Change your scenery: study spots a short trip from Rice

Tired of never finding a seat at Chaus and always losing your favorite study spot at Fondy to someone else? Don’t want to study in your room but don’t know of places outside where you can do so? Look no further for a list of cafés, restaurants and more near Rice to explore for a change of pace while attempting to get through work this semester.
Sweet Paris
Complete work and treat yourself to various sweet and savory crêpes at Sweet Paris anytime between 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Rice Village. Sweet Paris not only has delicious crêpes, but also offers waffles, salads, soup and hot drinks. Unfortunately, Sweet Paris does not have many power outlets, so visitors may need to charge your laptop beforehand if they intend to finish their work. With access to Wi-Fi, students can almost never go wrong by starting their day with a sweet treat while finishing their sour COMP 182 homework.
El Tiempo Cantina
If you are fancying some good Tex-Mexican lunch, check out El Tiempo Cantina at Richmond Avenue. Only a seven-minute drive or a 20-minute bus ride away, Cantina is known for its spicy fajitas, enchiladas and Texas-size portions. The back patio will is charming and, momentarily, visitors might even forget that they are there to do some work, using the free Wi-Fi that the restaurant offers.
Starbucks
Students can never go wrong with our good ol’ pal, Starbucks. Get ready to finish work with that coffee adrenaline rush anytime between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. There are several locations near campus just a short walk or METRO ride away.
Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library
For a change in environment to study with peace and quiet, Freed-Montrose Library is an excellent option. With a number of outlets and free WiFi, visitors can get their work done here anytime between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Freed-Montrose is open to the public and is an easy six minute bus ride away.
Fresco
For good pasta and music to study with, Fresco could be a new favorite study spot. Only an 11-minute bus ride away, Fresco offers a wide variety of pizza, pasta, lasagnas and various types of sauces anytime between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. from Wednesday through Sunday. Since Fresco does not have Wi-Fi, offline work can be completed without the temptation of being online.
More from The Rice Thresher

Andrew Thomas Huang puts visuals and identity to song
Houston is welcoming the Grammy-nominated figure behind the music videos of Björk and FKA twigs on June 27.
Live it up this summer with these Houston shows
Staying in Houston this summer and wondering how to make the most of your time? Fortunately, you're in luck, there's no shortage of amazing shows and performances happening around the city. From live music to ballet and everything in between, here are some events coming up this month and next!

Review: 'Adults' couldn’t have matured better
Sitcoms are back, and they’re actually funny. FX’s “Adults” is an original comedy following a friend group navigating New York and what it means to be an “actual adult.” From ever-mounting medical bills to chaotic dinner parties, the group attempts to tackle this new stage of life together, only to be met with varying levels of success.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication by The Rice Thresher.