By: Abbey Raynes
It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year– dead week and finals week! Chugging Red Bulls and sipping on lattes at coffee shops become an annual pastime, as folks get prepared for the long-enduring week before winter break. Racking up prices at a local coffee shop may feel great in the moment when getting a sweet little treat, however, it doesn’t feel amazing for the bank account.
Understanding that being a broke college student during finals week might be the worst thing to ever exist or you don’t want to spend an entire paycheck on beverages in one week; here are some drinks you can “bawl” on a budget to, and can give you that ‘sweet treat’ fix you’ll need to get you through finals week.
Celestial Seasonings – Raspberry Zinger Tea
A close-up shot of a box of Raspberry Zinger tea. Abbey Raynes // Wavelength
Found at your local Fred Meyer, Haggens, Safeway, etc… Sleepytime Tea is an all time classic that will get you through a cold, dark day. With its cheap price per box, ranging in multiple flavors, un-caffeinated and caffeinated options, the fun graphics on the cover isn’t the only thing that makes this tea absolutely iconic. Top it off with some sugar or honey, this drink will make you calm and collected when taking last-minute exams.
Price: $3.00 per box. 20 count.
Red Bull – Tropical
A close-up shot of yellow edition, tropical Red Bull. Abbey Raynes // Wavelength
For those wanting that extra caffeine or chemical taste to shoot through your veins, Red Bull is the way to go. Packed in an 8oz. or 12oz. can with 80mg-120mg of caffeine, this small beverage will most definitely get you through the entirety of the seven-page essay you waited until the last minute to finish. Also coming in a variety of flavors, there is an assortment of options to choose from at a very low price.
Price: $3.00 per can. 2 for $6.00 deal.
Yerba Mate – Revel Berry
A close-up shot of a Yerba Mate can, showcasing its big logo. Abbey Raynes // Wavelength
If you want to reflect the entirety of Bellingham’s population in one drink– Yerba Mate is the one for you! Filled with 80mg of caffeine, this is an organic energy drink that will make you wish you could be outside hiking, rather than taking a final in Academic West. With an assortment of flavors from mint to raspberry, this is a refreshing drink that is as tasty as the artistry of the can.
Price: $3.00-$3.29 per can/glass.
Peace Tea – Razzleberry
A close-up shot of a pink/red razzleberry peace tea, with their big logo peace sign on the front of the can. Abbey Raynes // Wavelength
Arguably the most iconic drink, Arizona Tea is famously known for being one of the cheapest and most delicious beverages to ever exist. For those that want a little bit of caffeine but not have a heart attack, there is 30mg in this 16oz. can–shout out to the mild caffeine addicts out there! If you want something that you’ll know you love for the lowest price, Arizona Tea is the way to go with its evolving flavors.
Price: $0.99 per can. $3.50 for a gallon.
Hot Chocolate – Swiss Miss
A close-up shot of a box of Raspberry Zinger tea. Abbey Raynes // Wavelength
If you’re looking for a hot and easy drink to prepare, Swiss Miss is the ideal hot chocolate for the holiday season. For those that do not like coffee and caffeine, but want something warm with some whip cream and milk, this one’s for you–also who doesn’t like tiny marshmallows. Microwaved or over stove-top, this is the holiday classic, so why not enjoy some holiday fun during a hell-ish finals week?
Price: $2.50 for 8ct box. (ReddiWhip Cream: $2.50 per can.)
Juice – Meadow Gold POG
A carton of POG juice, short for passion orange guava. Abbey Raynes // Wavelength
Adding some unconventional variety to this list, everyone has a favorite juice they like to drink, and this is mine. Though it’s more on the expensive side, this sweet treat is a physical manifestation of the strawberry and cheese scene from Ratatouille. Every time it’s bought, gulping down a cold glass of POG always lightens the mood, no matter the context. Its tropical flavor and wonderful color will definitely make studying a little bit easier.
Price: $4.79 per carton.
With these drinks being very accessible and easy to grab and go, these beverages can satisfy the ‘sweet treat’ fix that is essential to having a successful finals week. Instead of spending $5.00-$10.00 a day on an overpriced drink, check out some of these cheaper options that will last longer. Enjoy your drinks and enjoy finals week to the best of your capability!
Honorable Mentions
Darigold Chocolate/Strawberry Milk → $2.00 per bottle.
Jumex → $0.69 per can.
Ocean Spray Cran-Pineapple→ $3.50 per jug.
Starbucks Nitro Coldbrew → $4.20 per can.
Simply Lemonade Strawberry→ $3.00 per jug.