Hi! I’m Paddy, currently a second year marketing student and I’m here to let you in on a little secret: the breakfasts at Vanbrugh College are an absolute game-changer.
Commuter breakfast
As a commuter student, my relationship with campus catering started out pretty non-existent. When I first started at York, I had no idea that college dining halls were open to everyone, I just assumed you had to live on campus to get a look-in. It wasn’t until the second semester of my first year that I realised I could stroll in and get a hot breakfast just like anyone else.
Now, those early morning train rides are instantly rewarded. Enjoying a proper, hearty breakfast at Vanbrugh before my first lecture has become a mandatory part of my daily routine. But honestly? The food is only half the draw. The real reason I keep coming back is the people.
My daily chats with the catering staff, Karen and Sue, have genuinely become a cornerstone of my university experience. The sheer warmth and friendly energy they bring every single morning is unmatched and is by far one of the highlights of my day. No matter how tired I am, they guarantee I start my day with a smile!
The dining hall buzz
There’s a specific kind of morning energy in the Vanbrugh dining hall that you just can’t replicate anywhere else. The student buzz is totally infectious, especially during the first week of a new semester when everyone is looking forward to their upcoming classes and modules.
For me, as someone who doesn’t live in the student halls, this environment has been massive. It instantly bridges the gap and makes me feel like a proper part of the campus community, all before 9:00 AM.
Banter, Hot Wheels, and lifelong memories
If you walk into Vanbrugh in the morning, there’s a high chance you’ll hear Karen, Sue, and myself joking around. My official nickname at the breakfast counter is the “Scarborough Boy”, a nod to my daily commute and my mates think the whole dynamic is hilarious!
The relationship I’ve built with them has genuinely become one of my best and most memorable uni experiences. For example, when I recently passed my driving test, I couldn’t wait to tell them. The following week, they casually mentioned they’d bought me a car to celebrate. Before I could process the sudden generosity, Sue pulled out a mini Hot Wheels car from behind the counter!
It’s small moments like that that make your time at university unforgettable. The connection I’ve formed with the Vanbrugh breakfast team is priceless.
Top tip
Seriously, make an effort with the staff you meet across campus. A bit of manners and a genuine smile go a long way. It’s through this approach which has enabled myself to develop such a great relationship with the Vanbrugh breakfast crew.
The main event: what’s on the menu?
The absolute star of the show has to be the full English, which is a steal at a bargain price! This is my go to order, which includes two slices of toast, orange or apple juice, along with unlimited tea and coffee in the dining room.
If you aren’t feeling a full fry-up, they also mix it up with fresh pastries, I recently treated myself to a freshly baked cinnamon roll that was incredible. They also have a fresh fruit counter and a smoothie bar with flavours that rotate weekly if you’re looking for a healthier start.
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