Whether it’s a quick meal, late night study session or socializing with friends, fast food restaurants can provide small meaningful moments to cherish. Fast food restaurants are readily accessible and affordable, making them prime third spaces for financially struggling college students. “While the atmosphere is different, fast food restaurants like McDonald’s provide many of the same benefits like seating, Wi-Fi, affordability and a casual environment,” Wilson said. Wilson says these meaningful moments become positive experiences for students, which help promote the popularity of third spaces. “Fast food is typically easy and it’s cheaper, so especially as a college student, that’s a good way to bond with people.”