Well, it’s that time of year again. As tensions rise and finals week creeps, or rather, sprints toward us, students on campus will be reading, re-reading, studying and developing stress ulcers thinking about finals. And, undoubtedly, many of us will be spending way more time than is healthy or normal at the library.

But studying in one place for too long is like spending too much time with that one friend — you know you have one — who you can’t stand to spend more than a few hours with. You can only sit under those glaring, headache-inducing florescent lights around all those super-intense studiers who make you feel like a terrible student for so long. While tolerances vary from mere minutes to 12-hour-long library stints, it is inevitable you’ll begin feeling a little bit woozy staring at that computer screen or tiny textbook print — especially if you study so hard you don’t have time to eat.

Luckily, there is a solution to this study-or-eat conundrum. Get away from the stress-generating campus libraries for a while and go to one of the many off-campus locales where you can refuel both your brain and your tummy, enjoy a moment of relaxation and then get all juiced up on some good coffee to continue your study marathon. Here are my suggestions for some of the best places to study and eat during finals week that don’t involve stomachaches.

Electric Earth Cafe

This colorful cafe on West Washington Avenue is a great place for study groups, given the large backroom filled with tables and comfy chairs, which create an ideal study space. Electric Earth’s large cafe menu offers something for everybody. There’s a breakfast menu with several early-morning options and a plethora of hot and cold sandwiches available until 11 p.m. (10 p.m. on weekends). Besides traditional coffeehouse drinks, a large selection of smoothies is also available. I tried the Electric Berryland smoothie, a cool and refreshing blend of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, honey and apple juice. While the delicious berries made it fresh and flavorful, the honey made it sweet, almost too sweet, but tasty nonetheless. For sandwiches, I suggest the Garden Pesto with turkey — fresh pesto, tomato and lettuce with mozzarella and turkey served on your choice of white, wheat or rye bread — or the Philly Combo, Electric Earth’s take on the classic Philly Cheesesteak: warm roast beef and provolone with the kick of green peppers, onion, tomato and a quick layer of cream cheese to add to the melty goodness.

Mother Fool’s Coffeehouse

This coffeehouse on Williamson Street is similar in character to Electric Earth, with cheerful, painted murals adorning the walls and local art being displayed and sold. If you need creative inspiration, this is the perfect place to come — check out the ever-changing graffiti wall out back. Try one of the fresh-baked cookies, cupcakes, scones and muffins, or try a cup of their locally made and delicious vegan soups. The Miso with Tofu is salty and savory at the same time, with firm tofu whose texture combines perfectly with the spicy and crunchy scallions, and the Dill Dahl soup is uniquely flavored and sure to please — if you’re a fan of dill, at least. Their low prices and late hours are an added bonus, as Mother Fool’s is open until 11 p.m.

Dobra Tea

If you haven’t been there, give this often-overlooked teahouse a try and stop by State Street for a moment of Zen and a pot of some of the best freshly steeped tea from around the world. A traditional teahouse, Dobra Tea is actually a chain in the Czech Republic. Madison’s location is only the second in the United States. The warm and welcoming atmosphere invites you to linger over your tea, offering a sense of much-needed calm among the stress of finals season. Dobra offers light snacks such as baba ghanouj and a variety of pitas, and although the food leaves a little to be desired, they state it themselves that food is not their specialty. Tea is. The huge menu of teas available can seem overwhelming, but the knowledgeable staff will help you choose the right tea to suit your mood and palate. I suggest the “Memories of Prague,” a slightly spicy and dark tea served with warm milk, honey and two of Dobra’s Bohemian Spicy Nuggets — soft and chewy mini-rum cookies glazed with a delicately sweet icing. The tea is brought to your table and offers you a quiet indulgence as you study into the night.

Indie Coffee

Warm yourself by the mini fireplace as you enjoy the indie d?cor and music at Indie Coffee on Regent Street. And don’t worry, you don’t have to wear worn-out Levi’s, have a weird mustache or ride a custom-built bicycle to enjoy their unique menu and show-stopping drinks. With hot, fluffy waffles served fresh all day long, you’ll never go hungry, and if you’re looking for something a bit more off the map, try their succulent honey, fig and goat cheese sandwich. If there’s one thing you must taste, though, it’s their Vanilla Chai. It’s the perfect balance between sugar and spice and maybe the best chai I’ve ever had. Creamy, frothy and lightly sweet, Indie Coffee’s version of the traditional Indian drink isn’t too heavy or spicy, either. Get here early if you’re trying to study on location, though, because the seating area is quite small and those indie kids want to study, too.

So, since Helen C. White will likely be your only friend in the next few weeks, and you know you’re gonna get sick of her sooner or later, stop by one of these quiet, study-friendly establishments where you can fill your belly as you fill your mind. Good luck!

Elin Amundson is a senior majoring in history and philosophy. Send comments and suggestions to [email protected].