Recently I sat pondering over a couple of questions: What do most college students have in common, and where do they tend to frequent? The answer came to me so suddenly that I gave myself a face-palm.

Generally, most students cannot start their day without coffee — and they all need food — and the best places to obtain both are local cafes.

My first stop was Jen’s Cafe in Seven Points. It was a quaint, simple little place not far from campus. As soon as I stepped over the threshold, the aromas of what could only be delicious, Southern cooking hit me. My mouth watered as I spoke to the owner about the menu and their freshly-brewed coffee. They have an assortment of dishes to choose from, such as hamburger steak, grilled and fried chicken, and a variety of salads, sandwiches, hotdogs, burgers and desserts. The best deal I found at Jen’s was the $4.99 lunch special, which is served with three sides, roll or cornbread and tea. Not only is this a great price for quantity, but also the quality is assured to be satisfactory.

The second destination was Rivertown Coffee Company. This location seemed like it is frequented by college students. It has all the workings of a modern, college-friendly social hub. Rivertown has lovely artistry hanging from its walls and the scenery and vibe of this place are extraordinary.

The aroma of coffee hangs in the air and many students gather here to socialize over a cup of joe, a sandwich or even the bean dip and nachos. Another perk to coming to Rivertown was the Tazo tea and free Wi-Fi.

The final cafe I discovered also happened to be in Downtown Florence, and it is not too far from Rivertown. Dish Gourmet Cafe & Catering is a classy place to sip coffee and dine. The menu is filled with delicious soups, sandwiches, desserts and beverages. I had the privilege of meeting one of the owners and she was very courteous. I recommend dining at this locale.

I enjoyed my trips to these cafes and will be returning in the future for the food and coffee that each have to offer. I recommend other students do the same. Who knows maybe someone will discover that one of these has the potential to become their habitual hang out.