By Jasmin Shirley
Sometime in March, York College students and faculty were waiting for the cafeteria that they were promised before the end of 2023 to open. The spring semester was supposed to bring a brand-new dining space, but instead, students returned to the same old problem: nowhere convenient to eat.
With no cafeteria, students are forced to venture off-campus, and they are forced to deal with the bipolar weather just to grab a meal. In an attempt to soften the blow, the college renovated the student lounge, adding new furniture and a fresh atmosphere. But even with the renovation, students are still unable to use this lounge. While the updates make the lounge more inviting, they don’t replace the need for a fully functioning cafeteria.
The delay is especially frustrating because students had been looking forward to a reliable dining option on campus. For years, they have dealt with limited food choices, relying on vending machines, food trucks, and off-campus restaurants. Many students feel that these alternatives are inconvenient and expensive. Some even recall when the school provided microwaves so students could heat up their own meals—an option that has since disappeared.
Student Reactions
Muhammad Ibrah, Freshman, Pharmaceutical Sciences:
“The lounge looks nicer, but we were told the cafeteria would be ready by spring. It’s been ‘under construction’ for eight years—how much longer do we have to wait? They need to finish both the seating and, more importantly, the actual food service ASAP.”
David Opeyemi, Senior, Business Administration:
“I’m frustrated that we haven’t gotten a clear update. It seems like they want to open the cafeteria all at once, but that’s just not practical. Students shouldn’t have to trek across campus just to find a place to sit and eat. Also, I don’t understand why they added couches—it just feels out of place.”
Paul Chan, Freshman, Biology:
“The new furniture is nice, but there aren’t enough outlets for students to charge their phones or laptops. Also, that brick wall in the semi-circle? It’s just wasting space. If we had a working cafeteria, we wouldn’t have to keep going to Jamaica Avenue for food. Unless they’re bringing in a Michelin-star chef, I don’t see why this is taking so long.”
Crystal Gordon, Senior, Psychology:
“The new chairs are disappointing. During the pandemic, we at least had food trucks and a microwave station where we could heat up meals. Now, all we have are overpriced vending machines and Starbucks. I miss having a real cafeteria where I could sit and eat with friends between classes.”
Zihao Li:
“I just hope the cafeteria will be more affordable than the restaurants on Jamaica Avenue.”
The Big Question: When Will It Open?
Despite the lounge renovations, the lack of a proper cafeteria remains a major issue. Although it is now May and the lounging area is finished, students are still waiting for answers—and for a real place to eat. With food prices rising and limited options on campus, the frustration only grows. The college has set out an email stating the progress, and rumors say that by the time this semester first, the cafeteria will be open in the summer. But we heard this story before, and a lot of people are just holding their breath.
For now, students continue to make do with what they have, but patience is running thin. They want more than just furniture updates—they want a real solution.
