Eating on campus doesn’t have to mean draining your bank account. Whether you’re a commuter looking for a “real” meal or a dorm student needing a snack, you can actually eat well at UFV for $10–$15. Here is your guide to navigate the campus food scene on a budget.
The “real” meal: Cascade’s Cafeteria
The new weekly menu is out, and let’s just say I’m very intrigued to try a few things myself as a first-timer. While the daily specials rotate, the pricing structure is one of the most reliable things on campus.
You should budget between $9 and $14 for a dependable meal at the Cascade Cafeteria, depending on how hungry you are. For a quick pick, Sammie’s Deli offers a dependable wrap or sub for $8.99, or you can opt for a warm daily soup starting at just $4. If you are looking for a more substantial sit-down meal, the Chef’s Field to Table hot entree remains a consistent $13.50, while the Vegetarian “Catch of the Day” is a steady $11.50. Additionally, if you are a fan of custom bowls, be sure to visit on Wednesdays and Thursdays when the stir-fry station takes over the main floor.
Pro tip: Make sure to check the weekly menu every Monday to plan your meals. Also, don’t forget to use your Campus Card for a faster transaction — it’s much easier than digging for cash, and you should check at the till for any applicable student discounts!
The social hub: Fairgrounds
Don’t want to go all the way to the cafeteria? If you want a light snack and coffee while you work at the Student Union Building (SUB) or on your way to class, Fairgrounds is your best bet. With almost all drinks under $6, it’s a great spot to park with a laptop. Grab the chocolate-covered pretzels while you’re at it; with a menu that changes weekly, keep an eye on their social media for discounts and new treats.
The morning routine: Tim Hortons
If you are an early bird, Tim Hortons remains the king of budget breakfasts. You can consistently get a Farmer’s Breakfast Wrap ($5.99) or a Bagel B.E.L.T. ($6.19). For a caffeine kick, an original blend coffee or a latte under $4 keeps you well under your $15 limit.
UFV Bookstore
While the bookstore provides ample cute stationery, it also offers instant ramen bowls, bags of chips, beverages, and more for students working late or living in the dorms.
Beyond snacks, the bookstore offers discounts on select books for up to 50 per cent off the actual price — meaning you can snag classics like Jane Eyre or Arabian Nights for about $10.
Getting creative with GDSA
I recently attended the Tote Bag and Keychain Workshop hosted by the Graphic Design Student Association (GDSA). It was a perfect Friday afternoon “brain break” where you get to tap into your creative side and walk away with a custom tote. It’s a great way to meet people from other departments and a perfect, low-pressure event to bring a classmate (or a crush!) for some quality time. Best of all? The overall cost was $0, with snacks included.
Coming up next: Mystery Night!
A very trendy way to spend your time is by solving crimes! UFV is bringing Mystery Night: Unsolved Cases to campus, hosted by SUS and Housing at Evergreen.
- When: Thursday, Mar. 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
- The perks: there is a complimentary nacho bar and a photobooth.
Note: This specific event is for housing students only, so if you live in the dorms, make sure to saddle up!
