at 5 pm, which tends to be later than most businesses in Nanaimo, such as Misty Pines Café and Bakery and Ironworks Café and Creperie, both closing from 3–4 pm. 

A second Serious Coffee location near Jingle Pot Pub is open till 7 pm, providing a great evening study spot.

The Wi-Fi at this location is free, and stability depends on busyness; finding outlets to charge may be difficult.

The fireplace and comfy furniture feel welcoming, and on a cold November afternoon this spot is like a warm hug.

Next, I visited The Vault Café. The pink building is hard to miss.

At 4 pm on a Saturday, this spot was fairly busy, but still had open seating for me and my friends. Their hours vary, but on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday they are open to 12 am—though you may encounter one of their fun shows if you stay into the evening.

The menu had a variety of sandwich handhelds for around $15, and a selection of baked goods that change out regularly. Today they have a yummy-looking butterscotch oat bar and apple pie, both for four dollars. 

The interior decor is magical, with a plethora of unique lamps, picture frames, and trinkets all around. 

The staff was very welcoming, and the overall atmosphere felt lively and fun.

I ordered a hot mocha for $7.15 and sat on the second floor to take in the space.

The volume level on a Saturday afternoon was slightly high, but with some AirPods handy, this shouldn’t be an issue when working. 

The Vault Café provides a cozy and entertaining spot to hunker down for a study session, given their low lighting, fabulous decorations, and being located not too far from campus. 

Now, let’s hop over to White Rabbit Coffee Co. on Selby St.

Cameryn Shantz, a first-year Engineering student and regular at White Rabbit Café, shares their recommendations and experience studying in a café environment. 

“White Rabbit is my favourite because they have reliable Wi-Fi, specific seats for studying so you don’t feel like you are taking up a whole table for four when you need to charge your laptop, and it’s got great outdoor seating.”

Shantz shares how the atmosphere feels positive and light, with friendly staff and customers. They recommend this spot to study, hang out, or for any time you have a morning to kill.

“Whoever is in control of the café playlist has fantastic music taste.”

When asked about their favourite drink, Shantz says, “My go-to is a latte with their honey syrup.” 

A latte at White Rabbit costs $6.40, and their homemade pepper strawberry muffin, pecan bar, and Nanaimo bar are all $4.75. 

Student-friendly pricing, being close to campus, and a good study space are all crucial factors, something that Sara Holmes is aware of. She used to be a VIU student herself, as well as a member of the Navigator’s Student Press from 2017 to 2022.

Fun fact: while she worked for The Navigator, she was first the graphic designer and later the art director. 

Holmes is now the operations manager at the White Rabbit Coffee Co. and Black Rabbit Kitchen & Attic.

She has been part of the White Rabbit team since 2019, and given Holmes’ experience, she seems to have a great outlook on what a student would require when needing a space to study.

“Coffee tends to be treated more like fuel when you’re deep in the studying weeds, but I think what most students crave is a comfortable atmosphere paired with a good, quality coffee that’s worth their dime.”

Holmes says everything at White Rabbit is homemade: the syrups used in coffees, their muffins, cookies, and bars, which are mostly gluten-free. 

Regarding optimal study hours, Holmes says mornings can be busier, so afternoons are recommended. 

Reflecting on her days at The Nav, Holmes says she carries the skills she learned at VIU with her to the café every day.

“Anything that’s printed and on a sign in the café was laid out and cut by me! The menus, pastry tags, gift cards, even the hours were all laid out in the same programs that I used to create The Nav.”

With some final thoughts on the café community in Nanaimo, Holmes says, “The reality is, we’re all friends here, and while we all make good coffee, I think each space offers something that’s unique to them. It’s always cool to see new places open, and we’re glad to see the coffee community in Nanaimo grow.”

Whether you’re looking for a quiet corner, a cozy atmosphere or a strong latte to get you through exams, Nanaimo’s downtown cafés offer something unique for every student.

While all the spots I visited are great spots for students to spend their time, The Vault Café might be my personal favourite for its unique decor and intricate charm. 

Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery, a positive space, and a quality cup of coffee to help you get through the day.

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