Courier staff picks best places to study off-campus for finals

The Concordia Courier

CUI

By Staff Report | 12/5/2025

Maks DuPont, Campus Editor: I have lived on campus for my four years here, but when I go out and study, I like to go to the park. I have also done some homework and hung out with friends at the local Starbucks here.


Teagan Algarra, Layout Editor: My favorite coffee shop would have to be Lion and Lamb Coffee Roasters in Costa Mesa! They have a ton of seating and a lovely seasonal menu. MoonGoat in Irvine and Costa Mesa is great too. My last recommendation would be Salty Horse in Costa Mesa; it’s another new study location that's open as late as 8 p.m. Most of their seating is outdoor, though, but the environment is extremely cozy! 


Lion and the Lamb: 3186 Pullman St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

MoonGoat in Irvine: 5171 California Ave, Suite 100, Irvine, California 92617

Salty Horse: 2246 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 


Caroline Wong, Faculty Advisor: I love Coffee Dose in Irvine. This is my go-to spot for meeting up with girlfriends or casual work meetings. Great drinks, cute pink trailer. Originally recommended by Concordia alum Alexis Rios, I go there all the time now. Best enjoyed with good outdoor weather. 7 Corporate Park, Irvine. https://coffeedose.cafe/. The Lost Bean also serves great hot coffees, blended drinks, breakfast and lunch. Seating options include inside, outside patio (good for dogs) or grab a bench and enjoy your coffee with a view of North Lake. 4632 Barranca Pkwy, Suite 4632, Irvine. https://thelostbean.com/


Kiara Azuma, Online/Social Editor: My go-to spot for studying is MoonGoat Coffee Roasters. It is only a 10-minute drive from campus, making it very accessible. Not only do they offer drinks, but also a great selection of food and pastries to enjoy while studying. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing you to choose either the classic coffee shop ambience or enjoy some sun while studying. Best perk: free Wi-Fi! 5171 California Ave, Irvine.


Rebekah Michel, Editor-in-Chief: I love Philz Coffee for a mid-day caffeine and study break. They have locations throughout Orange County, but the one in Costa Mesa is a quick 10-minute drive and is conveniently located near South Coast Plaza and John Wayne Airport. Their coffee is always delicious, and they have many places to study indoors and outside. 3420 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA. 

Tags: Alexander Carr, Review


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