Graphic by Juhi Karnalkar | Mercury Staff
During your first year as a college student, it is often overwhelming finding the time to cook meals. If you commute, time may be of essence and finding quick food on the run can be a struggle. In the UTD dorms, it’s nearly impossible to make anything but microwave ramen and cold cut sandwiches since storage and cooking spaces are extremely limited. While microwave ramen and cosmic brownies may satisfy those midnight cravings, students need to maintain a nutritious diet in order to stay focused and get the most out of their education. Luckily, UTD has an abundance of food options available to make sure students stay well fed and energized.
The Dining Hall
All UTD students have the option to choose from a variety of different meal plans. By choosing a meal plan, students have a certain number of dining hall swipes (based on the meal plan they select) which provide them with access to a meal at UTD Dining Hall West. Dining Hall West has a pizza station, a comfort food section, a salad bar, a grill section, vegetarian selections and vegan selections – as well as baked goods and desserts.
Dining Hall Swipes meal plans:
Comet 10- provides students with 10 meals a week for $1717.50 per semesterComet 14- provides students with 14 meals a week for $1807.86 per semesterComet 19-provides students with 19 meals a week for $2038.76 per semesterBlock 15- provides students with 15 meals for $428.13 per semesterBlock 30- provides students with 30 meals a semester for $562 per semesterBlock 50- provides students with 50 meals a semester for $898 per semester
Meal Money
In addition to dining hall swipes, you are provided with a certain amount of cash known as “meal money” on your Comet Card based on the meal plan you select. This cash can be used at any on-campus restaurant.
Meal Money:
Comet 10- provides students with $150 of meal money each semesterComet 14- provides students with $100 of meal money each semesterComet 19- provides students with $50 of meal money each semesterBlock 15- provides students with $150 of meal money each semesterBlock 30- provides students with $300 of meal money each semesterBlock 50- provides students with $500 of meal money each semester
Restaurants/dining establishments available on campus
Students can use their meal money at the following on-campus retail dining establishments
American Tap Room- located by Northside apartmentsStarbucks- located in the PlinthNovel Brew- located in the McDermott Library’s ground floorTaco Bell Cantina- located in parking structure 3Chick-Fil-A- located in the Student UnionEinstein Bros Bagels- located in parking structure 3Jason’s Deli- located in the JSOM buildingThe Market- located in the ECWS building, JSOM building, Student Union, Student Services building and in Dining Hall WestMoe’s Southwest- located in the Student UnionPanda Express- located in the Student UnionPapa John’s- located in Dining Hall WestSMASH’D- located in the Student UnionSmoothie King- located in the Student UnionFirehouse Subs- located in the Student UnionThe Halal Shack- located in the Student UnionThe Pub- located in the Student Union
Food Truck Park
On Monday through Thursday from 11am-2pm, UTD has a variety of food trucks available near the Student Union building. It’s the perfect spot to try new cuisines and indulge in some of your favorites.
Food Trucks:
Bobaddiction- Warning: this bubble tea may lead to a severe case of Boba addictionEasy Slider- These mini burgers slide down like greased lightningEgg Stand- The most egg-cellent sandwiches right on campusFast and Furious Express- Korean and Japanese fusion cuisineKona Ice- Shaved Ice to help you cool down from the Texas heatNosh Box Eatery- Fresh food brought straight from the farm to UTD’s doorstep7 Sisters- If you eat gluten free foods, this is the place for youRagin Casian- This place will satisfy your Cajun and Asian food cravingsWaffle O’Licious- Stop by for a sweet start to your dayYim Yam- Come by for all your Thai food favorites but with a twistYummy Spiedies Truck- Pizza and Spiedies that will take you straight back to the streets of New York