• New Campus Voices report explores the experiences, emotions and everyday realities behind student dining decisions
• Findings are based on conversations with more than 2,000 students across 300 focus groups and 50 campuses
• Students point to consistency, flexibility, functional wellness and authentic human connection as key parts of the dining experience

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Students are looking for more than endless choice from campus dining. They want food and experiences they can count on, options that fit the realities of their schedules and needs, and meaningful human connection along the way.

That is the central finding of Campus Voices, a new report released today by Chartwells Higher Education based on conversations with more than 2,000 students across 300 focus groups and 50 campuses, which explores the experiences, emotions and everyday realities behind student dining decisions, including what builds trust, what creates value and what brings students back.

“Campus Voices helps us understand the ‘why’ behind the data by listening directly to students,” said Janelle Craft, VP of Insights and Innovation at Chartwells Higher Education. “Across these conversations, our students consistently described dining as something that needs to fit real life. They want reliable, quality meal options that reflect their needs and schedules, and experiences that feel responsive and human.”

Direct, in-person feedback from students across diverse regions, campus sizes and dining models revealed five core themes driving student decision-making today:

• Choice without confidence isn’t really a choice. Having numerous options matters less to students if consistency and reliability are lacking. Trust in the quality and expectation of meals determines whether they are willing to champion dining options.
• Variety is personal. Students report that variety, for them, is defined by the number of options that realistically fit their individual dietary needs, schedules and budgets. Customization serves as both a primary trust mechanism and a source of variety.
• Value is an experience, not a price. Students evaluate meal value based on quality, completeness, convenience, flexibility and reliability. Perceived value is heavily influenced by balanced sides, fresh fruit and vegetables and thoughtful meal bundles.
• Traditional mealtime is disappearing. Students no longer structure their days around traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner hours. Snacking and mobile pickups are increasing in popularity to meet students where they are.
• The more digital dining becomes, the more human connection matters. Students report that while technology reduces operational friction, personal connections with dining staff and peers foster a sense of belonging on campus and make wait times feel shorter.

“Students want dining that fits their lives, but they also want to feel connected to the people and community around them,” said Eva Wojtalewski, CEO of Chartwells Higher Education. “The food matters, but so does the welcome, the familiar face, and knowing that someone is paying attention. Their feedback is helping us create dining experiences that respond to the needs of each campus and help students feel seen.”

Feedback from students shows that global flavors are now standard, and cuisine is judged based on how authentically it is prepared and how culturally appropriate the recipes are. Students also show strong demand for meals that are high in protein, minimally processed, and nutrient-rich so they feel energized and ready for their day. Campus dining events, including pop-ups, cultural celebrations and chef events, came up again and again as things students crave, and they make dining interactive, fostering valuable connections.

The findings will directly inform how Chartwells continues to evolve its menus, services and dining experiences across campuses, turning feedback into action. 

Campus Voices joins the 2026 Campus Dining Index and the Campus Dining Signal Report as part of Chartwells Higher Education’s ongoing work to understand student perspectives and where expectations are headed.

Click here to download the full 2026 Campus Voices Report.

About Chartwells Higher Education  

Chartwells Higher Education, a part of Compass Group North America, is the recognized leader in contract foodservice management, hospitality, and guest service at more than 320 colleges and universities across the United States. Chartwells delivers “Dining, Made Personal” through quality, craveable food and dining programs tailored to each campus and designed around real student life. With signature service and meaningful connections, Chartwells partners with institutions to co-create campus experiences that make students and guests feel seen and welcomed.

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SOURCE Chartwells Higher Education