A Bruin's Guide to Taco Bell and Dining Options at UCLA

UCLA's meal plan system is designed to provide Bruins with a diverse range of dining choices, including food trucks, dining halls, and on-campus restaurants. Understanding the available options, meal plan structures, and associated costs is crucial for students to make informed decisions about their dining experiences. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the dining landscape at UCLA, with a particular focus on Taco Bell and other ASUCLA restaurants.

Navigating UCLA Meal Plans

Bruins living on the Hill are required to select a meal plan, which is factored into their dorm housing costs. These meal plans offer varying numbers of swipes per week - 11, 14, or 19 - and are categorized into two types: Premier and Regular. The choice between these plans often depends on individual eating habits and budget considerations.

For instance, the 11 Regular plan is the most economical option, costing approximately $5,300 for the 2024-2025 academic year, while the 19 Premier plan is the most expensive, priced around $6,600. Students like Perez have carefully weighed these factors, opting for the 11 Regular plan after realizing they would frequently be away on weekends.

Recognizing the needs of students living off-campus, UCLA introduced a pilot off-campus meal plan earlier this year. This plan, available to 500 students residing in university apartments, provides seven meal swipes per week for use at dining halls on the Hill at a cost of $1,260 per quarter.

Popular Dining Locations on the Hill

UCLA Dining data from winter 2024 reveals that The Study at Hedrick was the most frequented restaurant, accounting for 23% of all Hill swipes. Residential restaurants collectively accounted for 38% of all Hill meal swipes during the same period, while takeout restaurants saw the remaining 62%.

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Beyond the ten traditional dining locations, UCLA boasts a variety of food trucks and ASUCLA restaurants. Previously, students wishing to dine at nonresidential dining hall locations had to exchange meal swipes at their dorm's front desk for food truck or on-campus ASUCLA restaurant tickets.

The Rise of Food Trucks

Food trucks were introduced to the Hill during the 2021-2022 school year as a solution to staffing shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These mobile eateries quickly gained popularity among students. Zhang noted that Austyn's was a particularly favored food truck, creating a sense of excitement whenever it was available.

ASUCLA Restaurants: Convenience and Value

ASUCLA restaurants offer convenient dining options for students, particularly those with classes nearby. Christina Manuel, the ASUCLA communications and social media manager, attributed the increased traffic at these restaurants to several factors, including the acceptance of dorm swipes.

The Premier plan allows students like Perez to maximize the value of their meal swipes at ASUCLA restaurants. With the ability to use multiple swipes in a single meal period, she can effectively double or triple the $9 value of a single swipe.

Changes to Meal Swipe Value at ASUCLA Restaurants

Despite the perceived value of meal swipes, UCLA Dining has announced an upcoming reduction in their value at ASUCLA restaurants to $4.33. This change is slated to occur when on-campus restaurant staffing returns to pre-pandemic levels, but the exact timeline remains unclear. This announcement has already sparked concerns among students who rely on meal swipes for affordable dining options.

Taco Bell at UCLA: A Bruin Staple

Among the many ASUCLA restaurants, Taco Bell holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of UCLA students. Located at 308 Westwood Plaza, the Taco Bell at the University of California Los Angeles offers a wide array of Mexican-inspired favorites.

The Taco Bell menu in Los Angeles features everything from classic tacos and burritos to more elaborate specialties and combos. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast, a late-night snack, or a customizable meal, Taco Bell provides a convenient and satisfying option.

Taco Bell Menu Highlights

Specialties: Indulge in all-time favorites like the Chalupa Supreme and the Crunchwrap Supreme.
Cravings Value Menu: For those on a budget, the Cravings Value Menu offers affordable options such as the Cheesy Roll Up and the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito.
Customization: The Taco Bell menu is highly customizable, allowing customers to reinvent their favorite items with a variety of sauces and add-ons.

$5 Fridays at ASUCLA Restaurants

ASUCLA Restaurants introduced $5 Fridays, offering discounted menu items at select locations across campus. This promotion, which first commenced in January 2023, returned for the winter quarter with a range of new $5 deals.

Cindy Bolton, director of ASUCLA Restaurants, encouraged Bruins to "fuel their Fridays" with these specials, which include favorites like the Burrito Supreme Combo at Taco Bell. The $5 Fridays program is valid on Fridays throughout the winter quarter at participating ASUCLA Restaurant locations and cannot be combined with any other deals or online orders.

Other Dining Options at UCLA

In addition to Taco Bell and the dining halls, UCLA offers a diverse culinary landscape. Here are some other notable dining locations:

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Cafe 451: Located in Young Research Library, this café offers a cozy place to study or grab a quick bite.
Fusion: This spot features rice bowls with a choice of shrimp, pork, chicken, or tofu, accompanied by vegetables.
Northern Lights: Known for breakfast/lunch paninis and soup, Northern Lights also offers customizable poke bowls with vegan/vegetarian options.
Wetzel's Pretzels: Enjoy fresh-baked pretzels served hot.
Greenhouse: This location offers a soup and salad bar, healthy snacks, and drinks.
Kerckhoff Coffeehouse: UCLA’s first coffee house, established in 1975, offers Sum One coffee and serves as a hub for campus culture.
Music Cafe: Situated in Ostin Music Center, this café is a favorite among music lovers and artists.
Cafe Synapse: Designed as a place for researchers and doctors to connect, this elegant restaurant offers a unique dining experience.
Subway: Get your fill of quick and fresh submarine sandwiches.

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