photo by bookjunkie
In my last post about Tea Dot at Tampines 1 I noticed that they welcomed students and there was even a sign at the counter saying ‘Happy Studying’. That sign has been replaced now by ‘No Studying at All Times except at the Central Structured Area’ (or something like that – I forget). That’s good news for people wanting a seat here, but bad news for students. I also noticed once at Starbucks at Novena mall that tables had a placard saying reserved in order to deter students. I found out because I asked about the reserved seats and was told they are available. I guess it’s not fair for the businesses, for kids to occupy their seats and just nurse 1 drink the whole day long.
I think Singapore is the only country in the world where you can find students hogging seats all day at a cafe while they do their homework in groups. It can be quite annoying when you can never find a seat, but it’s also a reflection on how stressed kids are these days. To be fair, the libraries are packed with students as well. It looks like studying at home is just not conducive for these kids and they have to head to the libraries, cafes and Airport!
Our news reports recently commented on a Physics tutor who earned half a million dollars a year and he gleefully reports that his earnings are increasing exponentially. Reports often say that kids without tutors don’t do as well in the exams which are probably getting more and more difficult. I would definitely not want to be a kid under the Singapore education system today.
Amazing! Almost makes me wanna become a tutor now! You know coffee joints are against students, but interestingly, if a businessman or insurance agents or tai tais were to sit there the whole day, would they be chased away?
that’s the unfairness of it.
Hey BJ,
Last summer I spent in Los Angeles with my family. Between LAX, the airport, and Venice beach is a park that my friend told me about with new apartments. I think it’s off Jefferson. Anyhow, we happened upon this Coffee Bean that was so cool because it had a fire pit. I just thought I’d share it with you. Once in Pacific Palisades, we got another coffee at another coffee bean AND there were about six workers in there talking amongst themselves. I don’t know how they manage to stay in business, but they do. That’s a shame that business owners don’t let students study all day. It’s students who are our futures. One day one of those students will own that coffee house. Let’s hope he lets students study. They need to.
Thanks for the post.
Julie
Here’s the link to the one in Playa del Rey.
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/t0Ii4Po5OvYl-kRS6TnVAg?select=dE2cpeO8eaicuRanARDYuw
and Pacific Palisades
http://findlocal.latimes.com/pacific-palisades/restaurants/coffeehouse/the-coffee-bean-and-tea-leaf-pacific-palisades-restaurant
Julie
The one with the fire pit sounds lovely. Thanks for sharing your views about students in cafes….I am sure all the students out there will appreciate your support 🙂