Overview: Students and food choices
SDSU students shared their thoughts on budgeting, dining convenience, and how the meal plan affects their food choices.
While many San Diego State University students have either graduated or returned home for summer break, regular campus life will resume in a couple of months. When it does, one thing on the to-do list for students, as ever, will be finding the best places to eat.
SDSU students have a wide range of dining options both on campus and within walking distance — from everyday bites to meals for special occasions.
Whether it’s a Starbucks run to fuel a late-night study session, a lunch break at Rubios, a post-game dinner at Eureka or weekend brunch with visiting parents at Broken Yolk Café, the College Area offers something for every moment.
SDSU offers several meal plans tailored to freshmen, sophomores, and commuter students. On-campus dining includes university-owned locations like The Garden Restaurant and University Towers Kitchen, as well as multiple Aztec Markets with convenient grab-and-go options.
Many third-party restaurants across campus also accept the meal plan.
Charles B. Bell, Jr. Pavilion features options such as Panda Express, Subway, and The Halal Shack, while the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union includes places like Habit Burger, Primos and Starbucks.
SDSU students shared their thoughts on budgeting, dining convenience, and how the meal plan affects their food choices.
Fourth-year student Abigail Segoviano said the food options were more affordable with a meal plan: “Back when I had a meal plan it was worth it. Now since I’m spending my own money, I just feel like I’m spending a lot more than I used to when I was on a meal plan.”
Third-year student Lesley Garcia agreed that budgeting felt easier with a meal plan.
“Since I always paid for a meal plan, I didn’t worry about budgeting as I tended to have enough meal money for the day,” she said. Garcia added that the local eatery prices are reasonable for students. “I think most places are student-friendly [in terms of cost]; even spots people usually say are expensive feel like regular prices to me — even off campus.”
In contrast, Cindy Avila, also a third-year student, found more flexibility without a plan:
“Since I was not on a meal plan this past school year, I felt that there was a decent amount of food options within walking distance to SDSU,” Avila said. “Some spots are pricey, but I was always able to find items (like a la carte) to create a filling meal for a reasonable price.”
“She added, “When I was on a meal plan, it felt like my options were limited and not affordable. My meal plan (Flex 7) gave me $29/day so it was hard to ration that out for three full meals.”
Convenience is also important for many students
Although eating on campus is easier, Garcia finds that spots can get busy, adding to the wait time.
“I preferred eating on campus, but I hate how long the lines get during certain times,” Garcia said. “Next school year I’ll be living off campus… I’ll probably bring food from home.”
Avila shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing the value of convenience and expressing interest in more quick bite options that are also healthy and affordable.
On College Ave., students can choose from more sit-down options, which are also included on the meal plan.
Broken Yolk is one of those options; however, to cater to students, it has adopted more of a cafeteria-style grab-and-go setup while still keeping its original sit-down design.
Convenience isn’t the only factor that brings crowds in.
The restaurant’s Vice President of Operations, Billy Mottola — called “Billy from Philly” by everyone who knows him — explains what makes the restaurant an enjoyable experience.
“I would think number one really is the quality of our food. And we have an amazing staff.”
The establishment emphasizes generous portions and fresh ingredients prepared daily. Mottola also highlights the restaurant’s warm atmosphere.
“We have music playing, we have all the TVs.” He adds that he and the owners make a point to build relationships with students.
“We bring that energy and that vibe, and the students feed off it,” Mottola continued. “They love being around us because it’s all about positive energy — and we love that. We go around and we treat these kids like they’re our own kids. It’s kind of an extension of their family…
“So whenever it’s parents’ weekend for the girls or the boys they will bring their parents in just to meet us.”
Fun and approachable vibe at new eatery
A recent addition to the College Area dining scene is Carbonaro’s, a unique Italian fast-casual restaurant serving build-your-own pasta bowls. With a retro interior, featuring pop art, customers experience a fun and approachable vibe.
Founder Andrea Carbonaro, who co-owns the restaurant with his cousin Mariano Liga, set out to create a place that offers balanced, fresh ingredients and appeals to more than just the student crowd.
“Carbonaro’s is for everyone. The prices make it a place where everyone can eat,” he said, acknowledging that “sometimes restaurants can be expensive,” especially in an unpredictable economy.
From quick lunches between classes to weekend meals with family, SDSU students are surrounded by dining options that meet a range of tastes, needs, and budgets.
While the meal plan offers convenience and reliability, newer spots in the College Area continue to broaden the local food scene — reflecting the rhythms of everyday student life.
