Still trying to figure out the campus dining game? Are you trying to make the most of your meal plan, find your favorite foods, grab a late night snack, or just get a decent meal once in a while? We’ve got you covered! Read on for some secrets to cracking the campus dining code. 

1. Want a real meal? Try the Blue Raider Grill

This is probably the most overlooked dining option on campus. Located in back of the Student Union, the Blue Raider Grill has a surprisingly wide variety of food: everything from burgers and fries to quesadillas, salads, and even cheesecake! The atmosphere is usually pretty quiet and has a real sit-down restaurant atmosphere. It’s also one of the highest-quality dining options on campus, and pretty affordable for what you get. The only drawback is that it tends to have a longer wait time, due to the fact that it’s a low-traffic restaurant and not heavily staffed. But if you’ve got a little time to spare, give it a try! 

Entrance to the Blue Raider Grill.

2. Hungry after a midnight cram session? Check out the Cyber Cafe at Woodmore

Did you know that there’s a dining option on campus that stays open till 2 a.m. every night? Look no further than the Cyber Cafe at Woodmore, located in Woodmore Hall near the Judd, Simms and Gracy dorms. The Cyber Cafe features a Subway (with the best fresh-baked cookies!) as well as a mini-market with drinks, frozen meals, snacks and milkshakes. Be aware that it doesn’t open till 6 every night, though, so it’s strictly a dinnertime/late night snack option. 

Woodmore Hall. Image source: Outgress

3. Sick of Pepsi and craving Coke? Head to Dwight’s Mini Mart

Yes, this is a Pepsi campus, but did you know that there is one — and only one — secret spot at MTSU where you can buy Coke products? Check out Dwight’s Mini Mart, located on the second floor of the KUC just past the food court. It’s the only privately owned market on campus, so they’re allowed to sell whatever they want … meaning Coke products! They also sell a variety of snacks, toiletry items, test booklets and fresh hot coffee. Next time you’re in the area, stop by Dwight’s and give them your support!

4. Craving coffee at 10 p.m.? Don’t forget your Late-Night meal plan option

If you have a swipe meal plan, you probably know that you get one swipe each for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — but did you know that there’s also a Late-Night option? From 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., you can use meal equivalency for up to $5 at Starbucks! Many students with meal plans aren’t even aware of this option and miss out on a semester’s worth of free Starbucks. If you’re up late studying at the library, be sure to take advantage of this option. 

Image source: Snopes

5. Ordering pizza? Use your Flexbucks at Papa John’s

Another meal plan trick that many students aren’t aware of: you can actually use your Flexbucks to order Papa John’s pizza online! The total of your order comes out of your Flexbucks balance, and all you’re responsible for out-of-pocket is the tip for the driver. To set up your account and link it to your meal plan, click here.

Image source: Yelp

6. Need a quick snack? Be aware of where all the P.O.D.s are

Most students are aware of the location of at least one mini-market P.O.D. (short for “Provisions On Demand”), but did you know that there are actually four of them on campus? With one at each end of campus (one at Peck Hall and the other at the Student Union) and two in the middle (at the BAS and the Mass Comm building), no matter where you are on campus, you’re probably only a short walk away from the nearest P.O.D. Each one has different hours, though, so click here to check out if the one nearest you is open.  

The P.O.D. at Peck Hall