The University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras (UPRRP), has undergone countless transformations over the years, but few aspects of campus life have changed as dramatically as its dining scene. My father attended UPRRP from 1996 to 2003, a time when the university was at its peak in terms of student life, energy, and, most importantly, food options. Through his stories, I’ve come to realize that the early 2000s marked what could be considered the golden era of campus dining—a time where variety, quality, and atmosphere created an unmatched experience for students.
During his years at UPRRP, my father witnessed shifts in administration, infrastructure, policies, and faculty. But amid all these changes, one of the most memorable transformations took place in the Student Center. It was there that the campus food scene thrived, as it offered students an impressive array of dining choices that today’s attendees can only dream of. He saw the opening of a Burger King inside the university, a far cry from its current off-campus location. Alongside it stood McDonald’s, Church’s Chicken, and my personal favorite—Sbarro Pizzeria. These weren’t just fast-food chains; they were landmarks of a vibrant student culture, where classmates gathered, friendships were formed, and a quick break between classes wasn’t spent struggling to find something decent to eat.
Unlike today where the university’s population has significantly dwindled, the early 2000s saw UPRRP swarming with students. My father describes it as a “zoo”—a buzzing, electrifying environment filled with people from every corner of the island. The diversity was striking, a melting pot of personalities and backgrounds: hippies, emos, alternative kids, nerds, jocks, countryside kids, city kids, students from wealthy families, those from humble beginnings—everyone coexisted in this chaotic yet harmonious space. The campus was alive with conversation, debates, and the occasional protest. It was a reflection of the university’s spirit and the passion of its students.
Image Source: Alanis Hilario
Beyond the food, my father fondly recalls the quality of education and the dedication of professors during that time. He speaks nostalgically about packed classrooms, where learning felt dynamic and engaging, where professors had a genuine passion for their subjects, and where intellectual curiosity thrived. It was a time when students weren’t just attending university for a degree; they were immersed in a culture—one that extended beyond lectures and textbooks to the very places where they shared meals and conversations.
Today, much has changed. The once-vibrant dining options have been reduced, and the student body, though still passionate, is noticeably smaller. While UPRRP continues to hold its place as a prestigious institution, the energy my father describes from his time feels like a distant memory. However, for those who lived it, the golden era of UPRRP dining remains an unforgettable chapter—one that reminds us of what the university once was and what it has the potential to be.