The education system has had a couple tough years recently. They've had to endure worse COVID-19 restrictions than most, obviously moving to online school for most people across the country and globe. Now, as the country looks to move forward, schools have began to open, placing stress and restrictions on most universities across the United States. This is especially true for federal funded campuses, like the University of California, Irvine (UCI). 

Chancellor Howard Gillman and the rest of the UCI board have been doing an excellent job on providing a safe and accessible campus for students to pursue their academic career at the highest level this year. The problems of the students don't lie in any of the safety or educational issues.

The problem is the availability and access of the very meal plans we paid and continue to pay for. Students, hungry at night, resort to walking and traveling to neighboring fast-food restaurants; costing us money and health. At a time where many college students are out socializing and exploring for the first time in too long. For many, a new city and for all, a new experience. All of which leaves everyone exhausted, in dire need of a meal. To a broke college student, they need a meal that is already paid for. 

There are two on campus cafeterias open to students who have purchased a meal plan, Brandywine and the Anteatery. These are located in Middle Earth and Mesa Court, right next to student dorming. These locations continue to serve students until 8PM, something that has something that has been tweaked from the past. Previously, these locations were open until 12AM, for late night. Due to COVID restrictions and under-staffing, late night has been canceled for the 2021 fall quarter. This impact has been dramatic and apparent for all college students relying on these school provided meals to keep them from going hungry. For instance, I have a class from 6:20-9:30PM. This leaves me without a meal after a long and grueling class, instead buying from someplace off campus. Some other students have told stories of clubs, events, and school all continuing after 8PM. The absence of a meal is the eventual outcome for many students, opting to save money and forced travel. 

I think everyone can agree 8PM is too early to stop dinner, especially for college students. We study, socialize, and party all later then that. We, as students need a solution to this problem and are simply looking for a compromise with the board. We want to open these cafeterias later, hopefully bring back late night, and remain safe and well equipped while doing so.