Coffee shops: a staple of Edinburgh life, and if you’re anything like me, you’re most likely sat in one while reading this article, procrastinating tutorial readings and enjoying the generally autumnal aesthetic. Here at The Student, however, we’ve been wondering if Edinburgh coffee shops are overcharging for their cups of lukewarm coffee.
The average price for a coffee in the UK is £3.50, and with ever-rising costs of living and prices in Edinburgh frequently rising above this, nice coffees are around £4 or more. Is this really fair on student budgets? Chain coffee shops often charge this much or more, especially when customers pick dairy-free milks or need a to-go cup, and this can significantly eat into a budget (especially after one-too many late night Lidl bakery runs). For a drink that we could also make at home, it feels like too much of a luxury.
On the flip side, shops face significant pressure, as rents in Edinburgh continue to rise, along with bills. It could be justifiable for smaller businesses, especially independent shops, to charge slightly more in order to achieve the desired atmosphere. As many students know, these independent branches are the places where communities thrive; where we can sit and study for a few hours before meeting a friend for a much needed catch-up. Coffee shops are also helpful places for societies to run non-alcohol based socials, which are essential to building a wider university community.
Still – having just been charged £3 for a shot of coffee with a splash of milk, I can’t help but feel like some coffee shops are somewhat exploiting the tired and stressed masses of Edinburgh students. Is it possible for us to find budget-friendly coffee shops? It’s hard to find somewhere central and still affordable.
The obvious alternative is turning to one of the Student Unions in Potterrow or Pleasance for food and drinks, but even so, is this really fair on students who want to explore Edinburgh beyond the University campus? Student discounts are also worth taking into account (and using!) – a personal favourite is that every Monday, a coffee or tea is £2 from Black Sheep Coffee using UniDays.
So, are we paying for more than just a coffee when we head to Black Medicine or The Milkman? Are these places part of our memories of university life, or are they simply draining our bank accounts unjustifiably? Personally, I am a die-hard fan of a thermos cup to take coffees to classes in, but also, when I need a mid-afternoon boost, a coffee shop is the perfect place to socialise or study in. Maybe I will continue to pay £4 for a mocha – after all, what’s the university experience without an aesthetic café?
Photograph provided by Megan Hill
