Cups Coffee opened its doors this past August and has been dutifully serving happy customers ever since (Ashley Seruya/Neon Tommy).

Located right below the Gateway off-campus housing building on Figueroa St., the shop operates with a talented staff dedicated to a high quality product and customer satisfaction.

While Cups was a quiet little secret when it first opened its doors last August, the influx of students has heavily increased as the 2013 and 2014 school year has progressed.

During the first round of finals week this past winter took Cups by storm; the shop was bursting at the seams and was barely able to accommodate the never-ending stream of customers. By student demand, the shop extended its hours during finals, staying open until 3 a.m.

Looking into panini machines and extending their menu to include breakfast sandwiches stacked high with eggs, cheese and bacon, there is no telling what Cups Coffee is going to offer the USC community next. No matter what innovations come our way though, here's seven reasons why Cups Coffee is our home-away-from-home.

1. The atmosphere

A deep, rich red covers the entirety of Cups Coffee, giving it a warm and comforting glow. Cushy armchairs that sink and squish in all the right places are tucked into the corners of the shop, inviting people to come and sit for a while and shake off the day.

Differently shaped and styled clocks line the entire left wall, coming together to make an imperfectly perfect combination. Not one of the clocks display the correct time, reminding us all to slow down every once in a while and just enjoy our cup of joe.

The softest hint of freshly brewed coffee and strong espresso is inhaled as you walk through the door, completing the quintessential image of a privately owned and unique coffee house.

2. The quality roast

Taking huge pride in their menu items, Cups uses high quality espresso and coffee grounds sourced from a local and organic California brewing company called Groundwork. The drip coffee blends change daily, though the house blend - dubbed "Lucky Jack" - is always available and ever-popular.

The espresso machine used is also state of the art, with huge levers and pumps that make the baristas look like true chemists at work. The menu, with drinks made exclusively with Groundwork espresso, includes all of the standard options one would expect at a coffee shop, such as a single shot of espresso, a latte, a cappuccino, and different varieties of mocha. Some menu items such as the Cardinal and Gold latte (more simply put, a vanilla and raspberry latte) pay homage to USC, and others such as the All Nighter (a latte made with 4 shots of espresso, coupled with your flavor of choice) are dedicated to surviving finals.

3. The array of choices and customizations

Not a coffee drinker? No problem. Cups Coffee has an entire menu section dedicated to anyone who desires a different kind of flavor, including four different kinds of hot cocoa: plain, Mexican, salted caramel, and peppermint. Cups also has an extensive array of loose leaf teas, which can be made iced or hot. If none of those appeal to you, any barista behind the counter would be happy to make whatever you request. From Reeses Pieces lattes to peppermint chai lattes, they've seen - and made - it all.

The baristas at Cups Coffee take pride in their work and serve only the best to their customers (Ashley Seruya/Neon Tommy).

Hands down the shop's best-selling drink, the chai latte is normally made with a Tiger Spice blend sourced from Groundwork. It is a must-have non-coffee option, even for those that have java running through their veins. Served hot or iced, the chai blend holds a rich, spicy quality with just the right amount of sweetness, and is silky smooth when sipped.

Another Cups Coffee tip: though it is not well-known, the shop stocks three different types of chai. The Tiger Chai, as mentioned, is the standard mix and what USC students are consuming by the bucketload. There two other options, however, that are less popular but just as delicious; a Green Tea Chai blend offers a more mellow chai flavor with a hint of mint, and the Vanilla Chai is similar to the Tiger but with less spice and more sweet.

5. The milk options

Even if you’re avoiding dairy products, Cups can whip up your beverage of choice with soy or almond milk instead of the classic dairy milk. Though soy is offered in most coffee shops, such as the infamous Starbucks, almond milk is much rarer. It is also much healthier than soy milk, being both lower in calories and less prone to causing allergic reactions.

6. The sweet tooth

Afternoon sugar pick-me-ups are a daily necessity for many college students, and Cups is currently stocking its bakery case to capacity with all kinds of sweet goodies. All items are from local bakeries, and the shop has permanent partnerships with Homeboy Bakery and Action Cookies. Options include, but are certainly not limited to: chocolate croissants, molasses cookies and lemon bar bites. Affogatos are also a menu option, combining Cups' smooth espresso with hazelnut flavor and vanilla ice cream. 

7. The quick lunch

The shop has a very successful and very convenient bag-lunch program, selling combo lunch deals such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with fruit, string cheese and your choice of beverage (dubbed "The Starving Student"). They also offer freshly made salads for those of us trying to get our leafy greens.

Still not convinced? How about this one: Your borderline-crazy roommate who blasts music too loudly and seems to talk to themselves way too often won't be laying out on the bed five feet away.

Reach Staff Writer Ashley Seruya here or follow her on Twitter here.