Top 10 Quick Bites for Busy Students in University City

When juggling between classes, assignments, tests, and extracurriculars, it can be difficult to find the time to prepare affordable and nutritious meals. In these scenarios, quick, filling, and reasonably priced takeout meals are a go-to for students with really busy schedules. That's why we have curated a list of the top 10 quick bite options and popular food spots around the campus for busy students in University City. With this list, you can satisfy the need for a delicious, healthy meal amidst your busy students.

1. Fresh & Fast: Salads and Wraps for the Health-Conscious Student

Salads and wraps are perfect for busy students who want something light, fresh, and convenient. They are nutrient-packed and will adequately sustain energy throughout the day. They're also super easy to take on the go. Salads are also a meal option that can easily be customized according to one's needs and preference. University City houses multiple spots where you can tailor your salads with your preferred toppings or grab a protein-packed wrap.

Popular Local Spots: Be sure to hit up Saladworks, Hummus Grill, and HipCityVeg for creative salads and wraps with tons of fresh add-ins and protein.
Empanada Mama also has a fresh, lively selection of salads featuring crisp greens and fresh vegetables, marrying Latin-inspired flavors into a thoughtfully prepared light meal. Popular choices include the classic Caesar, Avocado, and Greek salads.

2. Empanadas: A Flavorful Grab-and-Go Option for Every Taste

Empanadas are a top choice for students who prefer a quick, flavorful bite. They’re stuffed pastries that are convenient to eat and come packed with bold flavors. They are available in a variety of fillings that cater to different taste buds. 
Popular Fillings: There are tons of scrumptious fillings available for you to choose from according to your preferences. Some include savory beef, chicken drenched in its juices, and gooey cheese all captured through a golden and flaky crust.

With Empanada Mama opening a new spot right here in University City it has become all the more easier to access Latin flavors with tons of filling options and great vegetarian choices at your fingertips. Empanada Mama’s new location is set to be one of the best food spots near campus, perfect for busy students looking for quick bites

We currently offer more than forty different empanada flavors to suit your diverse tastes. Our experienced chefs make wheat empanadas, corn empanadas, and plant-based empanadas. While empanadas are our specialty, we offer a variety of other dishes. If you’re not in the mood for them, we also serve arepas, tostones, and a variety of salads and soups, ensuring there’s something for every taste. You can also have a filling meal by trying some of our bestselling traditional dishes like Arroz Con Pollo and Pollo Guisado. Our extensive menu offers a delicious introduction to traditional Colombian goodness. 

3. Rice Bowls: A Hearty Meal with Endless Variety

Rice bowls are for the busy student who needs a dish that can do it all: filling, texture-rich, and delicious. There is so much excitement in flavors and possibilities with every bowl. Here are some food joints in University City that would offer you those quick rice bowls with different options and variations on the toppings and pairing. Grilled chicken, steak, or tofu for proteins, and beans, avocado, salsa, and hot sauce are some classic options for topping selections. Opt for University City food spots like Terakawa Ramen and Sweetgreen for a wide variety of hot and savory rice bowls.

4. Tacos on the Go: Flavor-Packed and Convenient

Tacos are great for students who have a quick bite that balances all the primary tastes. They are easy to eat and offer a variety of fillings that can be customized to satisfy your specific cravings. Several taco spots in University City are recognized for their filling and delicious tacos, the perfect grab-and-go meals. Toppings like classic carne asada, grilled shrimp, and black and pinto beans for vegetarians tend to satisfy diverse dietary choices. For quick bites and value, two standouts are Tacos Don Memo and Don Barriga Mexican Grill.

5. Fresh Bagels and Breakfast Sandwiches for Any Time of Day

Bagels are perfect for any time of the day. You can easily consume them plain or with savory fillings making bagels a flexible and filling option.You can fill them with cream cheese, lox, bacon, or egg and cheese for a tasty breakfast or lunch.

Many bagel places in University City are ready to serve busy students with their quick and easy food choices. 

