The Scene picks the best American University has to offer.
» Best Cup of Coffee: The Dav
There’s no shortage of places on AU’s campus to buy a cup of coffee, but the student-run Davenport Coffee Lounge, located in SIS, is by far the best. The Dav offers fair-trade, organic coffee, as well as espresso drinks, teas and several flavors of chai that are miles better than any frappa-whatevers you’ll find at Starbucks.
The Dav sets an example for other coffee shops by promoting environmental sustainability and supporting local charities, and last year donated a portion of sales from their monthly specialty drinks to Relay for Life, the Red Cross and other organizations. Dav lines regularly stretch out the door before mid-morning classes, so wake up ten minutes early for your morning caffeine a la Dav.
With an eclectic soundtrack and a laid-back atmosphere, the Dav inspires a certain fanaticism among AU students. Order an Alternative Baking Company vegan cookie with a Nutella chai, and you’ll see why.
» Best deal for caffeine cravers: The Perch
For after-hours caffeine consumption, head to the Perch, the South Side coffee lounge tucked away on Centennial Hall’s first floor. Open from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. every night, the Perch is outfitted with couches and high tables, perfect for relaxing or studying with friends.
All coffee, tea, hot chocolate and apple cider are only $1, so your late-night coffee cravings won’t drain your pocket. To stay eco-friendly, the Perch doesn’t supply paper cups; so don’t forget to bring your largest coffee mug.
» Best Place to Study: 2nd Floor Library
When you need to focus and turning on your laptop’s Self Control app doesn’t cut it, the library’s quiet floor is best for your heavy-duty studying. The second floor of the library is silent, so no phone conversations, loud typing or heavy breathing will be tolerated by the floor’s other highly stressed occupants.
But whether you have a paper due in six hours or a midterm in the morning, there is no easier place on campus to be productive. For a less intense studying environment, check out the Battelle Atrium or the various tables scattered throughout SIS.
» Fastest Food: Block Express
When you have 10 minutes between classes and TDR’s line is stretching up the stairs, Block Express is there to help. Block Express, located in MGC, accepts meal swipes and provides you with a sandwich, drink and side in a to-go box — perfect for your manic sprint from Katzen to Watkins.
For a quick late-night dinner, the Tavern and Salsa are both open until 11 p.m. Salsa runs out of ingredients towards the end of the night, so get there before 10 p.m. or risk being stuck with a rice and sour cream burrito. On Saturdays, when both are closed, head to Megabytes for Indian food.
» Healthiest Campus Eatery: TDR
Students mindful of healthy eating can find refuge from Tavern tenders at TDR. While the burgers, fried chicken and mac ‘n’ cheese are the opposite of healthy, TDR also features an expansive salad bar and a tasty vegan and vegetarian section worthy of your attention.
In 2008, AU won the PETA distinction of the nation’s top vegetarian-friendly university; and TDR’s food services company Bon Appetit, which focuses heavily on promoting sustainability and serving locally grown food, has won the Ecological Society of America Corporate Award and the Humane Society of the United States Excellence in Food Service Award. Check out the vegan and vegetarian bar, which offers hummus and seitan along with an array of dishes like black bean burritos and spaghetti squash.
» Quickest Way to Get A Job: AUSG Job Board
The job market may be bleaker than ever, but it’s far from impossible to find a job at AU. Student Government sponsors an online job board that allows local businesses and employers to post help wanted notices. From babysitting jobs to internships, the site is teeming with D.C. employers looking to hire AU students.
Nannying and babysitting gigs in the Northwest D.C./Maryland neighborhoods are the most common postings on the site, and serving/hostess positions, office administrative jobs and internships are also common. The site occasionally will feature an on-campus or work-study job, but the vast majority of the positions are off-campus. Visit jobs.ausg.org and post a profile, in which you can describe your job interests and availability to enable employers to contact you.
