Starting at a new school means figuring out where your classes are, what's the best route to avoid heavy Toronto traffic, and how to balance homework with work and hobbies.
It also means figuring out where to eat.
Variety of Options
Some students at Seneca @York are excited by the variety of options. One new student from Iran is exploring the different foods that are available. "I like the food options that we have here - all the Halal options, vegan options. It helps me to get more comfortable in this whole new country."
Others are impressed by the facilities. A first-year design student appreciates how well-built the cafeterias are. He finds the design and architecture to be impressive and can’t imagine many other colleges in Canada are as nice. And even though there is great variety, so far he's mostly eating pizza.
Packing lunch
But not everyone is buying their food. There are 5 microwaves in the main dining area of the Stephen E. Quinlan building and students keep them running all day. Even without a refrigerator to store food, they are a popular option and there are lineups to use them.
Some students find the price of food here to be too expensive, but the allure of readily available food is tempting. One student who brought a sandwich said he wants to try a hotdog, which can be found outside in the courtyard. But where the cafeteria and Tim Hortons are cashless, the hot dogs accept cash only.
Healthy choices
Others think the SEQ dining options to be unhealthy, especially compared to Newnham. "It's either burgers, Tim Hortons or just like a snack."
To find healthier food choices, students have to leave the building and walk along Pond Road, where there's a mix of fast food restaurants and places that offer healthier meals such as salads and protein bowls. The nearby York Lanes Mall offers even more variety.
But the cafeteria in the SEQ building is starting to offer healthier food choices. They're also increasing the variety of their offers. Most recently, students can find Jarritos, a carbonated fruit-based drink from Mexico. A representative from the facility said that Seneca will be introducing more international drinks and snacks, both to increase what’s available and provide better choices to students.
Renovations
One change from last year is the renovation of the cafeteria in the Dahdaleh Building. It's currently closed but should re-open by next semester. One returning student hopes they offer fair trade coffee there again. "The only reason I drink Tim Hortons coffee is because it's there."
And the SSF has a variety of themed days that provide different meal choices throughout the week, such as grilled cheese, barbecues and even bubble tea. The monthly schedule is available on their website.
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