This is really cool. I've read a lot about ideal working environments, and it seems the general consensus is that working alone, isolated, and for long periods of time is the best. This might be true for heavy thinking tasks, but I've realized that its very, very nice to go work at a pub or a coffee shop on campus. Especially on campus there is a good chance of encountering someone who is doing the same.
Couldn't agree more. Working isolated works for some tasks (like getting "in the zone" while developing) but I definitely thrive off of the ambiance of a coffee shop environment.