College life can be expensive. On top of paying for tuition and housing, you still need to budget for food—at least two meals per day. Some people have the time to cook and save money by eating at home, while others simply can’t. So, where can you go that’s affordable, tastes good, and is close enough that you don’t waste gas? That’s the question many groups of college students, myself included, ask every time we’re out trying to find affordable places near campus for a quick bite.
Here are the top three places, in my opinion as a fellow student, to grab a quick and affordable meal near the Lake-Sumter South Lake campus—starting at number three and working up to number one.
#3: Steak ‘n Shake
Steak ‘n Shake is just a five-minute drive from the South Lake Campus, making it the closest of the three options in this review. Meals average from $1 to $10 per person. They offer burgers, hot dogs, and chicken fingers, all prepared quickly, making it an easy grab-and-go stop between classes. It’s one of the most affordable fast-food places students can eat at. They’re also open until midnight, which is perfect for students out late or studying into the night who need a quick pick-me-up.
However, Steak ‘n Shake is the least healthy option on this list. The food is greasy, and the “super-size” option encourages overeating by enlarging portions—like turning large fries into extra-large. There are no student discounts since it’s a chain restaurant, but the prices are still affordable. Plus, they offer great sweet treats like milkshakes and generous portions for the price—if you can resist the urge to super-size your meal.
#2: OMG Juice
OMG Juice is about a seven-minute drive from the campus. Some locations offer 10% off with a valid student ID. Food and drinks range between $10 and $20. They sell a wide variety of smoothies, and you can even mix and match to make your own specialty blend with protein. Protein smoothies are a great filler for a quick lunch between classes or even an evening snack.
The downside? OMG Juice doesn’t close as late as Steak ‘n Shake. They’re only open until 8 p.m. While that’s still a decent time to stop in after class for a drink or snack, it’s not ideal for late-night cramming sessions when you need something to keep you going.
#1: Just Love Coffee Cafe
The top spot goes to Just Love Coffee Cafe, just a six-minute drive from the campus. While they don’t have daily student discounts, they do host special events like Back-to-School Week, when students with a valid ID get 50% off. Teachers also benefit, with deals like a bag of their special coffee brew for only $2. Meals range from $10 to $20 per person.
Just Love is open from early morning until 6 p.m. during the fall semester. Though they don’t stay open late, they’re a fantastic spot for breakfast or lunch. Just Love is more than a coffee shop, as they help fund adoption processes for children seeking forever homes and are committed to creating a safe, cozy environment for everyone. Every time I’ve gone, I’ve seen people studying, relaxing, and enjoying the welcoming atmosphere. It is more affordable than Starbucks, but offers equally high-quality drinks, food, and vibes. Supporting them means supporting a local business that, in turn, supports its community—a true win-win for college students.
Final Thoughts
We live in a time when prices are rising quickly across the nation. It’s difficult to juggle the costs of college and daily necessities. In that reality, the least we can do is find affordable meals to satisfy the basic human need—hunger. For many students, finding affordable food is one of the most stressful parts of the day. It shouldn’t be that way—but hopefully, this highlight of places near campus where students have found comfort will help others discover good meals at affordable prices.
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