The Coffee Shop

                Walking into the coffee shop on campus on Friday morning, the place is relatively empty. There’s a few workers behind the counter, restocking shelves and filling coffee cups. The three computers are free from students rapidly typing up last minute papers. There are a few girls sipping coffee and chatting by the windows. The radio can be heard from the speakers lining the ceiling. The most comfortable spot there, the sofa by the fireplace, is fair game.

When searching for a cozy place to study and get a bite to eat, Common Grounds serves as the ideal place. At about 11 a.m. every weekday morning, students are led by their growling stomachs to get in line for their delicious Erbert and Gerbert’s sub sandwich.  Not only are sub sandwiches available but also a variety of beverages, soups of the day, and items a la cart.  Whatever craving someone may have, the coffee shop has it covered.

 The first thing everyone does is get into line, praying it will move faster. A few men come in and take a seat, waiting for the line to go down. The line remains within the roped off area, not as long as usual. After the long, snake-like line begins to diminish, the eating tables that fill the center of the room become occupied quickly. Although the silence turns to a distinct murmur of voices and a continuous crumpling of wrappers, the atmosphere remains pleasant. The soft couches provide a great place to sink into a book while the tables serve as a strict study zone.

Once the food is gone, the noise level changes completely. The soft murmurs turn into loud bursts of laughter. The large TV by the stage is changed from a muted CNN to MTV’s Jersey Shore, volume blasted.  A group of girls close their large nursing textbooks to join the crowd around the television, beginning their weekend early.

By noon, the cycle begins all over again. Most students from the first lunch rush have either gone to class or have left. The rest remain near the TV discussing their plans for the weekend. The food line begins to wrap around again, this time almost reaching the doors of the entrance. Acquaintances in line make small talk about absurd amounts of reading assignments. A girl embraces her friend as if they haven’t seen each other in years. 

The buzz of the crowd makes it difficult to study. A whole page can be read with only a few words being registered. It’s much easier to people watch, taking in the feel of the place. The atmosphere is filled with happiness and excitement for the weekend. There’s only a few voices heard that seem to complain about everything. The complainers quickly leave and head off toward the parking lot while the rest remain until they slowly diminish along with the minutes.

By 1 p.m., the room is empty, leaving behind it the echo of talk and laughter. Once again, the radio can be heard. The lunch rush is over.