Navigating university can be both challenging and exhilarating, especially for new students. As you gear yourself up for your exciting journey and many sleepless nights, it is also critical to equip yourself with one of the most important and cherished companions of university life: caffeine. Whether you’re a coffee lover or a tea enthusiast looking for a rejuvenating sip, this article is your guide to some of the best caffeine places on and near campus. So leave your laptops behind, grab your best mug and join me in this caffeine-fueled adventure to discover the best places to sip, savour and socialize.
Williams Fresh Cafe
Williams is a well-known chain and a student favourite. Located in the plaza right beside UW, they offer a variety of caffeinated options including cappuccinos, frappuccinos, brewed coffee, and more. Alongside coffee they also have a selection of sandwiches, baked foods, and a variety of cakes. A personal favourite of mine is their iced cappuccino.
Tim Hortons
A Canadian staple nestled at the entrances of the Student Life Center (SLC), South Campus Hall (SCH), and Davis Centre (DC), Tim’s serves coffee, teas, and snacks at a reasonable price. Many students grab their meals here, meaning it’s usually crowded on weekdays — beat the rush by getting your fix right before or right after class. Even though it takes time, their french vanilla is always worth it.
Starbucks
We also have two Starbucks locations located at the Science Teaching Complex (STC) and the Lyle S. Hallman Institute for Health Promotion
(LHI). Starbucks offers an array of choices from classic espressos to specialty frappuccinos, and both locations’ relaxed atmosphere and communal seating makes for a great environment to have study sessions and impromptu chats with new people.
Ev3rgreen Café
Ev3rgreen Café is a unique eco-conscious haven for students at UW. It combines the refreshing taste of coffee with a commitment to sustainability by embracing eco-friendly practices, such as their compostable and reusable materials, and sourcing ethically grown coffee beans. It’s located in the Environment 3 (EV3) building, which also features a living wall near the café for a literal breath of fresh air.
Funcken Café
Located at St. Jerome’s University in SJ1, Funcken is a quiet spot a little ways away from main campus to treat yourself to some specialty coffees and seasonal drinks, as well as made-to-order bagels and sandwiches. The café is open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You now have the keys to the best caffeinated experiences on and around campus. Remember, these coffee havens provide more than a quick pick-me-up – they’re a chance to reflect, recharge, build connections with fellow students, and perhaps even form lifelong friendships. Here’s to a caffeine-fueled adventure! Cheers!
