In a move designed to support all students regardless of income or means, Arc and UNSW give cheap eats a permanent location, as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Quality, Merlin Crossley officially opens the doors of the UNSW Canteen to students and staff.
Image Credit: Xavier Rowley
UNSW’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Quality Merlin Crossley cut a ribbon officially opening the UNSW Canteen to staff and students on Monday.
The canteen will serve freshly cooked meals everyday between 11:30am and 2pm, or until the food is sold out. It is located above the Grad Shop, next to the Morven Brown building.
Students can get a 400g meal for $5 with a UNSW ID Card, with staff being able to purchase the same meal for $10. The menu rotates daily, so there is no set menu available online.
The Canteen is a collaboration between Arc and UNSW in an effort to support students during the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Prior to its current location the canteen briefly operated at the Roundhouse. This period showed strong student numbers and support for the program, according to Professor Crossley.
“8,780 meals were served in the pop-up canteen last term,” said Professor Crossley during a speech and the opening of the new location.
Crossley added that a further 33,000 free lunches and snacks have been provided to students through various initiatives since January 2026.
Saliha, student supervisor of the front of house at the new Canteen location told Gamamari how the canteen started as a “myth”, a pipe dream for a future of cheap meals for all students.
“It’s a new space, we’re still learning the kinks but we are still getting through serves quickly”, said Saliha.
She said that to deal with large demand from students, it was imperative to gain experience during last term’s pop-up canteen program. Saliha said that long lines at the grand opening “weren’t surprising” and as they learn to operate in a new space, efficiency will improve.
Image Credit: Xavier Rowley
Gamamari reached out to request comment from the Arc board, however, at this time they have yet to respond to Gamamari’s request.