Dead week and finals are upon us, ladies and gentlemen. It’s the time of year where it’s nearly impossible to get a seat in Hicks and you can find people sleeping in the hallways of every building. There’s no doubt that coffee consumption increases as more and more of us pull all-nighters to finish projects, presentations, and squeeze every minute of studying we can into each day.
The average American spends around $1100 on coffee each year. If you’re looking to lessen the blow on your wallet, check out this list of prices at popular coffee joints around Purdue. All prices reflect the price of a medium coffee because you’ll probably wanna save the calories you’d normally consume from a macchiato on some awesome dead week treats.
Greyhouse
Photo by Zoya Hsiao
It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that Purdue’s most unique coffee shop is also the most expensive. They don’t sell a medium coffee, but the price for a regular is $2.80 and a large is $3.36, both by far the most expensive cups of joe at Purdue. While it may not be worth it for the regular coffee, their specialty lattes are a must try for any Boilermaker.
Caribou Coffee
Photo courtesy of Mack Male on flickr.com
This popular Minnesota-based chain is located inside Fresh City Market. The grocery store is known for high quality and high priced items, and the Caribou coffee is no exception. A medium coffee goes for $2.89. But it would be worth the price if this coffee is the only thing stopping you from slaying that final.
Vienna
Photo by Elena Bailoni
Vienna is West Lafayette’s oldest operating coffee shop and has a sandwich menu that easily beats out any sandwich franchise on campus, hands down. It’s another local café that boasts a cozy atmosphere and high prices. A single coffee costs $2.10, while the double, the one you’re most likely to chug down during finals week, is $2.80.
Starbucks
Photo by Lauren Anzevino
Whether in the Union or near the residence halls in Third Street, a medium coffee costs $2.10. If you’re really just in it for the regular coffee, gold card members are eligible for free refills while in store. And if you haven’t heard, Starbs just changed their loyalty program, making it super easy to become a gold card member in the month of April. Just in time for finals.
Third Street Market/Urban Market
Photo by Elena Bailoni
Both locations sell Jim’s Organic Coffee for $2.09 a cup. Both are located next door to their respective Starbucks, so you can save yourself a pretty penny just by popping next door. Just try not to spend all that money you saved on their chocolate covered espresso beans, which become especially tempting during finals week.
Undergrounds
Photo by Elena Bailoni
A punny name for the café connected to Purdue’s underground library, Hicks. Their medium coffee is also $2.09. It comes with the added benefit of never having to emerge from the sub-level study space and out into the actual world where sunlight abounds and human interaction is a thing. No thank you. Not during finals week.
All Seattle’s Best Locations
Photo by Elena Bailoni
Whether you decide to visit Oasis in the Union, Amelia’s Cafe in Armstrong, Beans in MSEE, or Port in Lawson, you’ll pay $2.09 for a medium coffee. They each offer their own individual environment, so you can easily pick one to fit your mood. Stop by Oasis for a relaxing getaway from your studies or head on over to Amelia’s if you wanna catch up with Neil outside. Beans even offers Panda Express entrees during lunch hours and Port started serving breakfast all day (including breakfast pizza) way before it was cool.
Lavazza
Photo by Elena Bailoni
If you don’t spend much of your time near State Street, you might not know about this hidden gem. This Italian coffee chain inside Marriott Hall definitely gives off an espresso bar vibe. Their medium coffees are only $2.00, hot or iced. This is one of the more popular students spots for studying, and we can totally see why.
Stewart Market
Photo by Elena Bailoni
This convenience store market sells Starbucks brews. Apparently, pouring the cup yourself saves you money in the long run. A medium size at this market only costs $1.99. They usually only have one caffeinated and one decaffeinated brew available at any given time, but it’s still the same Starbucks coffee you know and probably have an unhealthy obsession with.
Einstein Bros Bagels
Photo by Elena Bailoni
Einstein also sells their medium coffees for $1.99, tying with Stewart for the cheapest cup on campus. But, they usually have at least four brews available to choose from. Their specialty brews come in flavors like vanilla hazelnut and buttery caramel. Plus, for the entire duration of your stay, you can get free refills on your fresh-brewed coffee.
Gif courtesy of Giphy.com
Even if the cheapest coffee isn’t close to the library you decided to set up shop in, your wallet will probably thank you for making the trip. Those daily coffee trips will start to add up soon, and worrying about finances is the last thing our sleep-deprived minds need at this unfortunate time of our college careers. Plus, your body will thank you for the brief amount of sunlight and exercise after you’ve been locked inside all day. Happy studying and happy chugging, Boilermakers.