First semester 101: Cheap eats near RMIT city campus

Discover affordable meal options both on campus and a short walk away from RMIT city campus that won’t break the bank!

Studying at RMIT city campus puts you in the thick of Melbourne’s CBD food scene, which means there are plenty of options for lunch when you need to make your money stretch.

Quick picks under $15

Our picks for reliable, cheap options for a solid lunch or quick dinner.

Soul Origin – QV Melbourne

~3–5 minute walk

Fresh salads, sandwiches and meal boxes starting around $11.50 to $15. A go-to when you need something quick, with the option to order ahead between classes.

Udon Yasan – Bourke Street

~8–10 minute walk
Simple udon dishes frequently under $10. Perfect for a hot, budget-friendly meal with quick service.

VB Rolls –  Bourke St

~6–8 minute walk

Classic Vietnamese options including bánh mì and rice paper rolls for about $10 to $12. Fast, tasty and easy to eat between classes.

Crossways Restaurant – Swanston Street

~10–12 minute walk

Communal vegetarian buffet style meals. Full-price meals sit around $9.50, with concession pricing around $7.50. Great if you are after something filling without spending much.

Grab-and-go quick bites

If you only have a small amount of time between classes.

Tokui Sushi – Lonsdale Street

~5 minute walk

Sushi rolls starting from around $2, plus well-priced assorted boxes if you want something a bit more filling.

Breadtop – QV Melbourne

~3–5 minute walk

A dependable option for a quick, satisfying bite when you are short on time. Expect bakery rolls, sweet and savoury buns, and pastries typically in the $3 to $5 range.

Goz City – QV Melbourne

~3–5 minute walk

Turkish-style pides for under $10, along with börek, small salads and vegetarian-friendly options around the $6 to $8 mark.

Grab lunch from convenience stores & supermarkets

Microwave meals and ready-made sandwiches are easy to find at Woolworths QV, ALDI and the many 7-Eleven stores around campus. 7-Eleven is also a handy spot for a cheap coffee, with regular coffees from $2, and many stores now offering plant-based milk options.

Heating up your food

There are kitchenettes with microwaves available across campus, including key locations in Buildings 10, 12 and 9.

Cheap food on campus

If you would rather stay on campus, there are several food retailers offering convenient and budget-friendly options. Food options range from quick, affordable Japanese and Italian-style meals to rice bowls, pizzas, burgers and grab-and-go snacks, making it easy to find something that suits your budget and schedule.

Looking for a couple of knock-offs, head to The Oxford Scholar, RMIT’s dedicated bar located on campus, which runs regular pub-style meal specials from around $15, with student discounts available on selected items.

You can explore the full list of food on campus on the RMIT food retailers page.

Free Food on Campus

Discover delicious, no-cost options to keep you fuelled and focused on campus. Courtesy of RMIT and the RMIT University Student Union (RUSU).

Find out more

18 March 2026

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