$5 student meals available on campus
Looking for an affordable lunch on campus? $5 student meals are available on campus now.
Our new $5 student meals program gives you access to low-cost meals on campus during trimester. It is part of our commitment to providing you with practical cost-of-living support, helping you manage your budget and stay focused on your studies.
Why $5 student meals?
Cost-of-living pressures shouldn't get in the way of your success at Deakin. We're providing practical support to help you access affordable food, as well as wellbeing resources and financial assistance when you need it.
What you need to know
- $5 student meals are available to all Deakin students every Monday and Thursday of trimester.
- Meals are available from 12 noon until sold out.
- Bring your Deakin Card to receive a meal.
- One vegan/vegetarian and one non-vegetarian option will be available each day, with a rotating menu.
A rotating menu offering two delicious meal options
What other support is available?
Deakin and DUSA are working together to provide affordable and accessible food support across our campuses, helping you stay focused on your studies through a range of free and low-cost food initiatives available throughout the trimester.
- Melbourne Burwood Campus
- Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
- Geelong Waterfront Campus
- Warrnambool Campus
- Online
From free breakfasts and frozen meals to $5 lunches, food pantry events and emergency food support, Burwood students can access a range of affordable food options.
| Days | Free or low-cost food support |
|---|---|
| Monday | Deakin $5 student lunches available on campus (Building H, Level 1). |
| Tuesday | DUSA free frozen meal giveaway at Student Central Burwood from 12pm until stock runs out. |
| Wednesday | DUSA free breakfast from 8:30-10:30am (Building H, Level 1). |
| Thursday | Deakin $5 student lunches available on campus (Building H, Level 1). |
Selected weeks
- DUSA Food Pantry (11am–1pm) with free fruit, vegetables and pantry staples. Registration required.
Ongoing
- Deakin and DUSA welfare and student support activities and events. Check student news and events.
- DUSA Survival Centre provides free essential food and grocery items for students experiencing hardship.
Access a variety of food support options, including free breakfasts, frozen meals, food pantry events and low-cost lunches, making it easier to eat well while studying.
| Days | Free or low-cost food support |
|---|---|
| Monday | Deakin $5 student lunches available on campus (East West Dining Hall, located the end of Union Green Kitchen). |
| Tuesday | DUSA free breakfast from 8:30–10:30am in the DUSA Office (JB Building, Level 1). |
| Wednesday | Free frozen meal giveaway at the DUSA Office (JB Building, Level 1), from 12pm until stock runs out. |
| Thursday | Deakin $5 student lunches available on campus (East West Dining Hall, located the end of Union Green Kitchen). |
Selected weeks
- DUSA Food Pantry (11am–1pm) with free fruit, vegetables and pantry staples. Registration required.
Ongoing
- Deakin and DUSA welfare and student support activities and event. Check student news and events.
- DUSA Survival Centre provides free essential food and grocery items for students experiencing hardship.
Waterfront students can take advantage of regular free breakfasts, food pantry events and low-cost meal options to help ease cost-of-living pressures during trimester.
| Days | Free or low-cost food support |
|---|---|
| Monday | Deakin $5 student lunches available on campus (Waterfront Pantry, Building D Level 1). |
| Tuesday | DUSA free breakfast from 8:30–10:30am at the DUSA Office (Building D, Level 1). |
| Thursday | Deakin $5 student lunches available on campus (Waterfront Pantry, Building D Level 1). |
Selected weeks
- DUSA Food Pantry (11am–1pm) with free fruit, vegetables and pantry staples. Registration required.
Ongoing
- Deakin and DUSA welfare and student support activities and event. Check student news and events.
- DUSA Survival Centre provides free essential food and grocery items for students experiencing hardship.
Warrnambool students have access to low-cost meal options, food pantry support and emergency food assistance, ensuring practical help is available when it is needed most.
| Days | Free or low-cost food support |
|---|---|
| Monday |
Deakin $5 student lunches available on campus (Hopkins River Cafe). |
| Thursday | Deakin $5 student lunches available on campus (Hopkins River Cafe). |
Selected weeks
- DUSA Food Pantry (11am–1pm) with free fruit, vegetables and pantry staples. Registration required.
Ongoing
- Deakin and DUSA Welfare and student support activities and event. Check student news and events.
- DUSA Survival Centre provides free essential food and grocery items for students experiencing hardship.
Studying online? Cost of living support is available for you too.
If you live near a Deakin campus, you're welcome to access any of the on-campus offerings delivered by Deakin and DUSA.
If you're not close to campus, support is also available online and by phone.
Online students can access:
- $5 student meals
- DUSA Food Pantry events (where available)
- DUSA Survival Centres for emergency food and essential items
- Financial hardship support and emergency assistance
- Financial wellbeing and budgeting support
- Student advocacy and support services for students experiencing financial stress.
Whether you're studying from home or near campus, support is available to help ease cost-of-living pressures and keep you on track with your studies.
Need additional support?
Everyone's circumstances are different. If you're experiencing financial difficulty, Deakin and DUSA offer a range of support services, resources and financial assistance options to help you navigate financial challenges and stay on track with your studies.
Support from Deakin
- DUSA Financial Wellbeing: help with money management, budgeting tools, financial education and referrals to other support services.
- DUSA transport assistance: practical, flexible support for public transport, parking, and travel to intensive units.
Support and resources from DUSA
In addition to DUSA's Food Pantry, Survival Centre and free breakfast offerings, you can also access:
For other tips, read Thriving as a Student.