Campus Coffee Consumption: Convenience

      One of the largest factors affecting the increased consumption of specialty coffee by students on college campuses is convenience, according to two baristas and an expert on consumer behavior.   

      At Michigan State, the location of a Biggby Coffee in the Student Union and a Starbucks in Wells Hall provides a major component of the convenience students depend on: considering both buildings are located at relatively central parts of campus, students do not have to stray far from their classes to acquire a latte of their choice.

      Starbucks supervisor and MSU junior Emily Kaip said that at the Wells Hall location, the busiest time on a regular day is "definitely in the morning starting around nine, and probably up until about three o'clock."

      "It's just when people are in class - when people are on campus," she said.

      Biggby barista and fifth-year MSU student Michelle Cusick elaborated on the same observation: "During the day - in the morning - it's in between classes, like right before classes.  And then once classes start, it slows down."

      Kaip added that the quick, made-to-order service increases convenience.

      “I don’t have a coffee machine at home,” she said.  “Coffee machines can be kind of expensive.”