March and April can be a particularly difficult time for students living on a strict budget, as the workload of final projects increase while funds for buying quick meals run low. In solidarity with all broke and busy college students, here is a list of the cheapest places to eat on campus.
Community Eats
Community Eats is a student run initiative to decrease food waste and build community awareness. Every week for two hours, Sprouts (located in the basement of the old sub) hosts a by-donation lunch. Bring a small donation and a reusable container and enjoy a cheap and sustainable meal.
For more information visit and the day: http://www.ubcsprouts.ca/community-eats/
Photo Kai Jacobson/The Ubyssey
Seedlings
Located in the penthouse of Thea Koerner House on the northwest corner of campus, Seedlings offers extremely affordable snacks and light meals. At 75 cents a cup, Seedlings offers the cheapest coffee on campus. Lunches range from 1.50-4.00 dollars, so this gem is a staple for students on a tight budget.
From more information visit: http://www.ubcsprouts.ca/seedlings/
Hillel Hot Lunch
Every Wednesday (Except on some Jewish Holidays), Hillel House puts on a delicious vegetarian and kosher hot lunch. The lunch costs 7 dollars.
For more information visit: https://www.hillelbc.com/events
Only U Café
As most typical restaurants on the list, the Only U Café makes the cut for having the most bang for a buck. Located the village, the café offers many affordable meals promising huge portions of freshly prepared food.
For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/Only-U-Cafe-431021496919221/
Other tips for eating cheap
UBC Card Plan
By loading money onto and paying with your UBC card at any UBC food service location you save 5% on food and beverages. This is the same account you use for payforprint and can upload money instantly online.
For more information visit: http://www.food.ubc.ca/meal-plans/
Some updates since this post is from a few years back:
Community eats is on Fridays from noon to 2pm
Hillel lunch does not allow you to bring your own dish (for Kosher reasons) and I think it costs $7
There is no longer a Safeway at Sasamat
Thank you for your comments! This post has been edited to reflect the updates you shared!
-Chapman Learning Commons Team
Wow! Ok I actually make a mistake: you can bring a container to Hillel, theres just no discount, it costs $8 for everyone (8.25 by card)
Thanks for these tips! The Delly UBC in the Nest also has affordable lunches 🙂
No problem! Let us know your latest discovery of cheap food too!