Whether you’re working remotely or going to school, getting out of the house to study or work can make a huge difference in your focus and energy levels.
One of the most popular places you can find people reading books or typing silently on their laptops is in coffee shops, with their built-in white noise and endless supply of caffeine. But does Starbucks allow you to study? Let me share with you the answer I learned!
Does Starbucks allow studies in 2024?
Starbucks allows studying on its premises, indoors and outdoors (where applicable), with no purchases necessary starting in 2024. Starbucks is also embracing its stance as a “third place” meeting space and encouraging customers not to worry about a time limit. As always, check with your local Starbucks to ensure in-store customers are currently being accepted.
To learn more about what you need to buy to study at Starbucks, whether it’s a good place to go for your homework, how long you’re asked to stay, and even if Starbucks can kick you out, keep reading!
Can you study at Starbucks without buying anything?
In its 2009 response to independent coffee shops limiting people’s stay in their stores, Starbucks went in the other direction.
“We have no time limit on being in our stores,” the official statement said. “We strive to create a welcoming environment for all of our customers. »
Notice the word customers? It’s the word used to describe people buying something.
However, all that changed in 2018 when Starbucks was uncomfortable over an incident in Philadelphia that appeared to be racially motivated.
That said, two black men were waiting for a third person to join them and were refused access to the restroom and asked to leave because they hadn’t purchased anything.
The police were called by the store manager, leading to both men being wrongfully arrested and jailed for hours.
The outcry was fast and furious, the manager who called the police resigned, and ultimately Starbucks revamped its paying customer policy.
Do people go to Starbucks to do their homework?
People absolutely go to Starbucks to do their homework, from high schoolers to college students to adult learners.
Plus, it’s a good neutral meeting place if there is a team or group project and you need a meeting place that isn’t someone’s house.
However, you should consider bringing headphones in case the noise level in the store becomes too loud for you to concentrate (or if you have a loud speaker right next to you).
Does Starbucks offer fast and free WiFi?
Starbucks offers its customers free Wi-Fi through Google, something the company has done since 2014.
As it happens, CNET.com ranked Starbucks’ Wi-Fi number one among chains that offer the service, saying it’s « twice as fast as Netflix recommends for streaming Ultra HD quality video. » « .
Plus, accessing them in store is child’s play; simply go to your Wi-Fi hub and select “Google Starbucks”.
After that, a browser window will appear and ask you for information. Once you’ve filled it out, you can click « Accept and Login » and you’re in business.
Plus, you only have to do it once for each location; the Starbucks network and your computer should remember each other after the first time.
How long can you stay at Starbucks to study?
As previously mentioned, in 2009, Starbucks’ then-CEO encouraged its paying customers to stay as long as they wanted.
Since then, I can’t find anything to suggest that Starbucks’ view has changed on this policy, so as long as you make at least one purchase, you’re welcome to set up camp.
Can Starbucks kick you out while you work or study?
Starbucks announced a new policy in 2018 that it would no longer ask people to leave if they haven’t made a purchase.
Additionally, anyone can use Starbucks’ restrooms, whether or not they are a paying customer.
That said, this new policy came about after an incident at a Philadelphia location where two black men were arrested because they were waiting at a Starbucks for a third person.
After that, Starbucks quickly changed its policy to create « a culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is welcome. »
So, non-paying customers who want to come to Starbucks and study are welcome.
But obviously, customers who pose a threat to themselves or others will be asked to leave, or employees will be asked to call law enforcement.
Where can you go to study other than Starbucks?
If your Starbucks is closed and you still need a place to study, you’re in luck; there are many other places that also have free Wi-Fi, including:
- Your local public library
- Taco Bell
- Arby’s
- Metro
- Independent cafes
- A bookstore, such as Barnes & Noble (some of which have Starbucks inside)
- Outdoors, like in a local park
To learn more, you can also read our articles on whether or not Starbucks hires criminals, does Starbucks hire locally, and how to leave Starbucks.
Conclusion
Starbucks has become a go-to place for people who need a place away from home or away from school to study or work.
Since 2018, Starbucks has been committed to providing a no-purchase location for anyone to come and enjoy the space and use the restrooms.
Visit Les Gourmandises for more information.
