Carbo-loading or chips? Caffeine or candy? Our reporter on Locust Walk found students who swore by all of the above -- and then some -- when it's time to take a study break.

• Farzana Gandhi, College, Class of 2001
  "I am completely addicted to Smartfood Popcorn because that's the only thing they sell in our commissary."

• Nami Kim, College, Class of 2000
  "Chocolate, because it's sweet. When I'm stressed out, I need something in my mouth that's sweet."

• Lisa Lerer, College, Class of 2001
  "Hostess Cupcakes. But they don't have them in the commissary; they just have Tastykakes, and it drives me nuts -- it's really upsetting."

• Tzyy Haur Yeh, College, Class of 2000
  "Dried plums, because they're really salty and sour. They keep me awake so I don't fall asleep. And they don't distract me when I study since they're small."

• Alfred Wang, College, Class of 1998
  "Anything chocolate. And also eggs, because of the symbolism of fertility."

• Mark Sand, Engineering, Class of 2000
  "I eat Rold Gold Pretzels. Mmm... good."

• Margaret Allen, College, Class of 2001
  "Bagels and cream cheese... it's a therapeutic food."

• Asha Maliakal, Engineering, Class of 2000
  "Pringles, because it's so easy to go through a whole can of them -- 'Once you pop, you can't stop,' really."

• Emi Kotoh, Nursing, Class of 2000
  "Japanese candy. It's hard, and when you're stressed out, you can crunch on it and it'll break. I like to munch on it, and it just crumbles to pieces."

• Sivia Kaufman, College, Class of 2001
  "Fat-free microwavable popcorn, because it takes a really long time to eat. I can usually get at least two or three chapters of econ done."

• Laura Goldstein, College, Class of 1998
  "I drink a lot of tea. It's got caffeine, and it's hot and warm. And carrots are good, too."

• Susan Park, College, Class of 1999
  "I don't snack anymore when I study, but freshman year, I used to eat pretzels. It's not fattening, and it gives carbohydrates. It's just like a fruit because it's light."

  --Nancy Park

• Next issue -- Our reporter on Locust Walk wants to know your thoughts on the Academy Awards -- what will win, what should win.