Best Coffee Shops and Study Spots Near MTSU

Every student needs a go-to study spot. Whether you need dead silence or background buzz, Murfreesboro has you covered. Here are the spots MTSU students swear by.

Coffee Shops

Just Love Coffee Café

Located on Medical Center Parkway, Just Love is a student staple. Great lattes, solid WiFi, and enough outlets to keep your laptop alive through a 4-hour study session. Their breakfast menu is also surprisingly good for a coffee shop. Best for: Morning study sessions and group projects.

Brass Horn Coffee Roasters

A locally-owned gem on East Main Street. They roast their own beans in-house, and you can taste the difference. The atmosphere is chill and unpretentious — perfect for getting into a flow state. Best for: Solo deep-focus work.

Red Bicycle Coffee

Part of a small Tennessee chain, Red Bicycle brings Nashville coffee culture to Murfreesboro. Their cold brew is legendary, and the space is bright and airy. Best for: Afternoon pick-me-ups between classes.

Coffee Fusion

This spot doubles as a Vietnamese restaurant, so you can get a bánh mì and a pour-over in the same order. The vibe is eclectic and the prices are student-friendly. Best for: When you need food and caffeine in one stop.

On-Campus Study Spots

James E. Walker Library

MTSU's main library has four floors of study space, from silent individual desks to group collaboration rooms you can reserve online. The Starbucks on the first floor doesn't hurt either. Best for: Finals week marathon sessions.

Student Union Building

More casual than the library, the Student Union has comfy seating areas, food options, and a social energy that some students find motivating. Best for: Light reading and casual study between classes.

Outdoor Study Spots

When the weather cooperates (and in Tennessee, it often does), take your textbooks outside:

• MTSU Quad — the classic campus lawn experience
• Greenway Trails — benches along the path for a change of scenery
• Barfield Crescent Park — a 275-acre park with picnic tables and peace and quiet, just 10 minutes from campus

Study Tip

Rotate your study locations. Research shows that changing your environment can actually improve memory retention. Keep 3-4 spots in your rotation and switch it up throughout the week.