The time is nigh. The dreaded hour approaches. Finals are almost here.
But how will you keep yourself energized during so turbulent a trial? Which food will keep you awake and studying into the early hours of the morning?
It’s a yearly predicament that most students face: too many options and not enough time to try them all. But some snacks go above and beyond what the rest can achieve.
I’ve decided to assemble a totally (not) definitive list of the best study snacks you can find at or near UB, with something for even the pickiest of eaters.
- The classic: Ice cream
Tried and true, ice cream is a staple desert and study time snack. With dozens of flavors, a creamy texture and a chill capable of combating even the stuffiest dorms, ice cream has a lot to love. That (combined with a few loads of sugar) makes it the ideal pick-me up for any sleepy study situation.
Aside from nearby grocery stores, ice cream can be found in The Elli convenience store, over in Ellicott. But be warned: To partake in a frosty treat, it must be purchased before 9 p.m. when The Elli closes for the night.
Always remember, pistachio is the best flavor.
- The candy king: Milky Way
Kit Kat. Crunch. Coffee Crisp. There are plenty of capable candy bars, but none can contest the Milky Way. If chocolate and caramel wasn’t already a delectable combination, nougat makes it even better.
With plenty of sugar stuffed into such a small package, Milky Way does more than just offer flavor: it’s great for staying awake. While it might not last as long as other snacks, it’s one of the cheapest and most accessible options on campus.
Milky Way can be found in vending machines all over UB, so no matter where your study spot takes you, a Milky Way won’t be far.
- The ‘healthy’ option: Clif Bars
It should come as no surprise that most scrumptious study snacks are far from healthy, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on nutrition all together.
Mostly found scattered throughout Ellicott, energy bars like Clif offer fiber, protein and natural energy other than sugar, which are lacking in most other snack foods.
Even so, a large amount of sugar is still present, so sleep (and flavor) should hardly be a concern.
- The satiating food: Ramen
The bread and butter of millions of college students, ramen isn’t exactly a snack, but maybe a snack isn’t exactly what everybody is looking for. Studying is bad enough, but studying on an empty stomach is a far worse fate. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, it takes a lot of candy bars to make a person full.
While ramen might not be the most adept at clearing the bags out from under your eyes, it provides plenty of carbs and can make late night work that much more bearable.
The most accessible way to get ramen on campus is likely the ramen vending machine across from The Elli in Ellicott. It might not be the quality of a DoorDashed meal, but it’s certainly cheaper.
- The caffeinated beverages: Coffee and energy drinks
Another less-than-snack-like surprise, coffee and energy drinks ended up on the list for the exact same reason: caffeine. There’s really nothing more to it. Caffeine is great at keeping most people awake and alert.
Despite the similarities, there are some glaring differences as well.
1. Drinks like Monster can be found in vending machines all over UB, while trying to find a hot coffee at 1 a.m. can prove much more frustrating.
2. Energy drinks tend to have a lot more caffeine than coffee does. If you don’t have much of a tolerance, maybe lean towards the lighter side of the spectrum; even small amounts can pack a punch.
3. The tastes could hardly be more different. A shame there’s only one way to figure out the best flavors…
Well, there it is. Remember, if you disagree with anything on the list, then you’re wrong.
Good luck to everyone in their soon-to-be sleepless nights.
The opinion desk can be reached opinion@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Breadchastick / Wikimedia Commons
