There is growing animosity against students who study at coffee shops.

Many students hog more than one space, and are nowhere to be seen even though their laptops and books are sprawled across the table.

This drives away other customers who could have taken the seats.

I can understand why people are upset by this silent "invasion". However, I do not feel that all students should be chased out.

Once, I was at a coffee shop before a meeting and reading the newspaper on my computer. A barista approached to tell me I could not stay, as I was a student.

Yet, other customers who were conference-calling loudly were allowed to stay.

People like me buy drinks, take up only one or two seats and do not disrupt business or disturb anyone.

Just because we may be wearing school-related attire and look young, does not mean we are not entitled to the same rights as other customers.

Teo Chen Wei, 17, Junior College Year 1 student