As a third year student at Rhodes University I have become accustomed to a certain standard of food. Being in Nelson Mandela Hall I have always commented that our catering is the best on campus, I have compared it with many other halls. Returning to res in 2009, however, I was surprised at the changes to our menu, particularly breakfasts.
But, where is the cheese?
Instead of having hot, substantial breakfasts every morning, there is now a limited option of cereal, toast, a juice or piece of fruit. Students who have been living within the residence system are used to options ranging from savoury mince and poached eggs, to my personal favourite, croissants and cheese. A lot fewer students are booking breakfast meals through the online system as they are simply not enticed by the new budget-friendly menu.
There has got to be an easier way…
While the University has put forward valid reasons for the meal alterations, students are still not satisfied.. They now have to spend more money either at the supermarkets or at the day Kaif. The money that is owed to these students from the unbooking of their meals, breakfast in particular, is only released to them at the end of each semester. This means that students who unbook say R500 worth of breakfasts have to wait till the end of term 2 to get this money back. There should be a system in place that allows students to get this money back earlier, maybe on a two week cycle? See the video below for a SRC’s explanation for the meal changes.
I have also noticed the vast increase in student numbers on campus. If I come to the dining hall at half past twelve after my lecture, I get to the front of the queue at around one o’ clock. This was totally unheard of last year and the year before that. See some of the other stories on the RUTV3 blog (particularly “Behind the Crowds”) to find out more information on the overcrowding at Rhodes this year.