coaster brakes on bikes?

I've been using a mountain bike with hand brakes but I'm looking to buy a new cruiser-type bike. The thing is that most of them have coaster brakes. Is it difficult to use coaster brakes? Do you have to make sudden stops since there is no way to slow down besides to stop pedaling? I'm on a college campus and there are hills and lots of people walking everywhere. Opinions?
 
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