Coffee and Cotton located in Mill No. 5 has adequate seating for students’ studying needs. (Courtesy of TripAdvisor)
Chrissy Conley
Connector Contributor
Students who are looking for an alternative study spot to the libraries on campus can look to a hidden gem within Mill No. 5 known as Coffee and Cotton. This coffee shop has become a library for students because of its quiet nature and the seclusion from the chaos of the university.
“Coffee and Cotton offers a tight knit and artistic atmosphere to provide a quiet vibe for students to go about their studies and daily activities. We also pride ourselves with high quality food and drink for them to enjoy,” said Annabelle Souza, manager of the quaint coffee shop.
The atmosphere that Souza said she looks to provide is noticed by students who visit Coffee and Cotton.
“Coffee and Cotton is a very pleasant place. It’s always calm and the people there are extremely friendly. It’s a great place to get homework done, [go on] a date, [have] a hangout, or just to relax,” said sophomore Carter Hochman.
“I like going to Coffee and Cotton to study because within the time I am there, I see such a unique group of people that filter in and out. From kids, to college students, to older people and sometimes even dogs. It creates a fun and unique environment that puts the libraries to shame,” said junior Sinead O’Callaghan.
O’Callaghan talks about why she prefers Coffee and Cotton over the libraries at UMass Lowell.
“It is a getaway from everyday college routines through a comfortable cup of coffee and art. They also offer exceptional food and coffee options for the students to enjoy while they diligently complete their work. It’s a great escape from dining hall food,” she said.
Students said they take advantage of the proximity of Coffee and Cotton to the Inn and Conference Center and have become regular customers because they want to explore their college town and what it has to offer.
The ambience that resonates there through the mesmerizing strung up lights, the intricate wooden tables and the inviting fireplace contributes to the shop and its uniqueness. They also have journals that circulate the coffee shop with poems and drawings illustrated by the customers.
In addition, they have a book borrow program in which customers are encouraged to take books from the shelves of the library and then return them when they are done.
Any student looking to explore Lowell and study in a new environment can find enjoyment Coffee and Cotton. It is located at 250 Jackson St. on the fourth floor of Mill No. 5. The hours that the shop operates are Sunday to Wednesday from 7 a.m.-8 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday from 7 a.m-10 p.m.