6. Dumplings and Bao: A Flavorful, Bite-Sized Option

Dumplings and bao buns are tasty and easily consumable ways to fill up before a long day at school, especially when you are on a tight budget. They're small snacks, available in all varieties of flavors and fillings and they end up satisfying your nutrition needs.

Although there are many different kinds of dumplings- there are, among others, classic pork dumplings to vegetarian and chicken options. University City is home to several excellent spots where you can grab a quick and affordable dumpling or bao fix.

7. Pizza by the Slice: A Classic Student Staple

Pizza is a classic food that is quick to grab and really filling which makes it the favorite of students. Whether you want a late study snack or a fast lunch, pizza is always a good option.

Be it a classic pepperoni, a healthy option full of veggies, or even a fancy margherita, who doesn’t like the assortment of flavors each slice of pizza offers?

University City has various pizza shops in where you can grab a slice of tasty pizza and move on with your day. For students looking for a good slice of pizza, Zesto Pizza & Grill and Enjoy's Pizza are some of the best pizza spots in University City.

8. Smoothies and Acai Bowls: For a Nutrient-Packed Boost

For a healthy energy boost, smoothies and acai bowls are the way to go. They are perfect to start the day with or to recharge after a hectic day. They are quick, easy to customize according to your needs, and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for students. 

In University City, SoBol and Playa Bowls are popular places for smoothies and acai bowls. They make for one of the healthy food options for students with classic fruit smoothies and acai bowls sprinkled with fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds on top. For extra nutrition, make sure to include chia seeds, protein powder, and granola. 

9. Classic American Sandwiches: A Student’s Reliable Choice

Sandwiches are probably the most stylish fast food for students in a hurry. They are convenient to carry and represent an enormous selection for the fussy palate. From the simple Classic Turkey sandwich to a meaty BLT, or a veggie delight, there's indeed a sandwich for everyone. A popular option varies from diet and a person's taste preference. There are some famous sandwich shops in University City that render good quality and convenience. They also happen to be some of the most affordable eats in university city.

Some popular spots are Lyn's, Bui's, and Bart's Bagels, known for their breakfast sandwiches and their convenient locations. 

Empanada Mama also offers a distinct set of sandwiches introducing Latin flavors into the classic favorites. On our menu, you can see traditional options like El Cubano which is packed with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles, all pressed perfectly in condition. You should also check out our Argentine sandwich with grilled steak and a limited-time Chicken Asado Sandwich.

10. Sushi Rolls: A Fast and Fresh Option for the Busy Day

Sushi rolls have been a craze these days because they're fresh, ideal for a light-on-the-stomach, filling meal. For busy students, sushi rolls are convenient to bring as a carry-on lunch, as well.

Students usually go for popular choices such as California rolls, spicy tuna, and veggie rolls, made using fresh ingredients and packed to-go.

For good quality sushi, Pod and Kei sushi are two of the best, student-friendly dining options in University City. These two places are well-liked for their variety of sushi options with efficient service. It's not hard to swing by either place for sushi rolls between classes or as a study break, making for a tasty and healthy selection of grab-and-go meals near you.

Conclusion: Your Guide to Quick Bites in University City – Now Complete!

University City offers an impressive array of food spots near campus perfect for busy students with many options for fast, affordable, and delicious meals. Whether you're craving a classic sandwich, freshly made sushi, or something warm and filling like empanadas, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your needs. 

Our exquisite New York-based Latin eatery, known for its mouthwatering empanadas, is setting up a cloud kitchen right here in the busy neighborhood of University City. Empanada Mama is sure to become one of the best food spots near campus for quick bites in University City and a local favorite for those craving fresh, convenient, and hearty empanadas. We offer you our signature empanadas, booth savory like our El Jefe, El Torro, and Hawaiian empanadas, and sweet ones like our Nutella Banana and Rome & Juliet empanadas. 

With its new store, Empanada Mama aspires to be a wonderful student-friendly dining option filled with promise for students in search of a new haven with Latin flair. So, the next time you’re in University City and need a quick fix, explore these local gems mentioned here for quick bites bursting with flavor and made to fit into your busy schedule.