Students often spend a lot of time on campus and need a place to escape to study. Sometimes familiar places like the residence halls and apartments are distracting for some students.

While UNA offers many great on-campus resources and locations for students to study, sometime students need to escape daily life and focus on homework.

Florence provides many great places for students to concentrate on homework. All of these places are free unless you choose to indulge in a cup of coffee or homemade muffin.

If you are tired of the library and need a change of scenery, here are the top three off-campus places in Florence to relax and get work done.

1. Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

The Florence-Lauderdale Public Library is blocks away from campus at 350 N. Wood Ave. Like a library should be, it is a quiet place to read and research.

The library offers free Wi-Fi, access to online databases and desktop computers for library cardholders to use. All Colbert and Lauderdale County residents are eligible for a standard card. All you need to bring is a valid photo ID.

The library sells fresh-brewed coffee, specialty coffee drinks, hot sandwiches and snacks at Bookmarks Coffee Shop located just inside the library.

2. Rivertown Coffee Co.

Rivertown Coffee Co. is a local favorite for fresh coffee and food. Rivertown is located at 117 N. Seminary St. next to Shoals Theatre.

Rivertown is the go-to place to get a snack while you study.

Rivertown offers a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu and sells fresh- brewed coffee, tea, specialty coffee drinks and craft beer.

The shop has free Wi-Fi and many large tables perfect for spreading out study materials.

3. McFarland Park

While this location does not provide Wi-Fi, it does have a beautiful view. McFarland Park is located off Savannah Highway in Florence and the park is about two miles from campus. There are many trees perfect for kicking back in your ENO hammock. The park also has many picnic tables and benches that are great for studying in groups.

If the sunshine is too much for you to handle, there are numerous pavilions complete with picnic tables throughout the park where you can study in the shade.