Springtime in Auburn marks warmer weather, flowers blooming and the imminent approach of final exams. This means coffee is as vital as ever to provide energy and caffeine to busy college students.
Discover six coffee places on campus, from well-beloved classics to unfamiliar names, where students can use dining dollars — if they have any left.
Blenz Bowls
The sign hanging above the Blenz Smoothie Bowls counter found on the main floor of the Student Center, with their trademark surf shack aesthetic served with a cool treat, or a hot cup of coffee.
Known for its iconic smoothies and smoothie bowls in the Harold D. Melton Student Center, Blenz also has a refreshing coffee selection.
They have cold brews titled “Blenz Brews” with the option of vanilla or caramel creamer to enhance the drinking experience.
Blenz also has a “Cinnamon Coffee Smoothie” and a “Power Brew” smoothie with bananas, mangos, cold brew coffee and vanilla protein powder for adventurous coffee lovers.
“If they want a little pick me up, [people get] a coffee cup from Blenz,” said Claire Hanson, a Blenz employee.
Despite being known for smoothies, Blenz has several unique coffee options that anyone can enjoy.
Costa Coffee
Costa Coffee is a self-serve coffee vending machine on the first floor of the Ralph Brown Draughon Library in the Newspaper Reading Room.
Costa Coffee is available to students as long as the library is open, meaning coffee is available all day and night most weekdays.
The vending machine has a lot of options to choose from, including classic coffee, Americanos, espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas and more. Customization options are also available, like the addition of sugar and flavored syrup.
The machine has speakers embedded into it, emitting a coffee shop soundscape to simulate an actual cafe as one makes their customizations.
The Costa Coffee vending machine is a great option for late-night studying at the library or any occasion at any time of the day.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
The Einstein Bros location found on the first floor of the Haley Center right across from the AU Bookstore - dishing out all things Bagel or a good cup of coffee.
Einstein Bros. Bagels serves a collection of different breakfast items, including bagels, breakfast sandwiches and, of course, coffee.
“You can’t go wrong with bagels [and] we have some of the best coffee on campus,” said Shanayia Presley, an employee at Einstein.
With classic options such as mochas and lattes, Einstein also has mroe unique options, including a cold brew shake or even a self-serve coffee for a set price.
The self-serve coffee of the day includes unlimited cold brew and flavored iced coffees for that specific day, with caramel and vanilla flavorings available at the mini coffee bar.
With a variety of food and coffee options, Einstein is a popular spot on campus for breakfast.
Panera Bread
Situated in the RBD Library, a study hotspot, Panera Bread is many people's favorite choice for a drink while studying.
If that drink of choice is coffee, Panera Bread has classic options such as cold brews and espresso.
The library Panera Bread also has an “Unlimited Sip Club,” a special monthly offer for fans of refreshing drinks.
Through the “Unlimited Sip Club,” members can have unlimited drinks — with a limit of one every two hours — for an entire month, including hot and iced coffee.
Whether one is a part of the “Unlimited Sip Club” or not, during the finals week cram, Panera Bread provides coffee to accompany the stress of studying.
Starbucks
Barista Barret Wilson working behind the counter at the Starbucks location on the bottom floor of the Student Center, posing with one of the mermaid branded cups that are a familiar sight all across campus.
One of the most popular coffee spots on campus, Starbucks is a staple for coffee experts and novices alike.
With many different coffee options available year-round, Starbucks also offers new and exciting seasonal beverages for customers.
For the spring season, Starbucks has a lavender creme frappuccino, an iced cherry chai latte and an iced lavender cream oatmilk matcha.
"[My favorite thing about Starbucks] is the overall atmosphere," said Caroline Green, junior in supply chain management.
Starbucks is open until 9 p.m. on most weekdays and until 5 p.m. on weekends at the student center, with more limited hours at the Lowder Hall location.
Students seeking to change their usual order might consider exploring the seasonal drink options that are now available.
Thr!ve Here @ Auburn
Located in the Rane Culinary Science Center by Hey Day Market, Thrive utilizes student culinary experience with authentic coffee creation techniques.
Thrive has its own drum-based roaster for roasting coffee beans.
Other ingredients, like syrups, are created by culinary science students in the Rane Center’s pastry kitchen, providing hands-on learning opportunities.
Coffee options available for purchase range from cold brews to their year-round, ever-changing seasonal beverage called "The Captain."
Currently, "The Captain" is a cookies and cream latte.
“The coffee is delicious and the environment is really good too,” said Macy Denhart, junior in biomedical sciences.
With natural lighting and a record player that's constantly playing, Thrive offers not only fresh coffee but provides a space for students to relax.
Whether one needs a helping hand to study or is merely a fan of the taste, there is an opportunity around every corner on Auburn's campus to try new and excitingly different kinds of coffee.
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Sam Bainter, freshman in English language arts education, is a culture writer for The Auburn Plainsman.
