Campus caffeine culture: A dive into the effects of caffeine and student caffeine habits

Barnard students are known for packed schedules, sleepless nights, and long lines at Liz’s in search of a caffeine fix — but what is that caffeine really doing to your body?

Photo by Omkalthom Naser/The Barnard Bulletin

By Zainab Anwar

November 6, 2025

Caffeine has become a staple of both morning routines and late-nights around the world. At its core, it serves as a stimulant that accelerates the communication of the body’s nervous system, creating the sensation of increased “energy.” Scientifically, this occurs because the caffeine molecule blocks certain sleep receptors in the brain, thus preventing drowsiness and triggering the release of hormones like dopamine. The result is heightened alertness and a mind that feels more awake.

For college students balancing demanding schedules filled with classes, extracurriculars, and social commitments, caffeine often becomes a lifeline. With limited time for proper sleep or balanced meals, many students turn to coffee, tea, or energy drinks as a quick fix to sustain their productivity and focus. However, it is important to recognize the potential consequences of caffeine consumption.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the recommended maximum daily intake of caffeine is 400 milligrams. For reference, a 12-ounce cup of black tea contains around 71 milligrams of caffeine, and a 12-ounce cup of coffee contains between 113 and 127 milligrams. 

Excessive caffeine consumption, especially in a short period of time, can have harmful — and possibly life-threatening — effects due to how quickly the body is able to absorb the compound. Within an hour, caffeine spreads through the bloodstream and begins blocking and activating receptors corresponding to sleep and activity. Caffeine consumption not only results in an artificial boost of energy, but it also triggers alternative physical reactions, such as increased heart rate, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and anxiety. In extreme cases, an overdose of caffeine can escalate these symptoms and bring an individual’s body systems to a harmful level of operation. 

Additionally, regular caffeine consumption leads to an increased risk of forming an addiction. The body adapts to functioning with the caffeine boost and begins to suffer in its absence. According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, the symptoms of withdrawal will typically show 12 to 24 hours after the last time caffeine was consumed and can last for 2-7 days depending on the dependency. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms include headaches, fatigue, anxiety, and more.

On Barnard’s campus, caffeine takes many forms — literally and figuratively. Some students prefer tea, while others enjoy coffee or energy drinks for serious boosts of energy. For example, Nilla Wahab (BC ’28) claims to have always been a “tea person,” as she prefers green tea and has recently been getting into matcha. Similarly, students enjoy Earl Greys and coffees, along with energy drinks for when they need serious energy due to their higher caffeine content. 

When asked for their preferred drink locations, I got a variety of responses. For Lahari Siddabuthala (BC ’28), it was “an even split between Liz’s or making it myself.” I also got a unique recommendation from Ellen Last (BC ’28), who stated that her “favorite place to get coffee is Oren’s,” which is right between 113th and 112th on Broadway. Another suggestion came from Jiya Singh (BC ’28), who stated, “the HMart sachets [that have] coffee and sugar together [are] perfect for the mornings.” 

When asked for their reasons for consuming caffeinated foods or beverages, the consensus was for the boost of energy they provide. Rumaia Janna (BC ’28) explained that she drank caffeinated beverages because “oftentimes, in the morning, I feel tired and need something to wake me up because I am up late doing homework.” This is a sentiment I am sure many Barnard students share. 

While some turn to caffeine for energy, many view caffeinated drinks as an opportunity to get creative. Moreover, some students shared that they preferred to make their own drinks in the mornings due to the ritual of it — it was something they looked forward to waking up for. One of the students I talked to, Isiri Kadambi (BC ’28), shared an appreciation for a type of filter coffee that she procures from India and prepares at home.

Caffeine holds a social and personal significance on Barnard’s campus — for some, it’s not just about the energy boost but the ritual itself. Whether grabbing coffee from Liz’s Place or Oren’s, brewing tea in their dorms, or using instant sachets from HMart, students find comfort and creativity in their caffeine routines. For many students, it is a dependable source of energy during long nights of studying or early morning classes, helping them stay productive amid busy schedules. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends limiting intake to 400 milligrams per day, as excessive consumption can lead to negative effects like anxiety, high blood pressure, and heart palpitations. Regular use may also result in dependency, with withdrawal symptoms like headaches and fatigue appearing within a day of reduced intake. So, no matter what form caffeine may take, it is best to be mindful of the things one consumes and make informed decisions based on one’s own limits and needs.