At home cherubs can order as much Starbucks as they want, but they can only have “Norbucks” during their five weeks at Medill.

“Norbucks” is how students endearingly refer to the Starbucks in the Norris University Center. Cherubs often spend hours at Norris each week, hanging out and relaxing – and drinking coffee.

Emily Bell picks up her shaken iced tea lemonade at the Starbucks in the Norris University Center. Photo by Caitlin Gerena.

Haley Hinkle, of Indiana, said Norris is conveniently located close to East Fairchild and Fisk Hall, making it a top spot for cherubs to spend free time.

“It’s much closer than going to town, so it’s definitely convenient,” Hinkle said.

Cherubs said they often stayed up late editing articles or talking with floor mates about the day’s funny stories. Many of them said they needed the extra caffeine in the morning to wake up for the first class. Starbucks was their solution.

“Whenever I need serious caffeine, I go to Starbucks,” Hinkle said. “It helped me survive the trend story and on those sleepy days when I’ve been up too late the night before.”

Emily Bell, of Missouri, said the Starbucks staff always tried their best to give the students their coffees quickly so that the cherubs were on time for class.

“The workers at Starbucks understand that people have meetings and classes, so they’re friendly and efficient,” Bell said. “I can show up at 8:48 a.m. and make a 9 a.m. class. They’re pleasant.”

But, Starbucks isn’t the only place where students went to buy drinks. Jamba Juice also had a large cherub following.

“I go once a day or every two days,” said Iris Kim, of Australia. “I like trying the different flavors. I tried at least one of each type.”

Cherubs also went to Norris to watch the 2011 Women’s World Cup. Many of the female cherubs turned in their trend stories, ordered a coffee at Starbucks, and sat on the comfy couches to cheer on the United States soccer team.

“We all sat on the big couches with our Starbucks, screaming at the TV,” said Alyssa Fisher, of Florida. “I’ve never had more fun watching the sport and will continue watching soccer because of my Norris experience.”

Other cherubs liked watching the World Cup together in Norris because it gave them a time to watch television.

“I thought it was fun because we don’t have TV in the dorms, so it gave us a spot to go and watch it together,” Hinkle said.

Cherubs also said Norris has breathtaking views.

“I definitely think the view of the lake is the prettiest view on campus of the lake, Chicago skyline and campus in general,” Hinkle said.

With the coffee and comfort of Norris, many cherubs said they feel at home.

Bell said Norris reminds her of home because Starbucks was a familiar thing that was always there when many other things were changing. Norris and Starbucks helped her transition into campus life at Northwestern.