Caffeine, more commonly known in its purest form as the lifesaver of students everywhere. Companion to essay crises and late night study sessions, coffee’s got your back.
Now, I’m something of a coffee addict. Or coffee snob. So, with my coffee cup full and my pockets empty, I’m putting that money I’ve invested in campus coffee shops to good use.
- COSTA COFFEE
Location: The Forum
Ah, Costa. As eponymous to Exeter as Cardiac Hill, if you don’t go to Costa, do you even go here? Well, here’s a thought: why the obsession? Yes, the opening hours are long and yes, the location is ideal, but that queue stretching all the way down Forum Hill certainly isn’t. It’s not going to do your bank balance any favours either: £2.65 for a large cappuccino, plus extra if you add syrups.
- AMT COFFEE
Location: The Forum (under the stairs)
Hidden away in the corner of the Forum, there’s a (slight) chance you might have missed the coffee stand more commonly found at train stations. Why is it here, in the heart of the South West? Who knows? They do a good coffee, so who cares? With a large cappuccino coming in at £2.70, AMT’s similar to Costa price-wise but, in terms of that caffeine hit, their coffee definitely seems just that bit stronger. And the queue is often marginally shorter.
- GUILD COFFEE
Location: DH1, Comida
Rumour has it that the RAM does coffee too but, each time I’ve asked, they’ve denied this claim, leaving me to slump away, empty handed, in a coffee deprived glaze. So, for Guild coffee, hit up Comida by the smoothie caravan that will mock you for not making a healthier choice. Guild coffee is coffee. And it’s cheap.
The coffee itself is fine, pretty weak, but at under £2 a cup it’s hardly surprising, and one can’t complain. Their one crime, however, is their heinous overuse of syrups. Seriously, you’d think they’d try to be skimpy on your gingerbread syrup in your non-fat, soya latte but oh no. They go all out, with one sip almost choking you in the process. Guild baristas, please, please take note. For the love of Exeter, STOP.
As Napoleon said, “ I would rather suffer with coffee than be senseless”
- CAMPER COFFEE
Location: Queens Café
To be honest, I feel a bit bad putting Camper in this list. It’s like comparing Khloe Kardashian pre-babe transformation to Kim, because Camper is a shot above.
Speaking of shots, it’s obvious they use a lot more coffee in their drinks than others on campus, and it shows. Perfectly blended, not sugary and gives you your caffeine fix without putting your hard earned student loan into the hands of mass corporate companies. Only downside? The cost: £2.70 for a mocha in a much smaller size cup than any other venues on campus, this addiction will hurt your bank balance more. But, as Napoleon said, “ I would rather suffer with coffee than be senseless.” Sometimes sacrifices have to be made in pursuit of true coffee.
So, coffee lovers, let’s drink on. I’ll have mine grande, sugar free vanilla syrup … oh and is it true you now stock coconut milk?