The recent opening of new dining options at the Bloomberg Student Center on October 6, 2025, has prompted discussions among students regarding accessibility and affordability. The Student Center now features a variety of food choices, including Koshary Corner, Connie’s Chicken and Waffles, Tim Ma Hospitality, and Urban Oyster, expanding on-campus dining for the Johns Hopkins University community.
The grand opening ceremony on October 16 attracted donors, students, and faculty, with notable speeches from University President Ronald J. Daniels and philanthropist Michael Bloomberg. President Daniels highlighted the Student Center’s role as a hub for collaboration and engagement, stating that it aims to connect diverse members across campuses and disciplines. Bloomberg, reflecting on his history with the university, emphasized his commitment to supporting students from all backgrounds.
Student Engagement and Atmosphere
Following the opening, a survey conducted by The News-Letter revealed that students rated the atmosphere of the Student Center at an average of 7.67 on a scale of one to ten, a slight increase from previous ratings. Students reported feeling more connected due to the dining options, with an average rating of 7.13 for social interaction in the space. This suggests that while the dining additions have enhanced the social environment, they did not significantly alter the overall atmosphere.
Senior student Grace Aboagye noted a shift in student behavior, stating, “People have become more social as they go downstairs, because they have to use the mobile app to order.” This change, she observed, has encouraged conversations among students while they wait for their orders. Another student, sophomore Suryan Plenz, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the more vibrant and inviting atmosphere created by the new food options.
Mixed Reviews on Food Quality and Pricing
As students explore the new dining options, the survey indicated varying levels of engagement. Only 36.7% of students reported never utilizing the food options, while 60% indicated they eat there one to three times a week. Nonetheless, 80% of respondents expressed concerns regarding the pricing, describing it as expensive, with meals ranging from $12 to $14 for rice bowls.
Many students commented on the quality of the food, rating it an average of 6.9 out of ten. Senior Biomedical Engineering major Taliyah Huang shared her positive experience with the burger, praising its taste and value. Yet, others expressed disappointment regarding portion sizes and pricing. One anonymous student remarked, “Eating almost $15 to $20 worth of meals every day is not feasible.”
Concerns about dietary accessibility also emerged. Freshman Dhruva Lahoti, a vegetarian, noted limited options during his visit and emphasized the financial constraints many students face. Respondents highlighted a lack of vegetarian, vegan, and halal options, with one student pointing out the absence of sufficient halal choices, stating, “There should ideally be at least one or two more halal options available.”
Additional feedback indicated challenges for students with food allergies. One student with a gluten allergy expressed frustration over the mobile ordering system’s limitations, noting the absence of a space to indicate dietary restrictions.
In summary, while the Bloomberg Student Center’s dining options have generated excitement and enhanced social engagement, they have also raised significant concerns about affordability and accessibility. As the university moves forward, addressing these issues will be crucial for ensuring that all students feel included and supported within the campus dining experience.
