Is There a Winner?
By: Sarah Baase
After doing a small survey among students who attend SUNY Niagara and Niagara University it became quite clear to me that these two chains are some of the most popular study lounges in Western New York for college students. Could it be true that one of them says “study zone” more than the other?
Panera and Barnes and Noble have that similarly inviting and comfortable vibe. Both convey a message of coming to chillax, eat some food, and get a good study session in.
In an article by Siya Taneja, from Marquette High School, she surveys several of students and a Panera manager, inquiring each of their perspectives on the chain as a study spot for students. One manager states, “It’s been the same oasis since we’ve opened, always encouraging people to relax and hang out.” He continues, “The key is the environment and free WiFi.”
While he’s not wrong, students at SUNY Niagara like Adrian Vasquez and Talia Lowther seem to think of Panera as only a dine-in kind of chain.
“It gives off cozy vibes, but realistically, I don’t know if I would want to study there…” “Barnes and Noble for sure. Find your own little nook, find your corner, a book or two, take a break,” Lowther said.
Vasquez explains, “Barnes and Noble is a library and Panera is a dine-in place. They’re completely different atmospheres.”
It is true that most students go to Panera primarily to eat with their friends, but with its welcoming environment and extensive hours, there is certainly potential.
Gianna D’Agostino, a student who attends Niagara University, explains that calming atmosphere that Panera brings her. “Usually, it’s my go to study spot when I’m alone. It’s nice. No one is coming up to you.
There are others who are fonder of Barnes and Noble simply because there is more to do and more to look at, especially when you want to take breaks and get up to stretch and look around.
Aidan Maher explains, “I would choose Barnes and Noble to study over Panera because they have cool trainsets, Legos and books.”
It seems to be the combination of a cozy environment along with never ending rows of books, music records, figurines, bakery items, and drinks from the Barnes and Noble Cafe that keep people coming back for more quiet time.
It makes sense that when people hear the words Barnes and Noble they think of studying. After all, it’s a giant library.
Kaidyn Adams explains, “I would study at both Barnes and Noble and Panera because both have a very cozy environment.”
With Adam’s response, clearly, it all comes down to personal preferences. Both places have different vibes, but at the end of the day, both are just as study worthy.
Spring 2026 
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