As a high school senior with a 3.8 GPA, I have done too many hours of studying to count. Over the past four years, these three spots are where I have done my most focused work aside from my desk at home. This ranking of the spots is based on three criteria: ambiance, overall focus, and availability. 

Lansdale Starbucks

• Ambiance: 4/5
• Overall Focus: 5/5
• Availability: 5/5
• Rationale: I love how calm Main St. Starbucks feels, with light background music and lovely workers. This is without a doubt my go-to spot to do work. It is not too loud, so it is easy to stay focused, and the Wi-Fi connection is nearly automatic. With the consistent convenience, calm aesthetic, and hours of operation, Starbucks takes my number 1 spot.

K-Pod Concourse

• Ambiance: 2.5/5
• Overall Focus: 4.5/5
• Availability: –
• Rationale: Surprise, surprise, North Penn’s K-Pod concourse is making an appearance on this list! Considering that I have an early release, it is convenient to get a head start on any homework at the K Pod concourse tables before extracurricular meetings. It is also not difficult to stay focused because of how quiet the concourse can be. That being said, the ambiance has a low rating considering that I am still at school, rather than an aesthetically pleasing cafe.

Backyard Beans

• Ambiance: 4/5

  

• Overall Focus: 3/5
• Availability: 2/5
• Rationale: Boy oh boy, this used to be my spot. The downfall comes when you realize this place closes at 4 p.m. and the kitchen closes two hours earlier! The availability is just not there. And it is a little harder to stay focused at Backyard Beans than the other two spots because of how many people are in and out. If and only if you get an opportunity to do work here while it is not too busy, and at a time where you don’t have to worry about closing, this can be your best option.  But in most cases, this deserves third.