What would college be without a multitude of binge drinking coffee sessions to get through all-nighters, or to basically get through life in general? Quality coffee in mass quantities is a quintessential part of the college student’s formula for existence, and two of the best shops to get a brew from on campus are Starbucks and Colectivo on State Street. It is vital to note that not one coffee shop is superior to the other and both have their advantages and disadvantages. With that said, here is a guide meant to scratch the surface of the pros and cons of going to either Starbucks or Colectivo.
Starbucks
Starbucks is the epitome of familiarity with a guarantee of coffee taste consistency, and the one located on State Street is no exception. It has two levels—the lower level ideal for social studying and the upstairs for quiet concentrating, equipped with a fireplace and extraordinarily comfortable sofas.
Because Starbucks is essentially the same internationally in terms of standard drinks served, one can expect and relish in the basic beverages such as the caramel macchiato, white chocolate mocha, as well as all of the seasonal favorites. Who can resist a pumpkin spice latte or peppermint mocha?
To add to the allure, Starbucks on State Street accepts red cards as a form of payment, an added convenience for college students who do not have cash to spend.
That is not to say that Starbucks on State is without fault. Though it has less of a strictly corporate vibe compared to its other chain members, it still has faults linked to those bestowed by large corporations and generic coffee shops as a whole. Though traditional coffee drinks we’re accustomed to can evoke a sense of stable joy, this is precisely the reason that Starbucks coffee can be dreadfully boring and lacking in adventure.
Moreover, the Wi-Fi at Starbucks on State Street is borderline awful, so do not rely on flawless Internet connection while working on projects or simply trying to surf the web. Starbucks is also incredibly crowded—as can be expected due to its central campus location.
Colectivo
Even though there is a Colectivo Coffee on South Pinckney Street, the addition of a Colectivo Coffee on State Street sparked excitement amongst coffee lovers on campus.
Located across from Urban Outfitters and in the center of State Street, Colectivo is undeniably closer to academic buildings and student housing. Locally owned with an “urban cool” vibe, Colectivo Coffee on State Street offers what Starbucks does not: an immense selection of fair trade, locally produced coffee with a rich, bold, and unmistakable “Colectivo taste”.
Another draw to come to Colectivo is the spacious outdoor patio. Despite the fact that it is unbearable to sit outdoors in Madison for at least half the year, for the remaining months, the patio serves as a prime spot to order coffee and be in the sun—whether that be studying or simply chatting with a friend.
Furthermore, the drink selection at Colectivo is impressive and European-style with café au lait, lattes, and macchiatos of various creations. Colectivo also makes incredible iced coffee and their chai lattes are superb. They also offer a phenomenal variety of food, such as an all-day breakfast menu, seasonal sandwiches, and an impressive pastry selection.
With pros come inevitable cons, however. For one, despite the music played in Colectivo being upbeat and enjoyable to listen to, it is also incredibly loud. This makes studying, or even being able to hear both your own thoughts and your friends’ voices, more challenging than it should be.
Moreover, Colectivo strives for an “urban decay” vibe with dim lighting, unfinished wooden tables and countertops, and an unpolished floor. However, to achieve an urban decay style, a place must be meticulously clean and not have trash in places other than garbage bins. Another issue is that the chairs in Colectivo were stiff and rather uncomfortable to sit in for long periods of time.
Without a doubt, both Starbucks and Colectivo have their positive and negative elements. Ultimately, whether one opts to go to one over the other is based largely off of personal preference. So, what are you waiting for? Test both and compare!