The popularity of coffee has grown among college students and is still multiplying. The National Coffee Association reported in their 2006 survey that 70 percent of 18-to-24-year-olds consume coffee in the morning. College students continue to drink more and more coffee every year.

“There is a coffee culture. Coffee is popular. It’s a part of the college community. Coffee is a part of the culture of today’s students,” said Dave Nirenberg, director of commercial services at the University Corporation.

It is visible right here on campus. There are currently three coffee shops on campus – the Freudian Sips, located in the Sierra Center, the Matador Bookstore Complex and the University Student Union. There are even plans to add another one on campus. Adding to that are the coffee vending machines located throughout campus.

“I drink coffee to keep me up but it’s becoming a habit because I’ve been drinking it since I was a baby,” said Camille Hislop, a 19-year-old journalism major. “My parents used to give me coffee in my bottle.”

Coffee is also linked to students being able to get their work done. The majority of students drink coffee just for the caffeine boost, whether it is in the morning to help them wake up for class or late at night to re-energize for a late-night study session. There are two vital times in the semester when coffee is commonly used and that is during midterms and finals.

“Towards midterms and finals, we sell more coffee,” Nirenberg said. “When the academic pressure is higher, our coffee sales go up. When it’s midterms and finals, we just get busier.”

According to the American Diabetes Association Web site, two cups of coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, can lower type two diabetes in women. It has also been said that coffee can help prevent Parkinson’s disease and liver cancer, help aid better workouts, give people a sharper focus and eliminate jet lag.

On the other hand, the American Heart Association states that whether coffee is decaffeinated or caffeinated, it can increase harmful cholesterol in the body. Other damaging risks of coffee that have been reported are nervousness, problems with blood circulation, heart rhythm abnormality, increased blood pressure, lack of sleep and a loss of money.

“Coffee is one of those controversial food products,” said Terri E. Lisagor, an assistant professor. “In other words, if they are getting the nutrition they need, then coffee can fit into their diet.”

Through all these pros and cons of coffee, people are still lining up to get their cup of caffeine. Coffee shops themselves have become popular spots for people.

“It’s more about the social aspect than coffee itself,” said Nirenberg. “Freudian Sip is a place to gather and meet. It’s a place for students to go and communicate and interact. It’s important to the campus community to have places like that.”

Coffee is not a cheap commodity. A lot of money is being spent on coffee by students. Experts usually advise students to invest in a coffee machine and make their own.

“I get at discount at Starbucks where I work or it’s free,” said Joe Prosperi, a 28-year-old art major. “At school, I spend about $30 a week. If I didn’t have a job at Starbucks, I would spend about $140 a week on coffee.”

For many students, the amount they spend on coffee depends on their drink preference. Coffee beverages such as flavored lattes, frappuccinos and mochas are becoming the popular picks, along with snacks.

“I usually order a caramel soy latte with a triple shot of espresso,” said Misle Kassa, a 22-year-old biochemistry major. “I also get sandwiches, bundt cakes and chocolate fudge cake.”