With a new semester in full gear for TRU staff and students, the fast-paced rush from building to building is back. As we prepare to tackle our courses–some of us for the first time, others for yet another semester–it can be easy to forget that nourishing the body and the mind, together, is an essential key to our success.
To help you stay on time without skipping meals, the Omega has put together a list of some of your dining options across campus. That way, you can easily figure out which spots work best for your schedule, without wasting time.
Scratch Café
Location: Culinary Arts Training Centre
Operating hours: Wednesday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Run by students in the Culinary Arts Program, the Scratch Café gives you the chance to try out meals that could come from the next best chef in Kamloops. Their menu features dishes for both breakfast and lunch, with choices like fresh salads, warm soups, sandwiches, desserts and more, with vegetarian options available. At the Scratch Cafe, there’s always something new to discover.
Starbucks
Location: Old Main Building, first floor
Operating hours: Monday to Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Not only offering seasonal drinks but also savoury and sweet sandwiches, desserts, and snacks that can follow you anywhere on campus –especially around Old Main–, good old Starbucks will save you on the days you didn’t rest enough for that next class in your schedule. With its popularity, keep in mind you might have to stand in line for a while, especially during busy hours.
The U&M Deli
Location: Old Main Building, second floor
Operating hours: Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Perfect for a quick to-go breakfast or lunch, The U&M Deli has combos that are both tasty and budget-friendly. You can choose from sandwiches, wraps, salads, muffins and more, and pair them with refreshing drinks that will keep you satisfied until your next meal. It’s a very convenient spot when you just need something simple to get through the day.
Subway
Location: International building, first floor
Operating hours: Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you’re a picky eater, you know how to not waste your time. A classic Subway sandwich to fuel your body might be your favourite choice. At the International building, you can create your own masterpiece from the variety of ingredients Subway offers. And if you are craving some snacks to take with you, they’ve got those too.
Common Grounds
Location: Students’ Union building
Operating hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday 10 am to 8 pm.
This cafe, which stays open for those who like to work late on assignments, is the only student-owned cafe on campus. Aside from its high-quality coffee, visitors can enjoy fresh sandwiches, wraps and desserts from locally owned businesses that help keep you energized throughout the day. Plus, bringing your reusable cup will get you a 50-cent discount, a nice bonus for coffee lovers.
The Den
Location: Campus Activity Centre, second floor
Operating hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
With the most pub-like vibe on campus, The Den offers buffet nights for only $10.99. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, you’ll get a variety of dishes (including a pop) that will get you ready for your next day of classes. If you’re in the mood for something different, their menu covers everything from appetizers to desserts, plus all the happy hour essentials.
Tim Hortons
Location: Brown Family House of Learning, first floor
Operating hours: Monday to Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For those hours-long study sessions in the TRU library, Tim Hortons will save you from that stomach growling that we all experience when hunger strikes. Open from morning until late afternoon, it manages to satisfy cravings with coffee, snacks, and quick meals. Being one of the most affordable and loved spots on campus, it can get crowded at times, but it’s always worth the wait.