Oxford Traditions
From the dining hall to the food trucks, Oxford College of Emory University offers more than just a quick bite between classes. For many students, campus food isn’t just about convenience, but a part of the college experience itself.
First off, the Oxford dining hall is the main hub with a plethora of options to choose—from the dynamic classics station, the reliable grill station with its grilled chicken and burgers, the handmade pizza station, and the self-service salad bar. Not to mention, the chef’s table features a rotating selection of dishes prepared on a hibachi grill, adding an extra touch of excitement to each meal. With its mix of rotating dishes and consistent favorites, the dining hall will ensure there is always a food choice for everyone.
Additionally, a lot of the vegetables and food are sourced locally from the Oxford Organic Farm, a produce farm next to Oxford College. This farm offers numerous volunteer opportunities and experiences that greatly benefit Oxford students, as well as the added benefit of having more fresh produce in the dining hall.
“The part of the love of this work has got to be enjoying the product,” Oxford farmer and educator Parson said, “it’s just a great feeling to see that every day, see people enjoying it, see it on the salad bar, see it on their plates.”
Every now and then, the Oxford dining hall will include different specials for a national food day, such as National Taco Day on October 7th, where a separate stand was set up with more taco options. More decorations and music will fill the hall with excitement, intended to brighten the students’ day.
For students in need of a quick meal between classes, the Oxford Coffee Camper is located in the library. With its breakfast sandwiches, pastries, salads, and a variety of coffee options, this dining spot is the perfect spot for students to stop by in the morning or at noon to refuel before or between classes. Students can use a residential meal swipe between 8:30 to 11:00 AM.
Beyond these options, located in the Student Center is the Oxford Family Kitchen, with its menu varying from rice bowls to milkshakes to the community’s favorite chicken options, including the wonderful Wing Wednesday, a weekly tradition that this location has its own selection of chicken wings.
Being in the Oxford Student Center, this location is a wonderful spot for students to gather throughout the day and enjoy a late-night treat. Not to mention, the Family Kitchen is now accepting meal swipes from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM in addition to its 12:00PM to 2:00 PM meal slot.
Adding to the variety, Bon Appétit, the dining provider for the dining hall, commonly hosts Food on the Quad events where they provide Southern cuisine for doleful dollars. These fun events bring students together to enjoy the weather while enjoying various food options.
Similarly, every first Thursday of the month, there are food trucks from local Newton County businesses at the Farmer’s Market by the mailing center. In addition to the shops and stands there, the food trucks accept dooley dollars, providing Oxford students access to the different styles of cuisines.
Lastly, during the finals period, arranged by the Student Activity Committee (SAC), Midnight Pancakes is a special event where the Oxford dining hall is open later in the night with pancakes, desserts, and fun activities to provide students with a period of relaxation as they study for their finals.
What makes the Oxford dining experience unique is the attention and care all the workers put into it.
“I enjoy my crew, the people that I work with, and I enjoy seeing the students from different countries,” Bon Appétit worker Alina said, “I just enjoy being around positive people and seeing you guys, you know, working here. I know you guys are working to accomplish your dreams.”
All in all, Oxford’s food scene blends flavor, culture, and community. Whether through a quick coffee break or a Wing Wednesday run, every bite brings the students a small step closer.