Starbucks, a coffeehouse company has implemented some changes starting late January 2025 that may affect students and/or customers in various ways.

“They [Starbucks] are trying to turn them [cafés] back into an actual café kind of ambiance,” said a Starbucks barista, Daisy Fernandez.

When visiting Starbucks now, the barista will ask if the order is for here or to go. If the order is for here, customers will receive their food and drinks on a ceramic plate, mug (hot drink), or glass cup (cold drink). Starbucks is also bringing back the condiment bars (sugar, creamer, etc.) where there will be a bin to place the used dishes.

Purchases will now be required to sit and chill at the café, get water (no longer free without purchase), and use the restrooms.

Depending on the area, there have been some issues with homeless individuals.

“They [Starbucks] are trying to do that so homeless people aren’t there,” said Fernandez. “There’s been some incidents where they [homeless] will flood the restrooms because they will try to take baths in there sometimes.”

Starbucks is attempting to keep the restrooms safe and sanitary while also reducing complaints from customers about being disturbed.

Although Starbucks will no longer be considered a pit stop, these regulations will not be applied to first responders and law enforcement officers.

Apart from frequent customers, college students have also been impacted by these updates. Despite the fact that there may be a few disadvantages, the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

Many college students enjoy going to a café, like Starbucks, for a place to study.

“When I think of cafés, I’m thinking of getting a cup of coffee, sitting down, reading a book, doing my homework, stuff like that,” said Fernandez. “I think that’s kind of what they want to bring back, this kind of relaxing ambiance of catching up, having a good, chill time.”

Even though purchases are needed for services, some advantages include a quieter place with no disturbance and free refills (with certain conditions applied).

Starbucks is enhancing the in-store experience by the return of the condiment bar, writing on the plastic cups, baristas bringing the food and drinks to the table, and the use of reusable dishes.