Well, it’s finally Fall, and honestly the first thing I am thinking about is the seasonal Starbucks drinks.
I know, I know…so much goes on, and all I can think about is the Salted Caramel Mocha and the Pumpkin Spice Latte? This is a serious problem that not only plagues myself, but thousands of students campus wide.
Why do I wait 45 minutes in line among a sea of students just for 12 ounces of espresso and artificial flavoring? Is it really worth it?
Not to mention I am now down five dollars…and it’s only Monday.
Well, I wish I could say that I can help. I wish there was a cure to this beautiful coffee epidemic that is ravaging my wallet daily.
While there may not be a cure, there is hope. I do not have to spend so much on coffee…I have options!
- Campus Dining provides coffee. Is it as good as a caramel macchiato? Probably not. It is however, free to anyone with a meal plan, and can be flavored right in the cafeteria! This is an offer you can’t pass up. I frequently use the excuse; “I need this extravagantly flavored cup of goodness to wake myself up.” FALSE. I do not need to lose five dollars when I have free resources available to me.
- Bear Necessities has coffee! This on-campus store has so many varieties…espresso shots, iced mochas, flavored lattes, and even hot cocoa you can mix in. You can usually get a cup for under a dollar. AND it’s delicious! You simply cannot go wrong with coffee as cheap as this.
- MAKE IT YOURSELF. I know. In don’t have the energy in the morning either. It takes so much effort to plug in the coffee pot and press a couple buttons. But in all seriousness, it is a really simple way to save money and time every morning. Even investing in a nice coffee pot may save you money in the long run!
- Finally, the answer you’ve all been waiting for…enjoy that Starbucks (every once in a while)! When you purchase in moderation, that Toasted Graham Mocha is going to taste all the better. It is okay to indulge every once in awhile, as long as you are aware of your budget!
In the meantime: stay classy, stay caffeinated, and stay confident in your money saving skills. You and your macchiato can do anything you put your mind to!