By Jessica Bresler

News Correspondent

For most Northeastern students, fall brings a heavy load of books, classes, homework, and activities, and of course the driving force behind the madness is our enthusiasm for learning. And      caffeine. For those who rush to the latter to satisfy their midnight cramming and 8 a.m. classes, the ultimate coffee shop is a necessity. While hipster-chain Espresso Royale offers a variety of coffees, teas, breakfast foods and newly created sandwiches, the restaurant is usually slammed with long lines, a crowded street front, and tons of Northeastern students looking for their daily buzz. If one is looking to break away from the typical ERCs, Starbucks and Dunkin’ chains, try one of these four coffee and tea friendly stores:

For the Tea Aficionados
If you have a bit of extra time and are willing to walk, try Teavana in the Prudential Center, about a five to 10 minute walk from campus. With tea as popular as ever among aging grandmothers and college students alike, Teavana is the perfect place to stock up on teas ranging in prices from the wallet-friendly $5 range to upward of $20 for a box of premium loose-leaf tea. This location is more of a store than a restaurant; if you are trying to save cash (and the environment), invest in an electric tea kettle and thermos – both are dorm-friendly options that cut your morning routine in half. 800 Boylston St.

For the ERC faithful
If you just can’t shake your ERC craving, try Pavement, a coffee shop on Boylston owned by ERC, so the shop offers similar fair to its owner, coupled with a completely different atmosphere. Here, coffee and tea drinkers alike can pick up their morning brew from fabulous baristas hailing from their native Boston. The sandwich selection is broad and delicious, but be prepared to wait if there is even an inkling of a line. Drink service is prompt, and the people behind the counter have no problem chatting with you over the fun and eclectic music that plays in the background. The relaxed setting in Pavement rivals that of ERC, and the outdoor seating helps accommodate students (primarily from Berkelee and Northeastern) who are looking for a lounge spot. The wide selection of organic tea and coffee fuels those rushing to grab a cup and can’t stay. 1096 Boylston Street. Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For the breakfast eater
Located right across from campus, Temptations has a full non-alcoholic drink bar and opens early enough for even the most dedicated student. In addition to having the a varied sandwich selection, Temptations also serves a variety of hot, cold, blended and iced drinks that one would find at any reputable coffee house – even if the restaurant is largely a lunch spot. The fresh ingredients and home brews make it feel like a California deli, but expect higher prices and slower service, as the cooks and barristas are one in the same. However, this is definitely the most convenient location for those living on and around campus who wish to skip the monotony of the other hip coffee houses. 313 Huntington Avenue.
Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For those living on the other side of campus
Located conveniently at Columbus and Massachusetts Avenues, Uptown Espresso is the perfect blend of urban finesse and cafe charm. With a huge selection of New York-grown coffee and plenty of different kinds of tea, the location is perfect for those craving a peaceful (yet trendy) place to study and hang out. The indoor patio and outdoor deck provide an enormous amount of seating, and people will love the open bar setting that enables barristas to bring customers their freshly-brewed drinks wherever they are in the restaurant. For on-the-go customers, there is a bar/waiting area that is right next to the register and door. The street view is the urban setting you would expect from Boston, but it’s the interior’s cozy, modern feel that keeps customers filling the seats all day. Co-op students should stop by this place, as it’s right down the street from the Massachusetts Avenue T stop and open at 7a.m. 563 Columbus Avenue
Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 7p.m. Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m