The Grublover’s Journal

Graphic by Juhi Karnalkar | Mercury Staff

Advertisement



Advertisement



Advertisement


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 semester
  • Comet 14- provides students with 14 meals a week for $1807.86 per semester
  • Comet 19-provides students with 19 meals a week for $2038.76 per semester
  • Block 15- provides students with 15 meals for $428.13 per semester
  • Block 30- provides students with 30 meals a semester for $562 per semester
  • Block 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 semester
  • Comet 14- provides students with $100 of meal money each semester
  • Comet 19- provides students with $50 of meal money each semester
  • Block 15- provides students with $150 of meal money each semester
  • Block 30- provides students with $300 of meal money each semester
  • Block 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 apartments
  • Starbucks- located in the Plinth
  • Novel Brew- located in the McDermott Library’s ground floor
  • Taco Bell Cantina- located in parking structure 3
  • Chick-Fil-A- located in the Student Union
  • Einstein Bros Bagels- located in parking structure 3
  • Jason’s Deli- located in the JSOM building
  • The Market- located in the ECWS building, JSOM building, Student Union, Student Services building and in Dining Hall West
  • Moe’s Southwest- located in the Student Union
  • Panda Express- located in the Student Union
  • Papa John’s- located in Dining Hall West
  • SMASH’D- located in the Student Union
  • Smoothie King- located in the Student Union
  • Firehouse Subs- located in the Student Union
  • The Halal Shack- located in the Student Union
  • The 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 addiction
  • Easy Slider- These mini burgers slide down like greased lightning
  • Egg Stand- The most egg-cellent sandwiches right on campus
  • Fast and Furious Express- Korean and Japanese fusion cuisine
  • Kona Ice- Shaved Ice to help you cool down from the Texas heat
  • Nosh Box Eatery- Fresh food brought straight from the farm to UTD’s doorstep
  • 7 Sisters- If you eat gluten free foods, this is the place for you
  • Ragin Casian- This place will satisfy your Cajun and Asian food cravings
  • Waffle O’Licious- Stop by for a sweet start to your day
  • Yim Yam- Come by for all your Thai food favorites but with a twist
  • Yummy Spiedies Truck- Pizza and Spiedies that will take you straight back to the streets of New York