All Hang Out 

While college offers ample opportunity to “go wild,” students hoping to A. graduate and B. avoid jail time might want to crack a few books and embrace legal forms of entertainment. Consider the following study spots and all-ages hangouts as roads to a solid future. And remember, clean records and intelligence are a surefire way to snag a date.

THE USUAL SUSPECTS

U of U Marriott Library
n295 S. 1500 East, 581-8558

A silent, if not sturdy, place to pore over required reading and type up term papers in corporate-style cubicles. Or, as CW reporter Shane Johnson preferred during his tenure, an ideal spot to catch up on z’s.

Salt Lake City Main Library
n210 E. 400 South, 524-8200

Recently named Library of the Year by Library Journal, this sanctuary excels in function and form, complete with the sort of glass staircases a former U student once cited as the source of “scrotum-tightening fear.nn

GET YOU BUZZ ON

Coffee Garden
254 S. Main, 364-0768; 878 E. 900 South, 355-3425

New 900 South location features a cozy, isolated corridor where patrons can read, research or sleep without running into 15 people dying to talk about the latest episode of Lost. Downtown location can get a little crowded in the mornings, so bring earplugs or an iPod to block out chatter.

Salt Lake Roasting Company 320 E. 400 South, 363-7572

Ponder a stint in the Peace Corps over free-trade coffee and organic tea. Photos of Third World countries will further inspire you to take the plunge. Closed Sundays.

Salt Lake Coffee Break 430 E. 400 South, 355-4244

Known as the “training bar,” this popular café is often overflowing well past 2 a.m. Arrive early to cram for econ, amp up on Turkish coffee, vegan cookies and hummus, smoke, get really upset about the war in Iraq then discuss the passion of Davey Havoc.

Nostalgia, 248 E. 100 South, 532-3225

Loyal patrons will probably cringe reading this because they’ve typically got the place to themselves. Since most business takes place during lunch hours, late-night customers can read, coffee'or beer'in hand, without distraction.

Alchemy Coffee, 390 E. 1700 South, 322-0735

Stretch out at the adjacent Soma Yoga, refuel with goodies made by Sage’s Café and Granato’s or other locally grown organic food and beverages.

The Bridge, 511 W. 200 South, 359-2278

Vegan central. Located near a tattoo parlor and electronic music store, this spacious, sleek café is often filled with uber-hip artists, musicians and activists. But even cool kids need down-home cooking. Make (meat-less) Sloppy Joe Fridays a part of your week.

Sugarhouse Coffee, 2102 S. 1100 East, 466-7007

A good place to wave your freak flag, this corner café attracts punk rockers, anguished teens, Westminster business students and anyone else who appreciates a decent cup of coffee, Rico burrito and people-watching.

NoBrow Coffee, 353 W. 200 South, 364-3448

Urban chic. Located next to a men’s boutique, this place swears it’s no frills, no fuss. Still, you might want to check a mirror before you stop in.

CROSS YOUR ARMS AND SAY WHATEVER

Avalon Theatre, 3605 S. State, 266-0258

Keeping the kids out of trouble, this concert venue doubles as a community church. Save your soul with a strong dose of emo, screamo or punk.

Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, 320-9887

Nationally renown, locally adored, this Salt Lake City fixture books bands before and after they land on the cover of Spin. Catch the next Shins, Rilo Kiley or Devendra Banhart for around $7. Buy a Leia Bell magnet with the leftover cash.

Velour, 135 N. University Ave., Provo, 801-818-2263

Owner Corey Fox convinces quality acts, including Starlight Mints, to play shows in Happy Valley. Discover what all of the fuss is about. It really is worth the drive.

Mojos Caffe, 2210 Washington Blvd., Ogden, 801-627-6469

Stop hating on Ogden and give this quirky venue a chance. All-you-can-handle acoustic singer/songwriter and garage band nights.

WHERE EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME, BUT NO ON KNOWS YOU

MySpace.com

Reach out and touch someone (18+).