To the large majority of Cornell students who study late at night, I often wonder where their energy is coming from. Does snacking or sipping help students “lock in?” From Celsius enthusiasts to M&M loyalists, a diverse range of palettes was investigated to see what fuels late-night study grinds at Cornell. I polled a small sample size of 24 students and collected quotes from both sides. 

Among a sample of mostly Science, Nutrition, and Hotel majors, but also including ILR, CS/ORIE, Mechanical Engineering, and Architecture majors, 29% reported that they were study snackers, and 29% reported that they were study drinkers. 45% of the pool said that they drank a caffeinated drink such as matcha, coffee, and/or an energy drink when studying because without it, they were unable to focus,  tired and needed energy, or simply because “a fun drink makes studying more fun.” Others believed that snacking or drinking “can be distracting” to themselves or those around them. While  35% of the students believe that without snacking or drinking while studying they would be totally “fine,” “okay,” or just “drink more water,” others felt more passionately for their beverage or snack of choice with 40% of the pool exclaiming that they would “die,” “fall asleep and be unhappy,”, or “get distracted.” 

One CS/ORIE student and one ILR student argued that “Caffeine is overrated. People need to sleep more and be more productive in terms of their time management,” and that “Snacking while studying is inefficient.” Both of these students claimed to be neither a food snacker nor a drinker. One Food Science major believes that “snacking is essential to a successful lock in,” and a Humanities major said that snacking or drinking “can help find motivation to study, but it’s a delicate balance… finding the best accompaniment for your time hard at work”. 

Cornellians have a large range of opinions, but regardless of your fuel of choice, Cornell students know how to power through. Our poll didn’t reveal a clear winner on what Cornellians run on, which just goes to show that study habits are personal. For the rare few catching naps around the Cocktail Lounge… don’t worry, I’ve been there too, but maybe this article can help you find a method that can work for you.