One thing about me is that I usually can't sit in one spot and study for too long. You might call it getting distracted, but I prefer the term adventure.
"Building hopping" is my favorite activity when I have a lot of work on my plate. Whether it’s the law library, the Multicultural Center or the STEM building, I love changing up the scenery. Combine that with the fact that I’m a coffee enthusiast who always needs a drink while working, and you get my Grand River study crawl.
Grand River has it all: late-night fast-food runs, last-minute shopping trips to hunt for a tailgate outfit and, best of all, coffee shops.
There are many study spots along Grand River — some I haven’t even tried yet. But these are the places I keep coming back to again and again over the past two years.
Moka and Co.
Just a short walk from North Neighborhood, Moka and Co. is a cozy option. I feel at ease studying there thanks to its relaxed, laid-back vibe. It’s my go-to spot for quick study sessions between classes or an afternoon grind.
They offer plenty of seating, whether you’re studying solo or meeting up for a group project. Moka and Co. also has a great menu, with options for tea, coffee and matcha lovers, plus tons of pastries. My favorite order is the iced salted caramel latte, with the iced white chocolate mocha as a close second.
The best part? Show your MSU student ID at the register for a discount!
Haraz Coffee House
Just down the street from Moka and Co., Haraz is another great escape from the hustle of campus life. Haraz Coffee House gives me rainy-day coffee shop vibes straight out of a Hollywood movie, but in reality, it’s simply another excellent study spot.
I love going to Haraz after my classes to wind down and reflect on my day. It has a similarly relaxed feel as Moka and Co. and an amazing ambiance. I recommend visiting during slower hours because it tends to fill up fast.
I’m guilty of one thing: always ordering the same drink: an iced salted caramel latte. You might call it basic, but I call it a comfort drink. Same difference.
Foster Coffee Company
Not to be dramatic, but Foster Coffee Co. practically screams, "Hello, New York!" to me.
Foster Coffee Co. is my next stop on the Grand River study crawl. It’s a bit of a walk from the bus stop, but it’s absolutely worth it. Foster exudes a big-city feel. If I had to describe it in two words: cozy corporate-esque.
It is an all-around great spot to grab a latte or spend three hours typing away. I appreciate the city vibe because, for some reason, it just motivates me to study more. My order here might shock you: an iced caramel latte. Shocker, I know.
Strange Matter - MSU Union
I know this is supposed to be about my favorite Grand River study spots, but I have to mention Strange Matter at the MSU Union.
The MSU Union was the first building on campus to become one of my regular study spots during freshman year.
Every time I visit it, I make sure to stop at Strange Matter. Located centrally among several study areas, Strange Matter is your combo exchange’s best friend. The shop offers two different combo options you can purchase with your MSU student ID, and they accept Spartan Cash, too.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
As a regular caramel latte drinker, I enjoy switching it up at Strange Matter. My go-to order here is an iced vanilla latte — a classic. And did I mention the combos include a donut of your choice?
Special shoutout to the iced elderberry latte from the 2025 spring menu — you were the reason I survived endless readings and lecture videos.
The sweet treat and studying combination is top tier, especially when you have so many options to choose from. These study spots have gotten me through the past two years.
Michigan State’s campus has endless buildings and cozy corners to study in. But if you’re looking to change things up or simply explore, Grand River has it all.
