If America runs on Dunkin, college students run on caffeine. From liquid motivation for that 8 a.m. after an all nighter to a delicious excuse to meet up with friends, coffee is engrained into our culture. Unfortunately, many of our college budgets don't allow for five dollar drinks at Starbucks once a day (or five, if we are being honest). As tantalizing as Keurig's are, especially for those of us in dorms, K-cups can get exponentially expensive. Dining hall coffee might as well be dog pee. Fear not, caffeine addicted friends, there is hope for our college experience. Here are some dorm-friendly coffee options that will keep you wide awake and won't burn a hole in your wallet. As an added bonus, all methods do not require electricity, for those in dorms that may have electrical restrictions.
Method One: Pour Over
The pour-over method of brewing coffee is quite simple and easy. It involves pouring hot water into a vessel, the pour over filter full of grounds, straight into your cup. Your cup of joe is ready in minutes and it can be a cheap and effective alternative to a traditional coffee pot.
Budget: https://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Ready-Single-Coffee...
For just six dollars, you can brew cup after cup of caffeinated bliss at the price of one foofy Starbucks drink.
Better: https://www.amazon.com/Hario-VDGN-02B-Glass-Coffee...
Heat proof glassware makes this pour-over a great option for those who want to invest a bit more into their addiction.
Best: https://www.amazon.com/Chemex-8-Cup-Classic-Glass-...
The most expensive option, at 40 dollars, is for those of us for whom coffee is more than a drink, it is a lifestyle. It is one of the best-designed pour-overs on the market and will last you beyond your college years.
Method Two: French Press
Another non-electric option, the french press involved mixing hot water and grounds together in the container, letting it brew for several minutes to desired strength, and then pressing down the grounds to the bottom and enjoying the deliciousness left.
Budget: https://www.amazon.com/Bodum-Brazil-French-Coffee-...
This french press comes in varying sizes, based on your required coffee needs.
Travel: https://www.amazon.com/Bodum-Insulated-Plastic-0-4...
A travel mug AND french press? Sign me up. At only 15 dollars, this travel-friendly option will last you anywhere from class to camping.
Method Three: Aeropress
The Aeropress is similar to the french press, however the coffee and hot water mingle for significantly less time. The pressure placed on the Aeropress will shoot the hot water through the grounds with force, similar to espresso, which results in a cup of coffee brewed in minutes.
Budget: https://www.amazon.com/Aeropress-Coffee-and-Espres...
This Aeropress boasts an impressive 1 minute of brew time from start to finish, perfect for when you oversleep your alarm, again.
Three alternatives to pricey coffee shops and crappy dining hall nonsense. All the caffeine with none of the monetary guilt.
