As the lines at Starbucks get longer and the late nights studying get more frequent, it seems like the perfect time of year to write about one of the most prevalent addictions in college. That’s right, I’m talking about coffee. As a new coffee addict, I’ve noticed how it has affected both my health and my wallet, and I can’t help but think we are all feeling the same way. So let’s kick this addiction together, my friends, with some simple tips and tricks to deal with our shared problem.
1. Use a homemade recipe
As with anything dealing with food, it’s going to be cheaper in the long run to make coffee at home instead of going out and buying cup after cup at high prices. It can even be more environmentally-friendly too. Go to Walmart and buy some reusable to-go cups, and get your coffee maker running. This can save you anywhere from $70 a month to $840 per year depending on how many cups of coffee you drink. That’s a whole textbook or homework access code right there. So get brewing and save some money!
2. Make it cool
One of the main problems keeping people from making their coffee at home is that they can’t get the same flavors and tastes as those made at coffee shops. With the wealth of knowledge that the internet affords us, this just isn’t an excuse any more. There are plenty of websites offering a ton of cool recipes that taste just like Starbucks drinks at a fraction of the price. These concoctions can be fun to make, too. Here are a few links to websites that are perfect for your home-brewed creations.
3. Shop local
While Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts and McDonald’s all have amazing coffee, in reality these are not the only places that serve great options and tastes at a competitive price. Try out your local coffee shops. Not only do they offer amazing service and a great atmosphere to study and talk, but you get the added bonus of helping a small business out! Sometimes, they even offer some more unique flavors and roasts.
4. Buy it cheap
Online deals – Even with all of these #hacks, I’m sure plenty of readers are still going to head to the nearest coffee shop to get a cup of joe. Trust me, we’ve all been there. In reality, the reason why students opt for buying coffee instead of making it at home is convenience. They either don’t have the time or don’t want to carry around a cup all day. To make your coffee cheaper, try looking online for cool coffee deals and coupons.
- Back to the basics – Instead of getting that cinnamon mocha skim almond milk triple chocolate frappe, opt for a simple latte or iced coffee, and add any of the complementary spices that are most likely available by the sugar and straw counter. It’ll taste the same and cost so much less. Along with this, never ask for them to add creamer. Not only will it add to your bill, but Starbucks has creamer over by the sugars and straws as well. Simply add it yourself and make your own perfect drink.
- Portion control – Another tip includes getting a smaller drink. Honestly it’s the healthier choice; no one truly needs a venti coffee unless it is an absolutely dire situation.
- Training season – Lastly, stick around the shop and wait for one of the baristas to make a mistake. Someone will always make the wrong drink or someone who ordered their coffee for pick up might not ever show up. Even better, whenever they hire new trainees at Starbucks, later at night they practice making drinks and will often give out freebies to the lucky few who stick around.
5. Stay hydrated
For years now, there has been a debate over the health benefits/risks of coffee, and as a college student on the go, my biggest concern is about staying hydrated throughout the day. Many students seem to replace water with coffee to quench their thirst. That’s why I have come up with a rule to keep myself hydrated: for every cup of coffee consumed, I try to drink a cup of water. To make things more interesting, make it so that you can’t have another cup until you finish that cup of water. Personally, this has kept me hydrated and feeling refreshed and it has also reduced my cravings for coffee as a whole.
6. Be open to alternatives
While 54 percent of Americans drink coffee to get their daily caffeine fix, there are plenty of healthier options that’ll leave you refreshed and ready for the day. Try out some of these alternatives tomorrow morning instead of coffee. You might be surprised to find a new favorite drink that’ll also help curve your caffeine addiction!
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Kombucha – this drink is tasty and really helps with digestion
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Tea – it offers much less caffeine and is still just as refreshing
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Coconut water – not only is it hydrating, but it also has biotic enzymes.
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Apple cider – this is a tasty alternative that will leave you awake for the day.
