We Analyzed 1 Thousand Studies and Research Papers and Here’s What We Learned About the Real Effects of Caffeine on Students’ Performance

Drinking Coffee Helps Students Deal with Tests and Visual/Auditory Tasks Faster

Often, making decisions fast is crucial, especially during tests with a limited timeframe. And since coffee is proven to raise alertness, we were also interested in finding out how it can help students deal with assignments that require good decision-making skills.

Studies show that caffeine, aside from increasing overall alertness, also reduces the reaction time. In fact, even little doses of caffeine showed a significant effect. As little as 32 mg can decrease one’s reaction speed, which is around half a cup of regular drip coffee.

This research on the effects of caffeine on student performance proves that coffee drinkers may find it easier to deal with time-pressing assignments and tests, especially those that involve visual and auditory tasks. Coffee can simply make students react faster. Therefore, caffeine in this beverage can combat sluggishness that often prevents students from achieving better academic results.

Drinking Coffee with Friends and Fellow Students Can Have a Positive Effect on One’s Academic Performance

While coffee can affect us physically, it’s important to remember that this beverage often serves as a base for socializing. And as it turns out, socializing over a cup of coffee can help students with their academic performance.

For instance, when getting together at coffee shops or in common rooms over a cup of hot beverage, students often discuss class matters, share ideas, read each other’s notes, talk about some difficulties they might be experiencing in school, and share insights.

Therefore, we can assume that the socializing aspect of coffee drinking can be a powerful boost for one’s academic success.

Taking Coffee Breaks Can Help Students Stay Focused and, Thus, Perform Better In School

The effect of coffee on students’ performance doesn’t have to do with caffeine only. After all, the routine itself is crucial too.

This can be proved by research that studied the effect of breaks on college students’ attention span and academic performance. The brain does not handle constant stimulation well. When receiving information for prolonged periods, it can deem it unimportant. Naturally, this means reduced attention span and difficulties focusing when studying.

Research suggests that taking breaks during study sessions can help students remain alert, concentrated, and perceive the information better. And as we know, coffee breaks are among the most common “hiatus” options when studying.

Students Have More Time to Deal with Their Assignments when Drinking Coffee

Caffeine is known to increase alertness. It can also affect the adrenaline levels in one’s body, keeping students awake when needed.

By staying awake and alert, college undergraduates get more time (in the evenings, for example) to finish their academic tasks. While not necessarily healthy, an occasional cup of coffee in the evening can help students stay awake longer and, thus, have more time to prepare for the next day and study more.

By giving students more time to prepare, coffee can help them improve their academic performance. That being said, students need to remember that caffeine can disrupt one’s sleep, so it’s better to turn to this method only in urgent situations.

75% of College Students Report Drinking Coffee Regularly

To understand how much influence caffeine has in the academic field, we need to find out what percentage of college students drink coffee.

Now, according to recent studies, 75% of surveyed college students report drinking coffee regularly. Another study shows that 40% of people aged 18-24 (a typical age frame for college undergraduates) consume coffee daily as well (15). Most of them note that they drink coffee mainly to stay awake.

This proves that caffeine (and coffee in particular) plays a significant role in students’ daily lives. Naturally, with coffee being constantly present in their routines, we can assume that this beverage plays a part in students’ academic performance as well. 

Among College Students, 79% Drink Coffee to Stay Awake and More Alert

After finding out what percentage of college students drink coffee, we were interested in discovering the main reasons behind this choice (and whether it has to do with academic performance or not).

It turns out that 79% of college undergraduates choose to drink coffee in order to stay alert and remain awake. At the same time, 68% enjoy the taste (alongside the coffee’s stimulating abilities), 39% like the social aspect of coffee drinking, and 31% also appreciate its ability to improve concentration. Only 9% of the responders claim to drink coffee in order to relieve stress.

These statistics show that caffeine consumption plays a major role in students’ academic performance. College undergraduates drink coffee to stay awake, which allows them to dedicate more time to their studies and, thus, potentially improve their academic results.

80% of Students Say They Don’t Experience Negative Side Effects of Coffee Consumption, Meaning Caffeinated Beverages Can Help with Academic Performance Without Harming One’s Health

Accounting for potential side effects of coffee consumption is crucial, given the fact how popular this beverage is among college students.

Now, 80% of college undergraduates note that they are immune to the negative side effects of caffeinated beverages. The rest say they still can experience nervousness, flushed appearance, tremors, and palpitations after drinking coffee.

These statistics can teach us two things. First, coffee can help students boost their academic results without making them experience unpleasant side effects. Second, college undergraduates still need to be very careful with caffeine. To avoid tremors, nervousness, and other side effects, students have to control the amount of coffee they consume daily. The recommended dosage of caffeine is up to 400 mg per day, which equals around 4-5 cups of brewed coffee (16).