Boston Coffee Subscription Models: Worth it?

By Mia Overbo

The average college student drinks about one and a half cups of coffee a day, according to the National Library of Medicine. If you’re like the majority of us, spending far too much on caffeine every day, here are some cafe deals to consider.

Panera’s Unlimited Sip Club - Unlimited Drinks for $3 a Month for 3 Months

Panera is running an Unlimited Sip Club promotion until April 9th, where for just $3/month, you can get unlimited drinks for three months. This includes 20+ drink options from their menu, including coffees, teas, and fountain drinks. You can redeem a drink every 2 hours and refill while in cafes. 

Just a 10-minute walk from Questrom, their location in Fenway is a great option if you love studying off-campus. For those already on the unlimited swipe meal plan, this may seem redundant, but if you find yourself spending $7 on a drink every morning, this might be a great fit for you.

Life Alive’s Unlimited Refills

In my opinion, Life Alive is one of the prettiest study spots on campus. If you’re already always in there (like me), this deal is perfect for you. For just $2.95, you can have unlimited coffee refills each time you visit the cafe. Just order a brewed coffee at the register and they’ll hand you a mug to use at their self-serve coffee station, featuring a bright and sweet Intelligentsia Illumination Blend and a range of sweeteners, creamers, and plant-based alternatives. 

This space is great if you like studying with music, lots of outlets, windows, and a range of seating options, including sofas and booths. Although pricier than Panera, Life Alive’s brewed coffee is worth it if you’re planning to lock in all day. 

Pavement’s Coffee Grounds Subscription Model

If you love Pavement’s coffee and have your own coffee machine, you should check out their coffee grounds subscription model. For just $31.99 per shipment, they’ll send you two 12-oz bags of Pavement dark roast coffee beans, which averages to about $0.80 per cup of coffee. You can choose how often they ship, ranging from every week to every five weeks. 

Whether you like drinking unlimited cups a day, studying in a student-favorite spot, or brewing your own coffee, these deals offer something for every caffeine addict. Although it’s always nice to treat yourself to your favorite go-to order, saving a little every day can make a big difference.