Dining and Catering Services for Students at Exeter

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Starting university in the UK also means learning where to eat, where to get a quick drink between classes, and how to manage meals around your timetable. The Dining and Catering Services for Students at Exeter include university cafés, food outlets, campus shops and catered accommodation options.

The University of Exeter provides food and drink facilities across its campuses. The options available can vary between Exeter campuses and the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, so students should check the relevant campus information before relying on a particular outlet or service.

For a wider overview of facilities available to students, you can also read our guide toCampus Facilities and Student Services at the University of Exeter.

Dining and Catering at Exeter

The University of Exeter provides food and drink facilities as part of its campus services. These include cafés, catering outlets, shops and dining facilities connected with catered accommodation.

This means students can find food and drinks during the university day without needing to leave campus every time they want something to eat.

At Exeter campuses, students can find food and drink outlets in different university buildings. At Penryn Campus, the University also provides cafés, a bar and a campus shop offering food and drinks.

The exact choice depends on the campus and the facilities available there. Students should check the University's current food and drink information for the latest outlet details and availability.

Food facilities can be useful for different parts of the university day. A student may want breakfast before an early class, a quick lunch between lectures, or a coffee while spending time on campus.

Food options across Exeter campuses

The University provides food and drink facilities at locations including:

• Streatham Campus

• St Luke's Campus

• Penryn Campus in Cornwall

At Penryn, the University states that its cafés and bar provide drinks, hot and cold meals, and snacks. The campus shop also sells a range of food and everyday items.

This gives students several ways to manage meals and snacks around their timetable.

Cafés and Food Outlets

Cafés can be useful when students have a short break between classes or want somewhere to sit with friends.

On Penryn Campus, students can use spaces including the Upper and Lower Stannary, ESI Café, AMATA Café and Sustainability Café. The University notes that these spaces can be used whether or not students are buying something.

The Sustainability Café is particularly relevant for students looking for vegetarian and vegan food. The University states that the café currently has a fully vegetarian and vegan menu.

Students can also use the campus shop for food and drink. The Penryn Campus information explains that the shop provides a range of food, including locally sourced products, as well as other everyday items.

At Exeter, the University provides food and drink outlets across the Streatham and St Luke's campuses. Students can also find microwaves and hot water facilities in several locations, which can be useful when bringing food from home.

Practical tip: If you have a long day of lectures, check the food facilities close to the buildings where your classes take place. This can help you plan meals without making unnecessary trips across campus.

Food between classes

Students do not always have enough time for a full meal during the university day.

Campus cafés and food outlets can provide an option when you need something during a shorter break. However, menus, services and availability can change, particularly during university vacation periods.

It is therefore better to check the University's latest food and drink information rather than depending on old menu information found online.

Students can also bring food from home. The University provides microwaves and hot water facilities in a number of locations on the Exeter campuses.

Restaurants and Catered Dining Options

The University also provides dining facilities through its catered accommodation.

At catered residences in Exeter, meals form part of the accommodation arrangement. Current University information states that catered accommodation includes 16 meals per week during the contract period. This includes breakfast and dinner during weekdays, with breakfast, brunch and dinner at weekends.

Catered accommodation can be useful for students who prefer having some meals prepared rather than planning every meal themselves.

The University also provides meal packages for self-catered students through the Eat & Shop Club app. These packages allow eligible students to purchase meals at catered residences such as Holland Hall or Lopes Hall.

This gives some self-catered students another option when they do not want to cook.

Meal packages for self-catered students

Students living in self-catered accommodation may still want to use catered dining occasionally.

The University allows self-catered students to buy meal packages through the Eat & Shop Club. The available package options and terms can change, so students should check the current information in the app before purchasing.

This can be useful when:

• You have a busy academic day.

• You do not have time to cook.

• You want to try catered dining before making regular plans.

• You need an occasional alternative to cooking.

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Food Choices and Dietary Requirements

Dietary requirements are an important consideration when choosing university dining facilities.

The University of Exeter provides information about food allergies and dietary requirements, particularly for students using catered accommodation. Students with specific dietary needs are encouraged to discuss their requirements with the catering team.

The University states that catering teams can discuss unsuitable meals, alternative options and meal planning where a more detailed assessment is needed.

