Favorite On Campus Coffee Spots: Caitlin x Grounds of Being
Regardless of whether you've been at UChicago for two and half quarters or are wrapping up your fourth year at the College, you've undoubtedly spent at least some portion of your time here frequenting your favorite on campus coffee shop.
Whether you gravitate towards these places for a quick shot of caffeine, a study break between classes or to meet up with friends, we've decided to feature MODA bloggers as a part of an ongoing On Campus Coffee Spots series to discover the intersections between campus culture, fashion and of course, caffeine! Keep scrolling for our unique profile on Caitlin Hogan, a first year Linguistics major and Astronomy and Astrophysics minor.
What kinds of RSOs and activities are you involved in on campus?
Except MODA, of course, I tutor North Korean refugees in English and GED skills with ENoK, I’m Treasurer for my House (go Phoenix!), I’m on the board of the Commonwealth Students Association, CommSA, I’m an International Student Ambassador and I volunteer with the International Students Advisory Committee.
Why is Grounds of Being your favorite cafe on campus?
Grounds of Being is cult for a reason. The environment is the perfect mix of busy and quiet, with great (consistently great) musical selections, great lighting and AMAZING coffee. I’m also a fan of their food selection, and ever-sweet baristas. I think the fact they don’t take Maroon Dollars means only the hardcore coffee shop nuts come here, it’s great. I even love the sugar skull designs on the cups!
How often do you come here?
Around 2-3 times a week, if my midterm schedule allows it. I have A Japanese class at 8:30AM every single day, and my friend Bala who I have Japanese with introduced me to this place. I’m normally in here with him after class waking myself up and remembering I need to speak English.
What is the best type of activity to do here?
I can get a lot of studying done in here, but it’s better for having a chat since its got such a relaxed vibe and the traditional chatty atmosphere. The tables also really seem to encourage opening up new conversations with new people, since they're all connected. The food selection also makes it a great date idea–all the tastes of Hyde Park without leaving campus!
What’s your go-to drink?
I love a straight up Americano. They have a couple different blends to choose from, and I like the Peruvian one. It’s super cheap, quick and easy, but the coffee is such good quality it just shoots straight to my brain!
Best item on the menu?
Irish Catholic! It’s a cafe au lait with Irish cream syrup and it tastes great!
What are you wearing?
Drop Dead shirt, black skinnies, timberlands (since Chicago weather has been insane this past week) and this olive GLMRKLLS jacket that I customised with patches myself (I’m pretty proud of that!).
How would you describe your personal style?
It’s less of a choice, most of the time. Since I’m so tall my priority is finding stuff that fits, and works with my stature. I take a lot of inspiration from the punk rock scene, as well as brands like Drop Dead that embrace the ragged and dark. I love simple stuff: I’m not that big on accessories but the idea of a simple sweater, jeans and ankle boots combo is ideal for me–if I can ever find ankle boots that fit!
all images via Olivia Jia
