A 1999 study researching caffeine consumption in the United States found that the average male coffee drinker consumes 3.1 cups of coffee per day and the average female coffee drinker consumes 1.9 cups of coffee per day. In March 2010, I surveyed 110 Boston University students about their coffee habits. Sixty-two of the one-hundred and ten people surveyed began drinking coffee in college. Among those who started drinking coffee in college is Katrina DeRosa, a Boston University sophomore.
“Caffeine!” Katrina DeRosa, a Boston University sophomore, exclaimed as she reached for her mocha frappuccino.
Katrina is studying for finals and caffeine, found in sodas and coffee-drinks, are her attentive study aids. “I was never a big coffee drinker in high school,” Katrina said, “Between
classes, interning and sorority stuff, I get so tired.” Katrina, like many college students rely on caffeinated beverages to give them an extra boost when they have trouble mustering the energy to tackle one of many college challenges. Late night study sessions and early morning classes are only two components of college students’ hectic schedules.
Finals are one of the most stressful parts of a college semester, especially spring semester. The sun is shinning down, and people have traded in hooded-sweatshirts and jeans for
shorts and tank tops. Yet many college students find themselves in the artificially brightened and not-so-pleasant library.
Until recently, Boston University did not allowed students to bring drinks into the library. Yes. That means students were without caffeine while studying.
“I’m not gunna lie,” Katrina smiled, “I definitely put my jacket over my coffee cup and walked into the library.” In a more serious tone she added, “Seriously, how can they [Boston University] expect us to study without coffee?”
Students dissatisfaction and aggravation with the “no drinks” rule were finally addressed by Boston University administration. In conjunction with the newly formed Office of Sustainability, Boston University is now al
lowing students to bring “spill proof” cups into its libraries.
Students are ecstatic! Boston University’s Inter-Fraternity Council, Panhellenic Council and Student Union are partnering to jumpstart the university’s new policy, by distributing free coffee to students in Mugar Library during finals week. Students can fill up their coffee cups on the first floor of Mugar beginning at 5PM on April 30th. Coffee will be available from 5PM to 2AM every day until May 5th.
“It’s brilliant,” Katrina DeRosa remarked. “Someone in the administration finally realized that college students need
caffeine to study!”
With four Starbucks, three Dunkin Donuts, and several privately owned coffee shops on its campus, it is unsurprising that students are constantly refiling their coffee mugs.
However, do college students use coffee as a crutch? "Absolutely," DeRosa said. "But, don't forget about soda and energy drinks..."
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