Campus Eats: Your Guide to Delicious Food Spots at Western

Written by: Tuleen Tayeh, 5th Year Health Science Specialization and Psychology Major  
Photo by: Housing and Ancillary Services

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite between classes, grabbing lunch with friends, or searching for your next favourite coffee spot, Western has plenty of food options to explore! 

With busy class schedules, assignments, and extracurricular activities, finding somewhere convenient to eat can make your university experience a little easier. From quick meals and grab-and-go snacks to cafes and sit-down restaurants, there are plenty of options to help you fuel your day. 

Not sure where to start? Here’s your guide to exploring the food spots around Western’s campus! 

Quick Bites Between Classes 

Photo Source: The Cove Gallery

Have a busy day of lectures and need something quick to eat? When you only have a short break between classes, grabbing something convenient can help you make the most of your time. 

The Cove – Second Floor, University Community Centre (UCC) 

Looking for a quick bite between classes? Located on the second floor of the UCC, The Cove offers food from both The Spoke and The Wave, giving you plenty of options to choose from. There are a few tables nearby if you have time to sit and eat, or you can order online and pick up your food on the go when you're short on time! 

Bento Sushi - UCC

Looking for something easy to take on the go? Bento Sushi is an option to check out when you’re craving sushi and want a convenient lunch between classes. 

Subway - UCC

If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, Subway is another option to consider. With customizable sandwiches, it can be a convenient stop when you need something to eat during a busy day. 

Tim Hortons - UCC Atrium 

Whether you need a coffee before your morning lecture, a baked good, or a quick snack, Tim Hortons is a familiar option for students on the go. 

Lucy’s Grab & Go - Somerville House 

Located in Somerville House, Lucy’s Grab & Go is worth checking out when you need a convenient option while moving between classes. 

Find Your Next Favourite Lunch Spot 

Photo Source: The Spoke Gallery

Looking for somewhere to grab lunch or catch up with friends? Western has several dining options to explore when you want something more substantial. 

The Spoke - UCC

A familiar student gathering spot, The Spoke offers both a café and a kitchen, so there’s something for whatever you’re craving! Stop by the café for a famous bagel or bagelwich, or head to the kitchen if you’re in the mood for something hot, like chicken fingers, wraps, or burgers. Short on time between classes? The Spoke also offers online ordering, so you can order ahead and grab your food on the go. Whether you’re meeting up with friends or looking for a quick bite between lectures, The Spoke is a campus favourite worth checking out. 

The Wave - Second Floor, UCC

Want to sit down for a meal rather than eat on the go? The Wave is a casual restaurant and lounge where students can meet friends and enjoy a break from their daily routines. If you’re short on time between classes, you can also take advantage of online ordering to grab your food on the go without having to sit down for a meal. 

Kaiju Ramen - Somerville House 

New this year, craving a warm, satisfying meal? Check out Kaiju Ramen for a delicious bowl of ramen made your way. Customize your bowl with your favourite ingredients and enjoy a hot, flavourful meal on campus. 

Bao Kitchen – Somerville House 

Another exciting addition is Bao Kitchen, serving delicious bao, dumplings and noodles. Mix and match your favourites and explore a variety of flavours! 

Green Leaf Café - Somerville House 

Looking for a sit-down meal? Green Leaf Café in Somerville House is open Wednesday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving a buffet loaded with a fresh, local spread and weekly rotating entrées. Book your table here. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows. 

Explore the UCC Food Hub 

Photo Source: https://food.uwo.ca

Located right in the heart of campus, the Food Hub offers plenty of options for you and your friends to find something you’ll love! 

Inside the Food Hub: 

  • Angry Goose: Enjoy smash burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, poutine, milkshakes and soft-serve ice cream. 
  • Build Your Bowl: A customizable bowl option for those who like choosing their own ingredients. 
  • Manchu Wok: A place to explore when you’re in the mood for Asian-inspired food. 
  • Paramount: A Middle Eastern-inspired dining option. 
  • Pizza: Grab a slice! Choose classics like Pepperoni or Cheese or heat things up with BBQ Chicken Pizza. 

