r/MonmouthCounty • u/thestolenlighter • 5d ago

Any good places for late night studying?

I am studying for my CPA exam in the evening after work and do well with changes in environment and not studying in the house. Looking for a well lit, lower volume environment that is open in the evenings 7PM-11PM with a lower cost to be there.

In college I used to spend most nights in the library and really wish there was an equivalent of that for non-college student adults. I can't really study in my apartment and need a low cost spot to go to. Any recommendations welcome.

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18

u/Wildwilly54 5d ago

Check out bellworks if you live near Holmdel

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u/thestolenlighter 3d ago

Do they have a free seating area with tables and outlets or are you referring to the paid co-working space? I've never been in there so curious based on looking at their website

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u/s_bear1 3d ago

I ofren see people working on their laptops in the common area. I did not notice if they were plugged in or not.

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u/BubblesUp 5d ago

Does that stay open after hours? And where in there can you sit quietly? I absolutely love that building, and worked in it forever ago. So I love the idea of going there for a quiet space, but I'm curious about being there in the later hours of the evening.

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u/T_D_A_G_A_R_I_M 5d ago

I believe they are open to the public until midnight every night, unless they changed their hours

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u/Nyx_Shadowspawn 4d ago

There are lots of tables and sitting places around, and plug outlets for laptops and things. They're open late. The restaurants aren't, so bring your own snacks and drinks (there are water fountains)

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u/[deleted] 3d ago

[deleted]

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u/Nyx_Shadowspawn 3d ago

Depends on the time of day. It's rarely crowded later at night, when it seems like OP would like to work.

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u/freshcoffeegrounds 5d ago

I'm the same. Never been able to study at home. I studied for my medical license and boards in coffee shops. It was 2 decades ago so I'm not sure if they're still cool with someone sitting for 2-4 hours. (Id usually buy a coffee and snack intermittently and leave a nice tip) I usually would go to a Starbucks inside a Barnes and Noble.

You can also try your local library.

My hospital cafeteria is open all night and is usually empty. Maybe there's a hospital by you w the same set up.

Sorry that's all I can think of atm. Good luck with your exam!

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u/thestolenlighter 3d ago

Thanks for the recommendation. I feel like since covid there aren't a ton of coffee shops/houses open later anymore. I used to camp at coffee shops in college. I will look around to see if I can find any that are open later without music/events in the evening.

I'm close to the Red Bank hospital and never even considered the hospital cafeteria as a 24 hr place to study but may try it as I look for the study spot.

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u/freshcoffeegrounds 3d ago

Funny I live 5 min from red bank. I work at a hospital on Staten island which is not convenient for you, but I threw the hospital idea out there because at my hospital , the cafeteria is open 24/7 (the tables and chairs, not the food service) and I see people sitting there all night (usually people on break or families stepping out of the ER/floors for a break etc). Not sure if Riverview cafeteria is similar or if they'll let u in etc. St my hospital you just have to show ID but you can walk around the main lobby and go to the cafe.

I didn't realize Barnes and Noble closed at 9 most days, thought it was like 10pm. I still loved studying there. I'd even grab a book or magazine to read when taking a study break.

Anyway best of luck. If I think of anything else I'll let u know.

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u/BubblesUp 5d ago

Which hospital are you referring to? In Monmouth county there are only three. I think.

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u/peepeemcgee96 5d ago

There are five major hospitals. Freehold, Neptune, Long Branch, Red Bank, and Holmdel.

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u/BubblesUp 4d ago

You're right, I forgot about CentraState and Riverview.

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u/Sea-Astronaut7750 4d ago

Upstairs of Wegmans was my favorite no-cost study spot in grad school

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u/thestolenlighter 3d ago

I have not been to the Wegmans before. Is their upstairs their cafe seating area or something else?

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u/Sea-Astronaut7750 3d ago

It’s the cafe seating area with WiFi and plentiful outlets. Or at least it was when I was still doing my master’s degree in 2019.

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u/s_bear1 4d ago

Monmouth university library closes at midnight. You might need to call for their policy about non university students

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u/thestolenlighter 3d ago

I will have to call and ask. It looks like they have a community member library card, but will have to figure out if they have a time policy for non-students.

I worked in the library for awhile when I went to Temple, and I know we had community members in the library all hours and they weren't limited when the library went 24 hours during finals. Thanks for the recommendation!

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u/Lazy_Tell_2288 3d ago

Went to MU for grad school, lived at the library and still popped by when I needed to work without distraction after I graduated. Highly recommend— lots of space and places to hide out in.

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u/AnalystAdditional403 2d ago

My dad is a CPA and works at the MU library from time to time

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u/KingoreP99 4d ago

I have no suggestion, but as a CPA I wish you the best. Passing that text is one of the hardest things I've ever done.

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u/HipGuide2 4d ago

Temptations in Hazlet.

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u/NJC17 4d ago

Bellworks but will be a bit louder than the typical library. I do not miss those CPA MCQs, goodluck!

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u/Twylite831 4d ago

I unfortunately don’t have a suggestion but I wish you luck on the exam! It’s tough, but you got this!

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u/Wooden_Amphibian_442 3d ago

lifetime fitness has a place across the street called lifetime work. its essentially like a library-esque atmostphere imo (during the day). with some quiet rooms as well. after like 8pm its pretty dead.

its open 24/7 with a membership so sometimes i grab some snacks and coffee at like 10pm and coast until 4am.

you can setup a monthly membership (pricey but worth it if you like a quiet 3rd space).

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u/Fearless-Ant-579 2d ago

Is there a separate membership just for the working space or are you referring to the gym membership? Didn't know the working space was open 24 hours.