Beyond Evans: cafes near Florida Tech to study, sip and get off campus

For Florida Tech students, finding a good place to study usually means heading to Evans Library, finding an empty classroom or staying home. While those options get the job done, sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what is needed to make a long study session a little more enjoyable. Luckily, the Melbourne area has several coffee shops and cafes where students can grab a drink and get some work done away from campus. Whether you are looking for a quiet corner to finish an assignment, a place to meet up for a group project or simply somewhere different to spend an afternoon, here are some local spots worth checking out. Apocalypse Coffee Roasters Located on North Harbor City Boulevard, Apocalypse Coffee Roasters is one of the more unique coffee shops in Melbourne. The locally owned roaster combines specialty coffee with a creative science-fiction and post-apocalyptic theme, giving the shop an atmosphere that is noticeably different from a typical chain cafe. The large interior also makes Apocalypse appealing for students looking to stay for a while. There is room to spread out with a laptop or meet with a friend while enjoying espresso drinks, coffee and food. Because Apocalypse roasts its own certified-organic coffee, it is also worth visiting for students who care just as much about the coffee as they do about finding somewhere to study. 905 Cafe Also located on East New Haven Avenue, 905 Cafe offers another reason to make the short trip into Downtown Melbourne. The cafe has been part of the local community since 1997 and provides a smaller, cozier alternative to some of the larger coffee shops in the area. With coffee, breakfast options and cafe food available, 905 works well for students looking for a casual place to read, work on an assignment or spend a slower morning away from campus. Its downtown location also means students can walk around the surrounding shops and restaurants after finishing their work. For someone who prefers the character of a small local cafe over a larger coffee shop, 905 is worth adding to the study rotation. Foxtail Coffee at Hotel Melby Students looking for a more modern atmosphere can head to Foxtail Coffee inside Hotel Melby in Downtown Melbourne. The location offers a different experience from a traditional standalone coffee shop. Being inside the hotel gives students access to a polished downtown environment while still providing the familiar coffee-shop essentials. It can be a particularly good option for working on a laptop, meeting someone for a project or grabbing coffee before spending time downtown. Its central location also makes Foxtail an easy stop to combine with other Downtown Melbourne activities, making it a good choice when students want their study break to feel like more of an afternoon away from campus. The Teahouse Not every study session has to involve coffee. The Teahouse, located on East New Haven Avenue, offers an alternative for students who would rather have tea. This family-owned cafe has a cozy atmosphere and serves loose-leaf teas along with pastries and light food. Compared with the energy of some coffee shops, the setting lends itself well to slowing down with a book, reviewing notes or catching up with a friend. The Teahouse is especially worth considering for students who enjoy the cafe experience but do not necessarily want another cup of coffee. Finding your spot Evans Library will probably always be one of the most convenient places for Florida Tech students to get serious studying done, but it does not have to be the only option. Melbourne's local cafes give students an opportunity to explore the community surrounding campus while also breaking up their normal study routines. Apocalypse offers plenty of personality and space, 905 brings the charm of a smaller downtown cafe, Foxtail at Hotel Melby offers a more modern setting, and The Teahouse gives non-coffee drinkers an option of their own. The best study spot ultimately depends on the type of work you need to get done. Some days call for complete silence and a library desk. Others might be better spent with a laptop, a cup of coffee and a little background noise. For Florida Tech students feeling tired of the same study routine, the next productive afternoon might be waiting just a few minutes away from campus.