In light of Geisel Library resuming its 24-hour weekday operations in Spring Quarter, The UCSD Guardian has been busy preparing for the all-nighter study experience. This past Saturday, six Lifestyle writers took on back-to-back shifts at Lestat’s on Park, an around-the-clock cafe in North Park. We’re here to give you a comprehensive review of our experience, so you can find out which shift will best help you get into the groove for finals week.
Early bird gets the worm — 8 am to 12 pm
Pros: Quiet as a mouse and you leave feeling more productive than everyone else
Cons: Too early and a little lonely
Perfect for: Actually getting work done and freeing up your day from study obligations
In contrast to the chaos of my to-do list, the tranquil, slow-paced Saturday morning in Lestat’s helped me maintain an unheard-of mental clarity throughout my shift. It was the perfect time to hit the books. After receiving my iced Americano, I found an empty table and quickly synced up with the few other early risers who productively typed away at their laptops. As the time neared noon, the cafe’s atmosphere began to shift. The once-empty seats slowly welcomed a range of people — from those finishing a run to students determined to lock in — all ready to fuel up on a good ol’ cup of joe. With the new steady flow of customers, chatter inevitably arose, but having finished most of my assignments, I can assure you that this shift is great for those who work best on a solitary morning with minimal distractions. Plus, studying early leaves the rest of the day — and night — for fun!
— Rosa
Midday crawl — 12 pm to 4 pm
Pros: Calm vibes to begin with, easy to find a table
Cons: An unexpected change of pace, not a setting for locking in
Perfect for: Simple assignments with minimal effort needed and group study sessions
Similar to the pace at which I chipped away at preparing for finals, the environment at the beginning of my shift was quite slow. It was quiet, with a handful of tables open and no line for food and drinks. The only significant noises were the slow sips of customers enjoying their drink of choice. However, it was only halfway through my shift and a lavender berry Arnold Palmer when the cafe became bustling with customers, filled with chatter so loud that getting anything done was near impossible; you’ll definitely need some noise-canceling headphones for this time of day. Although the atmosphere made it difficult to lock in for a hardcore study session, this environment is perfect for those who want to complete their easy, run-of-the-mill assignments, chat with their friends, and enjoy a nice refreshment!
— Isabella
Working hard or hardly working? — 4 pm to 8 pm
Pros: Best time to recaffeinate and get productive
Cons: Hit with a case of afternoon snoozes
Perfect for: Wishing you were sleeping instead of working
If this were a typical weekday, this afternoon shift would be perfect to keep the grind going after wrapping up your morning classes. The effects of whatever caffeine you relied on that day are also bound to have worn off, freeing you up for specialty beverages. I decided on Lestat’s coconut brew, then sat down to cram in last-minute tasks. I started strong before the call of an afternoon nap hit me. The sun setting in the middle of my shift also foreshadowed the end of my study grind, transforming it into a doomscroll-to-keep-myself-awake grind. Trying to work at this time is definitely going to require more than an additional coffee — perhaps sneak in a nap beforehand. Without a nap, by 8 p.m., I was more than ready to head back to my dorm and answer the enticing call of sleep.
— Sophie
Pre-gaming drinks or pre-gaming finals? — 8 pm to 12 am
Pros: Good drinks and company
Cons: Not enough parking and a little FOMO
Perfect for: Sociable studying
Despite leaving early, I struggled to find parking for at least 15 minutes. Finally sitting down to my open Google Doc, I started my work with an iced Peppermint Patty, an enlightened drink that is perfect to keep you up during bedtime hours. Although the evening shift is the peak time to go out, allow the cafe’s atmosphere to soothe and motivate you. You never feel alone — every single table was taken up by individuals, groups, or a mix of strangers who amicably shared one. If you manage to find a parking spot less than 10 minutes away, working until midnight with a sweet drink and good company can maximize your productivity and serve as a reminder that the club will still be there after finals.
— Maddie
After the after hours – 12 am to 4 am
Pros: Easy parking, available seats, quiet and cozy cafe vibes
Cons: Peaceful ambience that becomes a test of will toward the end of the night
Perfect for: Intimate studying and people watching
The clock struck midnight, but for myself and the crowd inside the cafe, the party was just getting started. At the beginning of my shift, I felt drunk on pure motivation. The cafe’s atmosphere seemed to reflect my ambition, with a mix of students and adults locked in on their work. As the night deepened, the rush began to reach its end. Looking outside the cafe window, a plethora of partygoers filled the area, fetching a ride and calling it a night. The now-vacant tables reflected the atmosphere of the ungodly hour. As for me, I was hosting my own after-party with a warm cup of Earl Grey, a 400-word discussion post, and a faithful friend. If you want to take on studying at 4 a.m., be sure to have something or someone that keeps the party going for you!
— Ashley
‘Getting busy’ – 4 am to 8 am
Pros: Sunrise, silence, no choice but to lock in
Cons: No choice but to lock in
Perfect for: Tackling that one big project
I showed up to Lestat’s as an insomniac boar, throwing my purse across the table and demanding a hot Americano straight away. It was time to tune into another Chad Goggins video: “It’s 5 a.m. You boys are sleeping. I’m getting [f—–’] busy,” outdone by, “I woke up at 4 a.m. [b—-]!” But my laughter was quickly out-thundered by another noise — a snoring gentleman on the couch. The Goggins in me wanted to shake him awake to get him back on his grind, but my momma raised a bystander. Witnessing five other underdogs with their heads down or simultaneously sighing and typing away, I volunteered to join the latter by cranking out a couple of pages of my thesis. If you’re coming to Lestat’s at these hours, you’re coming to take on the Goggins challenge. Your reward? The sunrise.
— Hannah
Whether you were intrigued by the energy of a 4 a.m. study sesh or were curious about the different crowd each hour might bring, we hope you now know what to expect from the 24 hours at Lestat’s as you find ways to conquer all-nighters this finals week — maybe even at Geisel in Spring Quarter. Good luck, Tritons!
