On the Ground: Sweet Experiences at Starbucks on Campus

At first glance, York College of Pennsylvania may look like a typical campus in a typical college town—but look a little closer, and you’ll discover a community full of hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems. In our On the Ground series, we explore some of YCP’s most meaningful places and spaces, both on campus and in nearby York, with help from our own Spartan students.

Meg Stefek ’23 is a loyal Starbucks supporter.

“They know my name [and order],” she says, laughing. “That’s how you know I come here too much. I don’t care. It makes me happy.”

Meg, who is a Mass Communications major and participates in theatrical productions, is often at the WVYC radio station in the Student Union. The proximity of the Student Union to Starbucks makes getting a drink an easy choice for her.

“I used to have a radio show, which I’m going to start up again this semester because I’m less busy. [But] I’d be wrapping up the show and thinking, ‘I’m going to get a strawberry refresher soon,’” she adds, with a smile.

Meg first learned about the Starbucks at YCP during a visit to the College.

“I think it was Accepted Students Day,” she says. “We were touring a few buildings and obviously scheduling classes. And [in] the Humanities building, which is where Starbucks [is]…I saw the big sign right there [that said]: Starbucks. [I thought], wait, they have a Starbucks on campus!? I've been there every day since [my first day] and now they know me by name.”

Meg doesn’t like coffee, so she appreciates the variety of options Starbucks provides to fit her tastes.

“My go-to drink if I’m having a bad day or I’m just bored [will] always be a strawberry refresher,” she says. “Doesn’t matter if it’s negative-two degrees out. Sometimes, because I do theatre and if my throat’s bugging me, I’ll get the medicine ball.”

Additionally, she loves how YCP’s Starbucks has an atmosphere anyone can fit into.

“Even if you don’t like Starbucks in particular, it’s still a good place to chill out with friends, hang out, even get a snack, because they have good food there. They have brownies, cake pops—tomato mozzarella paninis are my favorite. So if you’re not necessarily into coffee, you could get a snack, do your work, [and] hang out with friends,” she explains.

Starbucks also provides Meg with the right conditions to do her homework.

“I like the vibe with coffee shops,” she says. “I feel like I can focus there. I wrote a whole essay there once, but I can’t do that in my dorm.”

For Meg, the people at YCP’s Starbucks make her visits all the more meaningful. She mentions Barbara in particular, who always makes her day.

“The people there—they’re just so nice,” she says. “They get to know you over time. They’re like family.”