It may not be particularly charming or spotlessly clean, but its central location makes the mid-priced Harvard Square Hotel a perennial favorite. The 73 singles and doubles have TV, wireless internet, refrigerators, hair dryers, irons, and ironing boards. Singles and doubles $119-269; rooms $300+ during Commencement (3-night minimum). Generally, book 2 weeks in advance; around Harvard University's Commencement week, though, make reservations 2 years ahead (deposit due 1 year in advance). Guests also have access to the not-so-nearby YMCA facilities (820 Mass. Ave.). Discounts available for AAA, AARP, and Harvard affiliates on official business. Parking available ($17/day, overnight $27/night). 4 rooms with wheelchair access. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Now an international phenomenon, it's only appropriate that Starbucks has taken over Harvard Sq. Despite the cookie-cutter feel of the shops, Starbucks does make a great place to catch up on some reading or to bring your laptop to write that term paper for hours on end (while terminally caffeinated). Get your sexy metallic thermoses and colorful plastic mugs here, as well as appropriately over-priced teas, espresso drinks, and mediocre baked goods. In addition to their calorie-heavy but delicious trademark coffee and mocha frappuccinos ($2.75-4.50), they now have a variety of non-coffee blended drinks (like vanilla bean or tazo chai frappuccinos). This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Another stop in the national chain, this is a roomy location. With comfortable seating and a pleasant staff. Lines are never that long.

The bottom floor of this split-level office-supply authority is a copy center. Copies vary by quantity, but generally self-service and full service run 9¢/page; color copies 89¢/page (volume pricing after the first 1000 pages for b/w and color copies). Binding, folding, stapling, collating, mounting, laminating, and over-sized copying also available. Kinko's offers posters and banners service. Local fax transmissions $1/page, $1.50/additional page; all other domestic transmissions are $2/page; and cover pages are free. There is also a Federal Express drop-off on-site (M-F 8am-8PM, Sa-Su 8am-2pm). One floor up, Kinko's Computer Center provides Macs and IBMs for public use at 20¢/min, as well as design stations (equipped with Photoshop, ZIP drive, and flatbed scanner) for 40¢/min. Laser printing is 29¢/page, 89¢/page for color lasers. Sony Picturestation and Mac to IBM file conversion service is also available. Stationery, greeting cards, and passport photos ($13 for 2) are also sold. For the speediest, most convenient service, submit your jobs online to weborder.kinkos.com, which allows you to choose any FedEx Kinko's location your heart fancies. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

This stop in the national chain is more of the starbucks we have come to know and love. With a small yet comfortable sitting area...and a pleasant staff, this location although it can get busy is a great place to stop just off of the main axis of the square.

Fast food where everything is made from fresh ingredients, tastes good, and is actually good for you? We were dubious, too, but B. Good's healthy array of high-quality burgers (both veggie and the real deal), crispy baked fries, and low-fat shakes accomplishes all that and more. Freshmen can munch on low-fat and reduced-calorie versions of fast-food favorites without worrying about that ominous 15. The Southwestern veggie, with fresh avocado and cilantro, is tasty enough to make you forget beef, but those still missing Mickey D's will be satisfied with the home-ground West-side burger on a whole wheat bun. In all its non-artery-clogging glory, B.Good brings a much-needed alternative to Harvard's traditional late-night eats. Burgers around $5, with fries and drink $7-7.50. Subscribe to the monthly newsletter for free burgers, smoothies, or fries. Also at 131 Dartmouth St. (617-424-5252), near the Back Bay T-stop. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Don't let the Busch beer sign mislead you—Darwin's is an oasis of gourmet food, just minutes away from the heart of the Square. But don't let the promise of gourmet food fool you, either; Darwin's also carries a decent selection of beer and wine. The deli counter is the home of the best sandwiches ($5.75-7.25) around, named for local streets intersecting with Brattle. Try the “Longfellow,” ham with cheddar and fresh apple slices, or the “Mount Auburn,” smoked turkey and cheese with avocado and tomato. Add some variety to your meal with one of Darwin's tasty sides, like pasta salad or broccolini, and enjoy it in the relaxed atmosphere of the store's fully-stocked coffee bar. The staff, mirroring the general ambiance, is friendly and inviting. Also a good selection of fresh fruit, veggies, and organic and specialty foods. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Adjacent to the Broadway MarketPlace and a regular Harvard hangout, the claim to fame of this Starbucks on Broadway is its stellar customer service that far exceeds expectations.

Adorable coffee shop in the heart of Cambridge, 5 minutes from Harvard Square. Excellent breakfasts and great sandwiches and salads all day. Best part of the cafe are the friendly wait-staff and relaxed environment. Great place to hang-out, bring a book and enjoy a great meal. Pies are also available for purchase.