Source: www.sysustudent.net
Written by: Ian J. Heuer
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

As an alumnus of SYSU’s School of Chinese as a Second Language, I know that nothing works up an appetite quite like a full morning of scrutinizing Chinese characters and straining to achieve perfect pronunciation. I also know that I’m not alone — as the final class period of the morning draws to a close, the din of hunger pangs echoing around the classroom crescendos to an almost discernible rumble. There is no shortage of great dining choices within easy walking distance of the University’s gates, but I will start with an introduction to of one of the best options available to students: the cafeteria. Convinient, cheap, and quick, the student cafeteria is my default choice when looking to replenish my mind and body.  While there are several cafeterias on the south campus, I can usually be found at “Xue Yi Cafeteria” (學一食堂). A five minute walk from the Chinese classroom building, eating at Xue Yi can be harrowing at first. But once you’ve got the hang of how people flow inside of the building, the experience in itself can be invigorating.

Upon entering the building you are immediately faced with a choice. The cafeteria is split into three levels, each with a different method of service. 

The ground floor is a typical cafeteria experience, where you can present your tray and receive a portion of food. Upstairs is a self service à la carte area and downstairs is for set meals. I usually opt for the set meal, which consists of meat, vegetable, and rice dishes, or else assemble something similar from the options in the à la carte section.

After the meal is in hand, the next challenge is finding a place to seat. The building is usually busy during lunch and dinner breaks, but ample seating upstairs, downstairs, and outside ensures that there is always a place to settle in. On this particular day, I chose to sit outside and enjoy the gently wafting fall air. After finishing my lunch I return my tray and then pick up a pastry from the bakery for good measure.