It’s a Monday morning and there’s a breeze filling the air. A cup of coffee sounds great after having a rough start to the day. This now means there is a decision to be made: buy coffee or save money. Purchasing coffee might seem like the wrong choice; however, stopping and spending some money on a good drink is sometimes worth it because of the excitement and joy it can bring. Taking a trip to a cafe can also be a whole experience or a way to make school work more enjoyable.
The financial decision to purchase coffee is a tricky one. It helps to analyze how much of a difference the drink is going to make in the bank account. Think about how the day has been so far and if there is anything soon where a lot of money will be spent. If there genuinely isn't enough money in the bank account, then potentially make coffee or tea at home. However, if this beverage is going to be a big mood booster and there isn’t much else to save up for, then get the drink. It just might end up being worth it.
Getting coffee can also be an experience, regardless of how bizarre that might sound. Get a group of friends together, or go alone, and walk to get coffee. Take the scenic route and chat with friends or put earbuds in and relax on a stroll. Sometimes days can feel long and this is a way to break it up. A coffee walk also helps people be more active while being immersed in nature, even for a short amount of time. Coffee can feel more worth it if it’s turned into a way to be active.
Another way to make getting coffee enjoyable is by having a coffee date and talking with friends in a cafe. Sometimes dorms and apartments get boring with the same routine and switching it up can make all the difference. This way when you pay for the coffee, it means also paying for a fun activity at a lower price.
A coffee date can also be a study date. Homework in the library can be helpful, but homework at a coffee shop is another idea that can be more exciting. Switching environments and having some caffeine can make school work more bearable. Maybe even get a study group together to keep each other on track.
There are many local places to get a good caffeine-filled drink, especially in Athens. Donkey Coffee is probably the best option if someone wants a cozy atmosphere accompanying their drink. Whereas if lunch is in the picture, Brenen’s might be the best pick. Court Street Coffee is a good option for sweeter drinks. Getting coffee in Athens is relatively easy considering all the options available in a small area and each place has its personal touch.
Even though the coffee is sometimes worth the experience, almost any form of coffee is still expensive. Prices have continued to increase. A large part of this is because growing coffee beans takes endless work and the right conditions. With climate change in effect, the plants have less predictable conditions, resulting in fewer crops to survive. This brings up the prices because of less availability.
However, even with this difficult access and potential for higher prices, shops continue to try to stand out with exciting, bizarre drinks, and coffee will continue to be at the center of many people’s focus. Paying for coffee will continue to be something people do.
Overall, getting a latte, chai or black coffee can seem like a waste of money, and sometimes it is, but it is also a simple activity to make life a little better. Many times the coffee is worth the money and the money will most likely end up being used on coffee at some point anyway.
Kyra Dapore is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Kyra know by emailing her at kd364521@ohio.edu.
