It’s no myth that college students run on coffee, especially at Cal State Fullerton, home to three Starbucks. 

While some believe that it is an excessive amount of Starbucks, CSUF has over 44,000 students and faculty. That means having enough coffee places is ideal for handling the number of people on campus.

However, many students, like 20-year-old CTVA student Carly Callanan, still deal with the consequences of too many students wanting coffee.

“I’ll be waiting longer than I need to, and it can be frustrating,” said Callanan, who goes to Starbucks on campus at least twice a week. 

The three Starbucks on campus are located in Pollak Library, Titan Student Union and Mihaylo Business Building. All have seating areas for students and have similar set-ups, with two baristas taking orders and a side area for online orders.

It’s not just the students who experience the struggle – the baristas do as well. Miniya Collins, 20, has worked as a barista in the Pollak Library store for a year and a half. She says that when there is a rush, it gets hectic.

“When I first started working there, I was definitely overwhelmed by the rush,” Collins said. “I had originally come from a corporate store where our definition of rush was five people in line.”

And Collins isn’t wrong: the Pollak Library Starbucks is notorious for its long lines and even longer wait times for drinks. The same goes for the Mihaylo Business Building Starbucks and the Titan Student Union Starbucks during their rush times.

Callanan also agrees that out of all of the Starbucks locations, Pollak is the busiest. The main reason is because the library is in the middle of campus, which means no matter where your classes are, it doesn’t take long to get to it. It’s also open two hours later compared to the other locations. Many students also study in the library, so when they need their coffee fix, all they need to do is go to the first floor.

“I have experienced issues mostly at the Pollak Library location,” Callanan said. “There have been times where I got notifications that my order was ready when really, it wasn’t.” 

“I attend the Mihaylo Business location the most this semester because all my classes are in that building, but it also happens to be the least crowded from what I experience,” Callanan said. “I think since the Library and TSU are more common areas to hang out at when students aren’t in class, they will go to those because it is convenient.”

Another tip: Use the Starbucks app because all three stores use it for online ordering. You can order your drink beforehand, and it’ll be ready for pick-up. Collins said she believes “the new system does help a lot” and makes it more efficient for baristas to complete orders. Callanan also said it’s a great way to save time.

“I think it is convenient because I can order it when I park at school, and by the time I get there, it’s ready,” Callanan said.

And when in doubt, always get in line early before your class to ensure you won’t be late. Can’t decide on a drink when you order? Collins will always recommend ordering an iced Chai latte. Not only is it delicious, but it’s easy and quick to make so you may get your drink quicker!

“For my Chai drinkers, just know we appreciate you all,” Collins said.