Brewed Connections: How Coffee Shops Foster a Student Community
Written by Koli Croy
Photography by Madeline Brady
Graphic Design by Mia Chei
When I first came to Missouri State University, I had no clue how large the coffee scene was because I had never been an avid coffee drinker. Within my first couple of weeks, classmates and friends wanted to try the different coffee shops around Springfield. I had a couple of classes downtown, so it became routine to try a new spot each time. Week after week, groups of students in class would say, “Wanna go grab a coffee?”
Who was I to say no? With this simple act of getting coffee with my friends, like many other students, I got to live out the college cliche: Studying in a coffee shop with my order that most likely had way too much espresso and sugar in it.
Coffee shops have always provided the perfect vibe for students: Amazing scents, warm lighting, eclectic furniture, and a soft playlist to pull just about anyone in. These shops provide a relaxing environment, which is exactly what is needed throughout our college education.
Since freshman year, I have looked forward to the days where I get to hunker down and work on homework with my friends. Like many other Springfield students, I became a frequent visitor of Mudhouse. Located downtown and tucked between various shops and bars on South Avenue, Mudhouse has everything I want. They provide large tables, allowing many students to gather around with their computers and notebooks. With a great breakfast and lunch menu, including vegan options and an expansive drink menu, there is always something new to try. Some must-try drinks are their Raspberry Beret mocha and Tiger Chai latte. Both play with such different flavors and go great with a long study session.
Coffee Ethic is a quiet shop in the downtown square with outdoor seating. Located across from the MSU’s Park Central Office, Coffee Ethic is great for any downtown students. They have an urban, industrial feel and are known for their homemade pastries and varying espresso flavors. Whether you buy some of Coffee Ethic’s Ethikos espresso blend or their cortado, you are sure to get a stronger sip for your buck.
Most of my commuter friends will almost always come into class with coffee from Dancing Mule. It is around five to 10 minutes from campus on south Glenstone Avenue. It is a smaller coffee shop with an intimate, relaxed feel. They make all of their syrups from scratch and are one of the few local coffee shops that provide a drive-thru for students on the run. Dancing Mule has delicious baked goods and honey lattes. This is a great halfway spot to meet other commuter students.
Wherever you sip and study around Springfield, there are many other students doing the same. These little coffee communities help us through our years of study at Missouri State and show us that support and espresso are around every corner.