Tip: Check the current Food at Western directory for available outlets, menus, and hours before heading over. 

Coffee, Snacks, and Study Breaks 

Photo Source: https://food.uwo.ca

Sometimes, a coffee or snack is all you need to get through a busy day. Whether you’re heading to the library, meeting a friend, or taking a break between lectures, Western has several cafes to explore. 

Purples Cafe - North Campus Building 

Looking for a new café to try? Purples Café is a stylish addition to Western’s campus dining scene, serving espresso and matcha drinks, artisan sandwiches and sweet treats. With a thoughtfully designed space and a mirror wall that’s perfect for selfies, it’s a great spot to grab a drink, meet up with friends and snap a photo! 

Starbucks - UCC Atrium (Upper and Lower Level) 

From your morning coffee to an afternoon pick-me-up, Starbucks has a variety of specialty coffees and other beverages to keep you going throughout the day. 

Einstein’s Café - Natural Science Centre 

Passing through the Natural Science Centre? Stop by Einstein’s Café for a coffee, a fresh sandwich or a quick break between classes. 

Founders Café - Ronald D. Schmeichel Building 

Good drinks, great atmosphere. Founders Café serves up café classics, sandwiches, baked treats and matcha favourites. 

Chatime - Weldon Library 

Looking for a study break? Stop by Chatime for a refreshing bubble tea, with plenty of flavours to choose from while you recharge before hitting the books again! 

More Campus Food Spots to Discover 

Photo Source: Housing and Ancillary Services

There are even more dining locations across campus, so don’t feel limited to the main student centre! 

Depending on where your classes take you, you may also want to explore: 

These locations offer more opportunities to explore campus dining without always having to travel to the same building. Check the current directory to find out which options are available and where they’re located. 

Skip the Line with MustangGO 

Order ahead with the MustangGO app! Browse campus dining options, customize your order and pick it up when it’s ready. 

Get $5 off your first order of $10 or more before tax. Download the Transact app and select Western to get started. 

Tips for Exploring Campus Eats 

Not sure where to start? Keep these tips in mind when exploring Western’s dining options: 

  • Check the location. Find out which building a food spot is in so you can plan your visit around your classes. 
  • Check operating hours. Hours may vary by location, weekday, and academic term, so confirm before heading over. 
  • Explore somewhere new. Try a different cafe or lunch spot instead of sticking to your usual routine. 
  • Look at the menu ahead of time. If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, check available menu information or contact the food provider directly. 
  • Plan around your schedule. If you have a short break between lectures, consider choosing a spot close to your next class. 
  • Explore your meal plan options. If you have a campus meal plan, check out Western’s meal plan information to learn more about meal-plan options, where you can use them, and how to make the most of your plan. 
  • Keep an eye out for new additions. Campus dining options can change, so check for newly opened locations throughout the academic year. 
  • Follow along on Instagram: Follow @westernufood to stay in the know about campus dining, promotions, special events and more! 

Looking for Food Support? 

Navigating university life can be challenging, and figuring out food options that fit your budget is an important part of the student experience. 

If you’re looking for information about affordable food options or resources available to students, visit Food Support at Western to explore available support and learn more about food resources on campus. 

Happy Eating, Mustangs! 

Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack, meeting friends for lunch, or looking for a new coffee spot, exploring Western’s campus food scene is a great way to discover places you might not have visited before. 

From the UCC Food Hub to cafes tucked away in academic buildings, there are plenty of locations to add to your campus routine. 

So next time you’re wondering what to eat between classes, try somewhere new and see what Western has to offer! 

For the latest information on dining locations, menus, and operating hours, visit Food at Western. 

Happy exploring, Mustangs! 


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