University of Illinois - Campus Dining

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

College is often known for two things: parties and bad food. The dining halls at U of I don't do much to break out of that stereotype. Most students agree that instead of working hard to make creative new foods and variety, the University should just stick to learning how to make Rice Krispie treats properly. Cafeteria food is always going to be cafeteria food, though, which means either boring repetition or outlandish creations that make you skip right to the cereal bar.

Keeping the food fresh is also a problem, as students who have eaten slimy lettuce or stale Cheerios can tell you. It is a good idea to come early to take advantage of the fresh food. On the other hand, the hours can also be a problem. Most students don't like eating dinner by 6:30 p.m., especially when they are going to be up until 2 a.m. studying. Consequently, most dorm rooms are stocked with snacks and sodas. Seven specialty restaurants like A La Carte offer better food at more reasonable hours. When you are up late studying or just hanging out, there is nothing better than pizza or onion rings at Illinois Avenue Residence Hall. If it was not for specialty restaurants, the dining at U of I would be bleak. Even with these options, the University must work on its healthy food menu, as most main courses and appetizers are all simmering in grease and fat. Also, the vegetarian fare is limited to pasta and salads in most residence halls, which is less than tempting. All in all, the dining experience at U of I is stereotypically bad.

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Students Speak Out

sophieroney says: University of Illinois 2017 Business

Recently the U of I has... Recently the U of I has accumulated many great new places to eat. There's lots of healthy fast food on Green Street, frozen yogurt, coffee, sushi, ethnic foods, salads, and ice cream, not to mention some pretty good restaurants off campus as well. 12345 Campus Dining: June 11, 2009 Report

paulGomez2 says: University of Illinois 2015 Business

I really don't think it's that... I really don't think it's that bad. It's college food, what do you expect? There's a lot of variety and tons of specials. 12345 Campus Dining: March 17, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

The food is not of the best... The food is not of the best quality. The ISR cafeteria is good. But you can never know what is good, the way they prepare the food. 12345 Campus Dining Report

Anonymous says:

Keep canned food in your room for... Keep canned food in your room for emergencies. Also, ramen has saved me a couple of nights. Also, sometimes I skip the cafeteria line and head straight for the vending machine line—which is usually more popular. 12345 Campus Dining Report

Anonymous says:

The food on campus is not... The food on campus is not horrible, though sometimes we all wonder. The best dorms to eat at are ISR, Busey-Evans, and LAR. The best meals are lunch where they serve the basics. At supper, they usually try to mix things up with food I have never heard of before, and they always have pasta, pasta, pasta. 12345 Campus Dining Report

Did You Know?

During Finals Week, the residence hall cafeterias host snacks and drinks for late-night studiers. Some even offer Midnight Breakfast, a full course complete with French toast and pancakes. It is a tradition that should not be missed.

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