Coffee. The sweet, savory beverage that gets the world up on their feet and ready to conquer the day. The only smell that can warm up the room in seconds and warm your heart even faster. A delightful drink proven to wake you up and get you moving.

Freshman year of college, I spent most of my bonus bucks at Starbucks getting two cups of coffee a day and running out of money before Thanksgiving break. I admit that I could have used my bonus bucks more wisely, but when you’re a coffee addict, it does get pretty challenging to limit yourself.

So instead I bought a Keurig, which runs 24/7 between me and my roommate. My Keurig is also on my list of "5 things I would save from my room if there were a fire."

Although I can have coffee at any time of the day without an issue, I notice that the best time to have coffee is a little after 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. That's when your body is actually getting into its daily routine. So when you drink your coffee after your body is fully awake, the caffeine's effect actually lasts longer than when you're super tired. Fun fact: caffeine also has a longer effect in the body when you add cream and sugar.

I usually make my coffee around this time, but when going to a coffee shop, the best and most convenient time to go is after the rush of work professionals. However, if you are someone who has to get their caffeine fix and head to the office, have fun waiting in that long line! When the line is stretching out the door, it's hard to decide whether the coffee is worth it (most of the time it is), but there are days where I can hold off in the morning and get my coffee at a less chaotic time.

Of course, there are the generic coffee shops like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, but it's always good to explore options at places that are less busy. Sometimes Collegetown Bagels is a decent enough alternative spot to grab coffee and even a wholesome breakfast. When I find myself on an afternoon with an open schedule, it's a great place to sit and do some work.

Another great place in Ithaca for your caffeine fix is Gimme! Coffee. It's also a nice place to enjoy the scenery and get work done. (But honestly, what coffee shop can you not do homework in?)

With a coffee shop literally on every corner of every block, it's hard to avoid it. I will admit, sometimes I need to have a break from coffee in order for the caffeine to start affecting my body like it used to when I first started having it. However, always remember that every cup of coffee you have should also be replaced by two cups of water, since coffee makes you dehydrated.

So for all my friends out there who have coffee for blood in their veins, remember that coffee is your one true love, and it will never leave you in your time of need. It will always be there when you're at the library until 2 a.m. studying for an exam.