Final Exam: 5 Great College Coffee Shops Across America

The Daily Meal

Throwing it back to the old-school SATs seems fit for a college-focused article: Lithium is to batteries, as _____ is to college students. The obvious answer is, of course, coffee.

Coffee might as well be part of the blood pumping through students' veins. It's a delicious and naturally low-calorie jolt of caffeine for which we're ever so grateful. There's a moment in every college student's career that causes a dependence on coffee (and if you haven't had yours yet, it's coming). Whether you're up late finishing that 10-page paper due tomorrow, waking up at 6 a.m. to squeeze in a workout before class, or simply catching up with friends, you're likely in need of a cup of coffee. Coffee is a driving force in the collegiate life; nearly every college offers a chain's brew on campus or nearby. But we decided to look past the convenience of the trusty chains and find the best coffee shops near college campuses.

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A 2013 NPR report by Allison Aubrey notes that college-aged consumption of coffee has increased in the past decade. According to survey data from the NPD group, which tracks trends in Americans' food and drink intake, 18- to 24-year-olds are drinking more coffee than caffeinated sodas. In 2002, about 25 percent of members in that age bracket reported drinking coffee within a two-week period. By 2012, the same data was tracked, but had risen to 39 percent.

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So with this in mind, we compiled a list of the best coffee shops near 5 of the nation's top colleges and universities. We took into consideration a variety of criteria: the price of a small brewed coffee (because we have to pinch our pennies while spending hours at the coffee shop studying); its proximity to campus; its Wi-Fi capabilities; whether it's known as "study central" or "grab-and-go;" its date-night quality (for those awkward first dates); steep prices; late hours; and campus cash options. We think the shops on this list properly encompass what both the coffee-crazy or java-juvenile college student would look for in a coffee shop.

So as the school year starts, venture out further than the convenient coffee chain on campus (though many of the spots on this list are located right on campus, too). There are so many wonderful coffee shops out there, but these ones stood out to us and to students who attend the universities. Curious to know if your school made the list? Check out the best coffee shops near 50 college campuses here.

Best Shop Near University of Virginia: Para Coffee(Pictured above)

+ Energy Boosts: Outdoor seating; free Wi-Fi; study central
- Caffeine Headaches: Closes early

Para Coffee started in 2008 as a place where the community could gather and share their crafts and interests over delicious coffee. The coffee comes from local legend Shenandoah Joe, where each batch is roasted to its ideal richness and character. One reviewer on Yelp calls this shop "hipsters' paradise" for its knowledgeable baristas' care for the craft of coffee. For a tasty cup of coffee and a study-oriented ambiance, stop by Para.

Best Shop Near University of California, Berkeley: Caffe Strada

+ Energy Boosts: Late hours (6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.); free Wi-Fi; study central
- Caffeine Headaches: Gets crowded; skimpy on outlets; cash only

The abundance of outdoor seating at this Berkeley coffee shop is enough to get people lining up for a cup of coffee, and friendly and knowledgeable staff brewing delicious coffee is what brings them back every time. The great atmosphere is perfect for those who need a break from the painfully quiet library; lots of studiers come here to enjoy nice weather. With inexpensive prices and a great space, it's no wonder this is one of the best coffee shops around.

Best Shop Near University of Texas, Austin: Bennu

+ Energy Boosts: Comfy chairs; free Wi-Fi; study central; price of small coffee is $1.50
- Caffeine Headaches: Gets crowded

Have a long night of studying ahead of you? Bennu Coffee is open 24 hours a day for all of your caffeinating needs. Cozy up in the living-room lounge with mellow lighting, soft chairs, and friendly staff. Her Campus named it a great studying spot, with plenty of outlets, lots of tables, and lots of others studying (Monkey see, monkey do. right?). Lots of people know about this great spot in town, so if you're looking to get some studying done, come early and stake out your spot.

Best Shop Near University of Michigan: Mighty Good

+ Energy Boosts: Study central; great for dates; free Wi-Fi; small drip coffee is $2
- Caffeine Headaches: Big bucks

Mighty Good roasts its own beans twice a week, providing fresh and delicious drinks to the Ann Arbor community. The 10-minute walk from the Diag can be slightly inconvenient, but on the weekends, it's the perfect opportunity to get off campus but get work done. The coffee shop offers unique coffee drinks like the Cocoa Latte and Brown Sugar Sea Salt Latte. Overall, this shop not only has great coffee, but also enough comfortable seating to for the masses, Wi-Fi for getting work done, and delicious food options.

Best Shop Near Syracuse University: Freedom of Espresso

+ Energy Boosts: Speedy, free Wi-Fi; knowledgeable baristas
- Caffeine Headaches: Gets crowded

Freedom of Espresso is a local roaster and coffeehouse with four locations in the greater Syracuse area. The Armory Square location is closest to Syracuse's campus, and though it's a bit far, it's worth the trip. It uses locally roasted beans and offers a large variety of coffee and espresso drinks. The homey yet funky vibe with soft lighting invites local professionals and students alike looking to spend a few hours using widely available outlets and free or just for a quick visit. According to a piece from the News House, Syracuse's student media organization, the local charm is worth the price that's similar to the Starbucks across the street.

Click here to see More of The Best Coffee Shops Near College Campuses

- Madeline Monaco, The Daily Meal

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