As a student at the University of Maryland, College Park, it’s easy to feel stretched thin balancing classes, group projects, internships and campus involvement. For many students, coffee becomes the fuel that keeps everything running during long days and late-night study sessions.
Living near campus, especially along Route 1, means you’re surrounded by plenty of places to grab caffeine between classes or settle in for a study session. At Rambler College Park, we understand how demanding college life can be, so we’ve gathered a list of coffee spots that are popular among UMD students and worth checking out.
Read Next: Top 10 Places to Study Near UMD
1. Vigilante Coffee
Neighborhood: North Campus
Distance from Rambler College Park: 4 minute walk
Address: 8200 Baltimore Avenue
Known for its specialty roasting and strong reputation among coffee lovers, Vigilante is a go-to destination for students who appreciate high-quality espresso drinks. The spacious seating and industrial-style interior make it a great place to meet friends or focus on assignments.
2. The Board and Brew College Park
Neighborhood: North Campus
Distance from Rambler College Park: 3 minute walk
Address: 8150 Baltimore Avenue
Conveniently located along Route 1, Board and Brew is a favorite among students who enjoy combining coffee with games and casual hangouts. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to unwind between classes or meet up with friends.
3. Shop Made in Maryland College Park
Neighborhood: Downtown College Park
Distance from Rambler College Park: 19 minute walk
Address: 7401 Baltimore Avenue
More than just a coffee stop, Shop Made in Maryland blends locally crafted goods with a cozy café experience. It’s a unique place to grab a drink while browsing items from local Maryland artisans.
4. Starbucks Coffee
Neighborhood: South Campus
Distance from Rambler College Park: 20 minute walk
Address: 7336 Baltimore Avenue
A familiar option for students who rely on consistent favorites, Starbucks offers reliable coffee, quick service and plenty of seating for studying. It’s a dependable choice when you need a fast caffeine stop before class.
5. Dunkin’ College Park
Neighborhood: Old Town
Distance from Rambler College Park: 18 minute walk
Address: 4500 College Avenue
If you’re looking for something quick and budget-friendly, Dunkin’ is a popular pick. Known for its iced coffee and breakfast items, it’s especially convenient for students rushing to early classes. It is located in the lobby of Rambler College Park South, making it a great choice for residents in the building.
6. Footnotes Café
Neighborhood: Central Campus
Distance from Rambler College Park: 20 Minute Walk
Address: 7649 S Library Lane
Footnotes Café is a smaller, cozy spot known for its welcoming environment and limited seating. It is a solid option for students who want to grab a coffee while at McKeldin Library studying or completing group projects.
7. Bagels ‘n Grinds
Neighborhood: North Campus/Route 1 Corridor
Distance to Rambler College Park: 9 minute walk
Address: 7777 Baltimore Avenue
A longtime College Park staple, Bagels ‘n Grinds is a reliable morning stop for coffee and fresh bagels. Many students swing by before class or to study during the weekend for a caffeine boost and breakfast.
8. Food for Thought Café
Neighborhood: North/Central Campus
Distance to Rambler College Park: 17 minute walk
Address: 4131 Campus Drive
Food for Thought Café offers a quick grab and go options with a dependable drink menu that attracts students looking to get work done on campus in between classes.
9. Daydreamer Café
Neighborhood: North Campus/Route 1 Corridor
Distance from Rambler College Park: 0 minutes
Address: 8145 Baltimore Avenue (inside Rambler College Park!)
Located inside Rambler College Park opening in 2027, Daydreamer Café will offer handcrafted coffee drinks, matcha and pastries just steps from residents’ front doors. Its location will make it incredibly convenient for grabbing coffee on the way to class or meeting friends in the lobby.
In the meantime, Rambler College Park’s leasing office will offer a daydreamer cart, where students who go on tours receive a free coffee and anyone who signs their lease at Rambler College Park will receive free coffee for the remainder of the lease up season!
Read Next: Best Study Spots Near UMD
We hope this guide gives you a great starting point for exploring some of the best coffee shops around College Park. Whether you prefer grabbing something to-go before class or settling in for a long study session, there are plenty of spots nearby to match your routine.
If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to our leasing team at Rambler College Park North or Rambler College Park South. We would be happy to help you transition into your new home away from home.
Allison
Allison is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler College Park. She's a student at the University of Maryland, majoring in Marketing and Management. Her favorite drink to order is a vanilla iced latte!
Published On: June 22, 2026
Last Updated On: August 13, 2026
