Cafe Lock In Packing List: How to prepare for the ultimate lock in and check off your to do list!

It’s 9:37am and you said you were going to be at the cafe by 10 (its a 25 minute walk- oops) to study for your chem exam. You are standing in the middle of your room, and 1038773530 thoughts are jumbled together in your mind. 

"If I get there late will I still be motivated to lock in?" "Will the cafe let me bring in outside food?" "What meal do I eat for lunch and when?" "Should I bring a snack?" "Do I bring my double or single outlet charger?" "Are my headphones even charged?" "Wait- should i bring scap paper?" "OMG I FORGOT TO PRINT MY ASSIGNMENT I WAS GONNA WORK ON!"

Hmm… We’re definitely not speaking from personal experience?!?

But on a more serious note, cafe lock-in’s aren’t just about the positive study vibes or that yummy latte you’re gonna be drinking. Maximizing your locked-in study routine in a cafe or coffee shop setting requires a bit of prep work and consideration. Follow this list to optimize your study routine, become a more disciplined student, and lock in A  LATTE (for real). 

1. Make a mega to-do list of every homework assignment, chapter, notes sheet, or life admin task you need to do, preferable on a notepad or notebook. Doing this by hand minimizes the chances of you using your phone or getting distracted from a virtual to-do list. Split up your work by the time you’re going to be at the cafe, so you can block hours to certain tasks. 

2. Once you’ve made the list, think about what you’ll need. Digital notes? Bring an extra charger, don't forget your apple pencil, or a stand for your device. Textbook readings? You might want some highlighters or clear sticky notes and a pen. You know this best, so make sure your tote bag or backpack has everything you need to actually do the work you planned to do. 

3. Cafes get cold- the vibes are good, but sometimes it can get a little chilly inside. Dress for the possibility of temperature changes by bringing layers, a hoodie to throw on top of your outfit, perhaps. You want to make yourself as comfortable as possible in your environment in order to continue working effectively and rigorously. 

4. And then comes the question of food and snacking! Long lock-ins at a cafe require adequate sustenance and snacks, of course. Pack some fun snacks to-go, like trail mix, bananas, chocolate chip granola bars, or perhaps some crackers and cheese. If you anticipate studying through lunch time, make sure your cafe allows for food, and pack a container with your meal, whether that is rice, a wrap, pasta, etc, or plan ahead for where you will take your lunch break near your cafe. Planning ahead helps ensure you do not waste any time feeling decision fatigue when you are mid lock-in. DO NOT FORGET YOUR WATER BOTTLE.

5. Finally, bring a fun activity for your study breaks to reduce screen time. During your Pomodoro, while you are sipping on your Iced Caramel Latte, you might want to read, sketch, doodle, listen to a podcast, work on a fun task, crochet, do a crossword puzzle, journal, scrapbook, edit pictures or videos, or make another list, among other fun activities. Bring the supplies you need so you can take a good, productive, and calming brain break (and get back to that awesome financial analysis homework feeling refreshed and rejuvenated). 

Do you have any other recommendations for your lock-in packing list? Let us know and email us for more info at info@lockinalatte.com! 

This could be you. Sitting with your latte. Getting your tasks done. Prepared, Calm, and productive. GO LOCK IN!