Student Meals

It may seem like a simple thing, but when you’re moving away from home for the first time, it can be quite time consuming to plan, purchase and prepare all your meals for yourself (while also ensuring they are healthy!). At college, all of your meals are included, taking that hassle out of your day.

Our dedicated team of kitchen staff serve up three fresh meals daily, with plenty of options available. From hot meals and salads to sandwiches and desserts, you won’t be leaving the dining table hungry! The Syme Dining Hall is the social hub of the college, and conversing whilst eating together is a big part of UC life. 

There are hot lunch and dinner items, with most dietaries such as vegetarian, gluten free and vegan catered for as standard. Snacks such as toast, cereals and fruit are available throughout the day, as is access to tea, coffee and hot chocolate machines, fresh water and juice. 

You’ll see the same friendly faces preparing your meals, as we directly employ our own team of chefs. We also have paid casual positions available each year for students, perfect if you’re looking for a job that’s not far from home!

Formal Dinners

Every Monday night we hold a more formal community dinner called ‘High Table’. It is a college tradition and a great opportunity for residents to socialise, celebrate our achievements and hear about upcoming events and important announcements. Guest speakers and academic visitors are invited to some High Tables. They are also a good opportunity to recognise and thank winning sports teams, our O-Week leaders, tour volunteers and other students for their participation in college life.

Other formal dinners also take place throughout the year. These include Commencement and Valedictory Dinner (to mark the beginning and end of the official study calendar), a career networking dinner and more.

Late Meals

If you have lectures, classes, or other commitments and you can’t make it back to college during the allocated meal times, you can take a packed lunch with you in the morning or request a late dinner via our student portal.

Feedback

Our Food Committee takes suggestions and gathers feedback from residents, working with our kitchen team to ensure we are always doing our best in this space. We try to use sustainable produce where possible and also utilise the food grown in our own kitchen garden.