Issue 158

Costa Coffee pod opens in the library

22nd October 2007

Students visiting the University's Library will notice a new addition for this term in the form of a Costa Coffee kiosk.

The 'Costa Coffee Pod' offers students a wide range of coffees along with other hot drinks and snacks and will be open seven days a week during term time.

The new Costa Coffee pod seems to be popular with students and getting their approval, Alice Turner, a second year Egyptology and Ancient History student, commented: "Opening the 'Pod' is a good idea as it could help people to take a break whilst studying. Provided the revenue generated goes back to the University, I think it can only be a good thing."

Nick Cooper, Treasurer for the Students' Union, was keen to remind students that JC's coffee bar in Fulton House also provides Fair Trade products and may offer students a cheaper option.

Cooper went on to suggest that, the 'Pod' could help the Students'Union's ongoing campaign for twenty four hour Library access, "...students will have the coffee bar to help them stay awake longer. The opening of Costa can only be beneficial to students."

Although, some students point out that the presence of the 'Pod' is expensive and removes the silent study area.

Many discussions with students involved them commenting on yet more chain coffee bars and brands buying into the Union, where the space should be used for study - or for local businesses - and not for a chain such as Costa.

However, second year Media Communications student Lucy Armelin said, "People could find the Library a more inviting place and therefore visit more frequently which could help their studies."

The Pod, which is operated by University Catering Services, is located on the ground floor of the library in the study hall.

Andy Williams