There are numerous different places to dine at UTSC, offering a variety of choices like sushi, coffee, bubble tea, and much more. While some food spots offer options, ranging from around one dollar to $36, The Varsity spoke with students who expressed concerns over affordability on campus. 

Food options 

When it comes to pricing, UTSC has a large variety for students. The most affordable and accessible option would be Tim Hortons, with a range of donuts, drinks, and snacks in the two dollars range. Tim Hortons is located between the Academic Resource Centre and the Bladen Wing, with prices ranging from $1.51 for a honey cruller donut to $36.15 for a classic breakfast bundle that serves 4–6 people. 

There are two main food hubs at UTSC: the Student Centre — operated and managed by the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union (SCSU) — and MarketPlace which is managed by American food services provider Aramark under a contract with UTSC administration. 

The Student Centre has a lot of options, such as a Subway on the main level. Prices range from $1.19 for a chocolate chip and M&M’s cookie to $13.29 for a six-inch steak and cheese sub combo. Other options include KFC, Asian Gourmet, Hero Burger, Pita Lite, and the INS Market. 

Downstairs is the SCSU’s pub-style restaurant: 1265 Bistro. The menu is simple but budget-friendly. Prices range from $3.25 for a canned pop to $14.00 for fish and chips. 

MarketPlace in the Humanities Wing also has many options. Bento Sushi is one of the cheapest, with prices ranging from $1.94 for miso as a side dish to $11.66 for a salmon combo. 

Student eating habits 

While some affordable dining options are available at UTSC, students believe that there needs to be more affordable options at UTSC.

Dunia Mohammed Abdel Karim Khalil — a first-year journalism student at UTSC — wrote in an email to The Varsity that she prefers to bring food from home to save money. 

“I always recommend Pita Lite, as I love shawarma,” wrote Khalil. “I eat around once a week [on] campus for the sake of saving money.”

Variety is important to Khalil and she believes that UTSC’s diversity is reflected in the many halal options available.

Alex Bustos-Salinas — a first-year journalism student at UTSC — wrote in an email to The Varsity that she eats at restaurants on campus like Pita Lite and Tim Hortons, but that she “Often bring[s] food from home, [and] very rarely eat[s] on campus.”

Affordability is the biggest issue here, “I would hope that [the food gets] slightly cheaper. [It] doesn’t need to be by much[,] but why does most of the food cost over 20 dollars?” 

Other students have also shared concerns over affordability and the nutritional value of campus food options. 

In a statement to The Varsity, a UTSC spokesperson wrote that “A variety of food options are available at UTSC and across the other campuses to meet a range of food preferences, dietary needs and budgets.”

They mentioned that UTSC has many initiatives to achieve this, such as inviting local vendors and food trucks: “Working with vendors to ensure they are providing meals at a variety of price points that include suitable protein options,” and “Offering special menus by staff that feature their traditional recipes.” 

UTSC also hosts food popups and ensures they “use certified and sustainable seafood and provide high-quality protein options at Harmony Commons and the Market[P]lace.” 

The campus intends to add new permanent food vendors on campus, recently adding Blessinglicious — a Nigerian street food restaurant in Scarborough — in the Kina Wiiya Enadong Building. UTSC will announce two new vendors soon.

“We invite students who have feedback to join our Food User Committee,” wrote the spokesperson. “Staff follow up on all feedback provided, whether that’s working with existing vendors or bringing new options to campus.”