July 8, 2022

Fresher Handbook: Food on Campus

Fernanda Leme Fernanda Leme

You’ve made it through O-Week, you’ve got your timetable and your Guild sticker, but because you’ve got your priorities in line what you REALLY want is a guide to everywhere you can get coffee and snacks on campus, and how to stay budget-friendly when you really, really don’t want the sad sandwich you brought with you.

This is that guide.

Guild Cafes

Quobba Gnarning 

Bottom floor of Reid Library isn’t just for "studying" (read: procrastinating) – you can get excellent coffee, snacks and meals too! During exams when Reid is open 24/7, Quobba hours extend late most nights so you can stay hydrated and fed while you late-night cram. It's open 7 days a week all semester and has a huge range of budget-friendly feeds on offer.

Hackett Cafe

Located just opposite the iconic Winthrop Hall and clock tower, this vibrant campus café is your go-to spot for quick, delicious bites and expertly brewed barista coffee. Whether you're grabbing a healthy fruit or protein smoothie on the run, refueling with high-protein snacks, or treating yourself to a thick shake, Nutella pancakes, or crunchy churros, there’s something to satisfy every craving. With plenty of seating, it’s also a great place to catch up with friends or settle in for a study session in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Catalyst Cafe

Conveniently located on the ground floor of the Barry J. Marshall Library, this café offers a wide selection of breakfast and lunch options to keep you fuelled throughout the day. It’s the perfect spot to dine in, enjoy the daily newspaper, and treat yourself to something sweet like our popular Biscoff waffles. As the only café on campus serving cold brew, it’s a must-visit for coffee lovers. Plus, for students burning the midnight oil, there's a kitchenette with microwaves available for after-hours study sessions. 

Business Café

Situated on the ground floor of the Business School building, this café is a hidden gem offering fresh and flavourful hot Wok meals daily, alongside expertly brewed barista coffee and a wide range of grab-and-go snacks and meals. From refreshing fruit smoothies and bubble tea to our popular waffle sandwiches for the sweet tooth, there’s something for everyone. The space is beautifully decorated with greenery, features a cozy reading nook with books and the daily newspaper, and offers both indoor and outdoor seating - perfect for a relaxed break or casual meeting.  

Dentistry Kiosk

Tucked inside the Oral Health Centre, just behind the J. Robin Warren Library, the Dentistry Kiosk is a convenient stop for the busy Med/Dent community. Serving up quality barista coffee, hot food, and a variety of grab-and-go items, it’s the perfect place to recharge between classes.  

The Tav

The Tav is an absolute campus icon - famous for its $7 Tav Lager for Guild members, daily food specials, and the legendary Student Lunch Deal (pizza, chips, and a drink from just $14!). Whether you’re grabbing a bite between classes or catching up with mates, the Tav always delivers on value and vibes. And don’t miss Happy Hour, Monday to Friday from 4–5pm, with ice-cold beers on tap and our very own Tav Lager - crafted just for you. Great drinks, even better company.

Planning a party, club social, or an end-of-sem bash? The Tav has you covered with venue hire options perfect for any kind of student event. With spacious indoor and outdoor areas, affordable catering, and that classic Tav atmosphere, it’s the go-to spot for celebrations on campus. Just make sure to book ahead - this place is popular for a reason.😏

The Ref

Campus Kebabs: These guys do amazing kebabs, HSPs, salads and chips – and they’re open basically all the time for a little late night shnack. And yes, they are halal and there’s vego/vegan options!

Toshine: Cheap & cheerful (and delicious) Japanese favourites like curries, sushi & ramen.

Chinese Canton: The exact meal you want during a long day of classes to get you through – build your own Chinese feast from the self-servebuffet or order a freshly made noodle soup!

🔥 BUDGET TIP: Always do the rice last at the self-serve (maximise precious container space), and after 3pm, you can get cheeky $5 pre-packed meals.

Rocketfuel: Coffees, hefty smoothies and seriously good baked goods (brownies and cinny buns!) are the staple at the UWA branch of the Stirling Highway-based coffee roasters. You’ll also find the odd Mary St Bakery donut or Toastface Grillah toastie - show your Guild sticker for 10% off!

Rolld Vietnamese: A Ref staple, Rolld pumps out crowd favourites like rice paper rolls, bánh mi, noodle salads and pho until 6pm daily. Try the Vietnamese iced coffee for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up!

Subway: Big subs and salads, with a cookie or 3 to finish.

The Village IGA Express  

IGA has a bunch of grab & go options and staples at supermarket prices, with heaps of dietary options. Perfect for snacks, lunch, or stop in on your way home for last minute essentials. There’s a big ol’ bakery section, fresh juices, and fridge-ready meals and salads made fresh in-house or from delicious local suppliers.

🔥 BUDGET TIP: the hot food cabinet is an absolute plethora of delicious burgers, brekky wraps, deep fried snacks (hash browns anyone??) and ready-to-go meals both hot & cold.

Check out the rest of our Fresher Handbook!

Getting Started

Housekeeping

Get Involved

Study at UWA

Wellbeing