From fizzy carbonation to a much-needed caffeine pick-me-up, beverages are a vital part of college life for Southern Nazarene University students. Whether it’s an iced coffee from the coffee shop before an 8 a.m. class or a soda from the cafeteria at lunch, students’ drink choices often reflect both their college routines and personalities.
For Ariana Rosales, coffee makes up most of her daily drink selections. Working at a 7 Brew near campus has given her plenty of time to explore the menu and discover her go-to drink.
“Currently, my favorite drink is a pumpkin blondie with cinnamon sprinkles,” Rosales expressed. “It tastes like pumpkin bread and coffee, and it wakes me up.”
For Rosales, coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s a vital part of her college routine, keeping her motivated and ready to take on the day.
Despite its popularity among college students, not everyone shares a love for coffee. For non-coffee drinkers like sophomore Natalie Gowan, the best drink isn’t brewed. For Gowan, a carbonated Dr Pepper is the ultimate college beverage.
“The flavor and carbonation mixture is just so refreshing,” Gowan voiced.
Whether it’s morning or evening, you’re almost guaranteed to see her with an ice-cold Dr Pepper in hand, making the drink a staple in her college routine.
Like Gowan, senior Kyler Clapper is also a well-known Dr Pepper fan. Not only is he a fan of the flavor, but he’s also drawn to the marketing side of the brand.
“The branding is iconic and historical,” Clapper claimed. “Dr Pepper even has its own museum covering the history of the drink.”
For him, the appeal of Dr Pepper goes far beyond the flavor. As a dedicated sports fan, Clapper often notices the brand’s presence during football games.
“Obviously, Dr Pepper markets itself to sports fans, so I’m always around it when I’m watching football on Sundays,” he said.
From caffeinated coffee to carbonated soda, a drink is almost a necessity for college students at Southern Nazarene University. Beverages are the daily essentials that fuel routines—and sometimes even the identities—of college students. It’s safe to say campus life wouldn’t be the same without the drinks that keep the community running.
Photo by: Maddy Hada