Vegetarian options are available in catered accommodation. The University also states that it makes efforts to source Halal-certified meat for specific menu items.

However, students with serious allergies should pay close attention to the University's guidance. The catering kitchens handle common allergens, and the University states that it cannot guarantee that a dish is completely free from allergens because of the risk of cross-contamination.

Students with specific allergies or dietary requirements should therefore speak directly with catering staff rather than assuming that a meal is suitable.

Vegan and vegetarian choices

The University promotes vegan and vegetarian food choices through its food and drink services.

For example, the University states that the Sustainability Café at Penryn currently provides a fully vegetarian and vegan menu.

The University's wider food policy also supports increasing vegan and vegetarian choices across campus catering.

For students who follow a particular diet, checking the current menu and speaking with catering staff is the safest way to understand what is available.

Catering Services for Students

University catering is not limited to everyday café sales.

The University's Fresh Ideas service provides hospitality catering for meetings, events and functions on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses.

For students, this may become relevant when organising university-related events, societies, meetings or other activities that require refreshments.

Fresh Ideas provides different catering options and allows special dietary requirements to be included when making a booking.

Students organising an event should check the current booking requirements, available menus and notice periods before making arrangements.

Food availability can depend on the event, location and service required. It is better to confirm these details directly rather than assuming that a particular menu or catering option will be available.

Finding Food Around Campus

Knowing where to find food can make busy university days easier.

Students can use the University's current campus food information to identify available cafés, shops and other food facilities.

For students at Penryn, the University highlights several café and social spaces, while Exeter students have access to food facilities across Streatham and St Luke's.

The University also provides microwaves and hot water in several locations. This can be useful for students who prefer to bring food from home.

Another option is the community fridge initiative. The University states that community fridges at The Forum and St Luke's Libraries provide donated food that would otherwise go to waste.

Students can also use the Eat & Shop Club app to access offers and other information relating to university cafés and shops.

Food and sustainability

Food services are also connected with the University's sustainability work.

At Penryn Campus, the University says that food outlets aim to source from local suppliers where possible, promote vegan and vegetarian choices, and reduce plastic packaging and food waste.

Food waste collection is also available at main catering outlets on the Penryn Campus.

These measures form part of the University's wider approach to food and sustainability.

Resource: Students interested in reducing food waste can exploreToo Good To Go, a platform used by businesses to offer surplus food to customers instead of allowing it to go to waste.

Tips for Using Exeter's Dining Facilities

A little planning can make campus dining easier, especially during your first few weeks.

Check your campus first: Food options are not identical across Exeter and Penryn, so make sure you are looking at information for your own campus.

Check current information: Menus, offers, opening arrangements and outlet availability can change. Always check the latest University information before planning around a particular service.

Consider your timetable: If you have only a short break between classes, identify food options close to your teaching buildings.

Plan for dietary needs: If you have allergies or specific dietary requirements, contact the catering team and discuss your needs rather than making assumptions.

Bring food when useful: Students can bring their own meals and use available microwaves and hot water facilities in designated campus locations.

Explore the Eat & Shop Club: The University's app provides information about offers, loyalty benefits and meal packages.

Think about accommodation: If you are deciding between catered and self-catered accommodation, consider how much flexibility and meal preparation you want during your studies.

A Simple Dining Plan for New Students

During your first week, take some time to understand how food services fit into your daily routine.

Start by checking the food outlets near your main teaching areas. Then look at the current menus and decide whether you want to buy meals on campus, bring food from home, cook in your accommodation, or use a mixture of these options.

If you are living in catered accommodation, make sure you understand how your included meals work.

Students with dietary requirements should speak with the catering team early. This is particularly important if you have a food allergy or need specific adaptations.

International students may also find it useful to explore different campus food options during their first few weeks. This can help you understand what is available before settling into a regular routine.

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Making Campus Dining Easier

The Dining and Catering Services for Students at Exeter give students different ways to manage food and drinks during university life. From campus cafés and shops to catered accommodation and meal packages, the available options can support different schedules and living arrangements.

The most important step is to check the current information for your campus and your personal dietary needs. 

Planning ahead can make busy study days easier and help you choose dining options that fit your routine.