Third space recommendations near campus
The Link masthead tells you where you can go to relax, lock in or grab a bite
The busy city life around Concordia University’s Sir George Williams campus doesn’t exactly invite students to just sit and take a breath. It can be hard to find places to relax as a newcomer to the school. What businesses can you sit and study at? Where can you go to unwind? The Link’s masthead answers these burning questions.
Managing editor Claudia Beaudoin enjoys playing board games at Hang Time Pizza between study periods.
“I have a fond memory from last winter, during midterms, where I spent an hour playing intense Connect Four while it stormed outside,” Beaudoin said. “It was the perfect reset.”
Cafe Aunja is video editor Soraya Yale-Ramanathan’s pick. She says you can stay there for a long time without getting kicked out.
“It's like a colourful, cozy nook that I love for studying and spending time with people,” Yale-Ramanathan said.
Sean Richard, one of the co-news editors, suggests the classic (and infamous) Webster Library. Specifically, he says booking the quiet rooms is the best place to really focus on your assignments.
He also enjoys browsing the library’s wide collection of books.
The other co-news editor, Kara Brulotte, echoed Richard’s sentiment about the library’s quiet rooms.
She also likes going to Shaughnessy Café near the Atwater metro station, saying it has good pastries and cool decor. She says that the cafe is close to campus, but not so close that it’s constantly packed.
Creative director Naya Hachwa likes to hang out in the visual arts building lounges.
“They’re really pretty and calming,” Hachwa said.
Hachwa also notes that free food is sometimes offered, often leftovers from events hosted by the Fine Arts Student Alliance, which are left in the fridge for students to take.
Halle Keays, the graphics editor, frequents the bars around campus.
She notes that Reggie’s and Mad Hatter’s are nice due to their proximity. She also enjoys Brutopia because it hosts live music.
“I also like to hang out at Piranha Bar ‘cause it's also a venue for punk and metal shows,” Keays said.
Photo editor Nicolas Tremblay suggested the People’s Potato, located on the seventh floor of the Hall building.
“Bring your plate/food container and a smile,” Tremblay said.
The People’s Potato serves vegan lunch from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Thursday. It's free and student-run!
The Westmount Public Library has a good atmosphere for studying, according to opinions editor Jaiden Gales.
“[It] transports you to a Harvard study session,” Gales said. “The attached greenhouse is sure to cure your winter blues.”
The library is located next to the scenic Westmount Park, with long, winding paths for a stroll and to clear your head. It's a great place to go when you want to get away from the chaos of the downtown campus.
For an option near Loyola campus, copy editor Chantal Bellefeuille likes spending an afternoon feeding squirrels at Confederation Park.
"It’s just a 10-minute bus ride away!" Bellefeuille said.
Sports editor Colin van den Ameele is a fan of Cafe de Montreal. He says that the staff there are friendly and kind. He goes there to study or just savour the drinks.
“I once spent 6 straight hours there, with different friends coming and going as we enjoyed some really good drinks,” van den Ameele said.
Samuel Kayll, editor-in-chief, gave two restaurant recommendations located just as you push past the turnstiles in the Guy-Concordia metro: Royal Biryani and Monsieur Gao. Kayll points to the generous portion sizes at an affordable price as the reason these are his picks.
“The variety is solid at both places,” Kayll said.
Finally, contributors and students can come hang out at The Link’s office! There's usually a staff member present on weekdays who can let you in. It's a great place to socialize and get to know the masthead, or just sit and study! We have a few private rooms where you can really lock in without any distractions.
This article originally appeared in Volume 47, Issue 1, published September 8, 2026.
