WITH final exams coming up, coffee shops are getting more and more crowded with students lugging their books, laptops, tablets and highlighters and camping out on tables closest to the sockets (for their gadgets) in preparation, some even staying in until the wee hours of dawn. It is a local trend that has grown in the last couple of years, a study method that has worked for quite many young Cebuanos.
Yet for medical technologist Sheena Almocera, during her own college years, she searched for an alternative. And so came Sagacity Study Hub, her recently-opened biz venture that aims to provide students with study space outside of their homes, and as alternative to public spaces.
Taking cue from her experience, Sheena said that she started “studying out” when she was reviewing for the med tech board exam in Manila.
“I rented a room there and I noticed that if I stayed in to study, the tendency was I would fall asleep. So I ended up going to the coffee shop next door, which on a daily basis, was really expensive,” she said.
Sagacity, she described, offers a space for students, reviewers, and non office-based professionals to study and work in a tranquil and conducive environment, at affordable rates. The study hub has 18 working cubicles each provided with sockets, and two communal work tables that can accommodate 12. Then each user is provided with a locker, and the study hub conveniently has its own restroom inside.
“We have per hour rates, and we also have day-use rates, as well as weekly and monthly rates that are good for unlimited use within that time period,” she said. The study hub also provides Wi-Fi, and office services like printing, photocopying and scanning.
On the side, Sagacity offers refreshments such as chips, coffee, and bottled beverages, which Sheena reiterated can cater to an average student budget. Then since users are provided with lockers, they can easily just leave their stuff there should they decided to go out for a meal break in one of the several food establishments within the vicinity.
Sheena, who by day is a practicing medical technologist in a local hospital, takes pride in the personalized service of her staff.
She said, “I want the customers to be as comfortable as possible. I want them to feel at home, and at the same time be encouraged to focus on their studies.”
Evident in the enriching quotes plastered on the walls and the inspirational books on the shelf at the side—she added: “At first, I actually planned to open a tea shop, but then realized I wanted a business that can also inspire other people.”
Sagacity Study Hub is on the second floor of Avon Plaza Bldg. on Osmena Blvd., Cebu City. It is open from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Mondays to Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sundays. Parking is available in the basement through the building’s back entry on Don Gil Garcia St.