Coffee has soared in popularity over the past few decades. People are starting to drink it at younger ages, especially on college campuses. Check out the fast facts about college students and coffee drinking below.
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How Many College Students Drink Coffee?
Coffee consumption is at an all-time high. College students are becoming more and more dependent on their morning caffeine fix. One study found that over 50% of college students consume caffeinated beverages daily. Energy drinks are a top choice, but coffee is the most popular among them.
Coffee Consumption Among College Students: Stats
54% of Americans over the age of 18 consume coffee daily. One University of Kentucky study even showed that 78% of college freshman consume above the recommended amount of caffeine per day (200mg).
However, the study concluded that the average consumption with the college age group was around 849 mg (!). Granted, a portion of this likely involves energy drinks. But coffee on college campuses surely also played a role.
The average coffee-drinker in college is most likely to go to the nearest chain cafe, like Starbucks or Dunkin’. On average, this costs about $21.63, or $92.70 a month.
You can bring this cost down by almost $250 per semester by making coffee in your dorm.
Is Coffee Good For College Students?
Most experts agree that 3 to 4 cups of coffee per day won’t pose any threats to your health.
The study discussed earlier from the University of Kentucky showed that 83 percent of college students consuming caffeine regularly had experienced at least one symptom of withdrawal.
While many deny the addictive effects of caffeine (or ignore them), studies have concluded it’s a reality. So, why do college students drink coffee at such a high rate? Many say it helps keep them awake and alert for studying.
Is Coffee Good For Studying?
It really depends on your body and the amount you’re consuming. Coffee affects each person differently.
For some, a cup of coffee keeps them alert and focused on the task at hand. For others, it may give them a burst of energy, but ultimately interfere with important healthy habits like sleeping. Long-term, sleep deprivation can affect your memory, focus, and overall health.
If you find that consuming coffee helps you maintain your focus and doesn’t interfere, then drink away!
Pros and Cons of Drinking Coffee In College
Coffee is popular for a reason. Here are some benefits:
- Increased brainpower – The antioxidants in coffee, in moderation, have been linked to improved memory, and even preventing diseases like dementia.
- Improved focus – For many college students, caffeine keeps them alert for lectures and study time.
- Health benefits – Studies have shown decreases in heart disease as well as type 2 diabetes for moderate coffee-drinkers.
However, the downsides include:
- Loss of sleep – This isn’t the case for all of us, but drinking coffee through the day can definitely create this effect. Try sticking to the morning.
- Habit-forming – Forming a coffee dependency can cause complications. Many coffee drinkers know what it’s like to be running late and go through their day without having a cup.
- Health risks – The benefits we discussed were for moderate consumers. Heavy consumption can reverse some of the benefits and actually lead to heart disease.
- It can be expensive! – You might spend over $500 for one semester’s worth of coffee at Starbucks.
Verdict: Should You Drink Coffee In College?
So, what should the relationship between college students and coffee look like?
The answer is: it depends. If you already drink coffee and love it, you’re probably fine to keep going. But if it becomes an issue or affects your studying/sleep schedule, try cutting back. Moderation is key.
If you are looking to start drinking coffee for some extra help in college, monitor how it affects you.
