As a student at ITMO, your life is a vibrant, demanding, and exhilarating mix of lecture halls, late-night study sessions, and exploring the cultural heartbeat of Russia’s Northern Capital. But how to maintain a fighting spirit all the time? The answer is very simple — the perfect cup of coffee! And St. Petersburg is a wonderful city to discover coffee culture.

I’ve traded library corners for cozy nooks and taken my study sessions on a tour of the city’s coffee scene. Here’s my curated list of four standout coffee shops in St. Petersburg that are perfect for fueling your mind and soothing your soul.

1. Save My Day: Griboyedov Canal Embankment, 107

Tucked away on a picturesque embankment, Save My Day lives up to its name. This is more than a coffee shop; it's a haven for anyone with a laptop and a deadline. The interior is created exactly for creative people — plenty of cameras on display, small edges with natural plants and funny photocards with guests. Studying there can make your day not just wonderful, but full of pleasant emotions.

Why students will love it:

• Ample power outlets: A non-negotiable for any serious study session, and Save My Day delivers. You won’t have to fight for a spot near the wall.
• Serene atmosphere: The calm, quiet hum is perfect for deep concentration. It’s the ideal place to finally tackle that programming problem set or write the introduction to your term paper!
• Delicious food: Their menu goes beyond pastries, offering hearty salads, breakfasts, and plenty of coffee.

My order: chocolate croissant and a small cappuccino or matcha latte.

2. Surf Coffee: many branches throughout the city

If your study style is more "non-standard brainstorm" than "rote memorization," Surf Coffee is definitely your spot. With several locations across the city, Surf has built a reputation as an extraordinary place where you feel like an old friend rather than a client. The vibe is a mix of Californian and Hawaiian styles: art with palms everywhere, neon, and skateboarding magazine.

Why students will love it:

• Exceptional bean quality: They roast their own beans, and the attention to detail is evident in every cup. This is the place to taste the nuanced flavors of single-origin beans.
• Creative energy: The buzz of conversation and the clinking of cups creates a dynamic environment that can be incredibly stimulating for group projects or creative writing.
• The "Surf" vibe: The laid-back atmosphere means you can camp out for a few hours without feeling pressured to constantly order more.

My order: I always drink my favorite latte!

3. Angel's Coffee: Lomonosova St., 9A

Angels Coffee is an excellent coffee shop for short breaks, because it is located right next to ITMO. This place offers a warm atmosphere with bookshelves! And the many tables outside create a wonderful setting for both casual conversations with friends and business meetings.

Why students will love it:

• Ultra-cozy ambiance: This is the best spot for when your brain is fried and you need to read something or just unwind with friends.
• Great for conversations: The relaxed setting makes it a fantastic place for more philosophical discussions or casual group meetups that aren’t strictly study-related.
• Sweet treats: They have a delightful selection of desserts that pair perfectly with their coffee. A slice of cheesecake or a small chocolate bar can be a powerful motivator.

My order: My one and only bumble coffee with sandwich!

4. Hochu Coffee: many branches throughout the city

Let’s be honest: a student’s budget is a fragile thing. When you need a reliable, high-quality caffeine fix without making a dent in your wallet, Hochu Coffee is the undisputed champion. Following a fixed, low-price model, this chain makes good coffee accessible to everyone: the smallest drinks cost 130 rubles.

Why students will love it:

• The price: It’s almost unbelievably affordable. You can get a solid espresso, cappuccino, or americano for a price that is really hard to find somewhere else.
• Speed and efficiency: Hochu Coffee is designed for grab-and-go. It’s perfect for that 30-minute break between lectures or for quickly refueling before heading back to the university.
• No-frills consistency but always something new: You always know what you’re getting — a good, strong cup of coffee. Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. And at the same time, Hochu Coffee offers their own original drinks with different tastes!

My order: A classic cappuccino to-go and I tried the raf raspberry cookies.

St. Petersburg’s coffee culture is as diverse and fascinating as the city itself. Whether you’re cramming for an exam, brainstorming a new project, or simply catching up with friends, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. So close that textbook for a moment, step outside the university walls, and discover your new favorite haunt. The perfect cup of coffee — and the perfect inspiration — is just around the corner!