With finals approaching, we’re all going to need our coffees, teas and pastries to keep us sane during long hours of studying. Unfortunately, we also all don’t have much money to spare on our caffeine addictions once the semester dwindles down; have no fear, here are some tips to get a real bang for your buck at Starbucks.
BYOC
If you’re anything like me, you have small problem. This problem is buying way too many adorable water bottles and Tervises. Pink and gold glitter means I have to have it. As for the personalized ones? I practically have to own one because it already has my name on it, obviously. Why not put these many purchases to good use and bring them to Starbucks? If you bring your own container to Starbucks, you can save ten cents on each drink. That may not seem like much, but it could mean the difference between a drink being $3.95 or $4.05. Not only will you be saving some dimes, but you will also be reducing the amount of plastic you use. Mother Earth will be thankful, and, hey, maybe She will help you out with that final that you are dreading.
Use the secret size
Did you know that there is a size smaller than the tall at Starbucks? The short is eight ounces. For comparison, the tall is 12 ounces, the grande is 16 ounces and the venti is 20 ounces for a hot beverage and 24 ounces for a cold beverage. During long nights of studying, you many need a caffeine boost; try ordering a short cappuccino. It has the same amount of actual espresso as a tall, and you will be saving money. It’s a win-win!
DIY
With a little bit of time and cleverness, some of the more expensive drinks at Starbucks can be re-created with the cheaper drinks and the condiments bar. For that iced latte you want, try ordering a triple espresso over ice in a venti cup, then add some of the free milk. For a chai tea latte, buy a chai Tazo tea bag and water, then add the free milk again. Just a little bit of creativity can save you some major bucks at the end of the day.
Share the Love
There are no better friends than the people who will go to the library with you for hours into the night. Reward yourself and your pals with a sugary sweet Frappucino. Although they are usually the most expensive items on the menu, there’s a way to save. Order a venti Frappucino and an extra cup, then split it with someone else. The price of a Venti Frappuccino is around five dollars, so splitting a vent size will be around two dollars; this is much cheaper than a tall Frappuccino.
Finals can get us down, but at least saving some money at our favorite coffee place can give us something to be excited about. Good luck, Gators!
Photo credit: Innovative Retail Technologies
https://www.innovativeretailtechnologies.com/doc/target-practice-at-starbucks-has-been-canceled-0001