I will say that it is quite ironic that I am writing this article while sitting in Blacksmith. However, as a redeeming factor, I am also waiting for the 4 p.m. shuttle to Galleria Mall, so I can study at l’ETO caffe.

With midterms starting, some of us may feel stuck on campus, like we don’t have the time to escape the Saadiyat bubble and enjoy ourselves outside of a campus when most people are crushed by the load of assignments. What about balancing both? There are a number of cafes very close to campus that serve excellent coffee, tea — if you’re a part of that team — and good food, as well as offer a great ambiance for studying. So, here I offer to you the first part of my list of cafes, with places to go to when you’re comfortable in your Saadiyat Bubble but feeling khalassed by campus.

I ended up in Shakespeare and Co. for the first time completely randomly. It was when my first-year suitemate and I decided to go for a walk and take pictures at St. Regis to celebrate the fact that I had finished my six page literary analysis of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Located in the St. Regis hotel in Saadiyat Island and with various other branches across Abu Dhabi and the UAE, Shakespeare and Co. is a kitsch cafe — decorated in an English Renaissance theme, with large paintings on the walls and massive chandeliers hovering over your head. It is perfect if you want to channel your inner pompous royal self and romanticize your afternoon date with your laptop. Pro tip is to take a walk around the hotel when you need to take a break and feel the blood in your legs.

Shakespeare & Co. is relatively quiet and peaceful until around sunset and a bit later on weekdays. You can enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating. Their coffee is decent, but what makes the place worth it are [their desserts] (https://www.shakespeare-and-co.com/article/dine-in-menu)— absolute delights. Moreover, if it ends up becoming your favorite spot, they have a loyalty program. I will say, however, do not try the mac and cheese, unless you enjoy weird-tasting combinations of nuts, vegetables and cheese.

ALKALIME I only went to Alkalime once for a girls’ brunch and really enjoyed my time. Located in Mamsha Saadiyat, it is the perfect café and restaurant to channel your “I’m an Insta influencer living a healthy life” self, plus it's got great views on Saadiyat beach and excellent food. The staff is very friendly and you’re welcomed by a water and lemon shot to detoxify your body before your food starts coming in. With a lot of green and neutral tones and wicker furniture, it feels like a tropical getaway.

Alkalime falls on the pricier side of cafes in Abu Dhabi, but at least you can stay for a while even if you just order a smoothie. If you need to be in a calm space to work, however, I would avoid brunch times and sunset, when it tends to get crowded.

Ten11 Beach Also located in Mamsha, Ten11 Beach is a nice spot to sit down in the morning and feel life starting to burgeon by the beach as you start working. The food is amazing, the coffee tastes fantastic and the sitting area is very refreshing, also with a view on Saadiyat Beach. The interior is decorated in neutral and gold tones, it feels very luxurious and the atmosphere is calming. There are also other locations across Abu Dhabi if you feel like going further in the city, but I personally haven’t tried any.

Ten11 is also among the pricier side of cafes in Abu Dhabi, but you can get a cup of coffee and one or two great breakfast or lunch items for 60 or 70 AED. The staff is very friendly and makes sure you have a great experience whenever you’re there. Honestly, it is one of my favorite cafes and restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Pro tip is to take a walk around Mamsha when you need a break.

Final pro-tip, St. Regis Hotel reception If you don’t want to spend any money but still prefer to study outside of campus in a big space with fast internet, I recommend working in the reception area of St. Regis Hotel, where no one will bother you and you can stay as long as you like.