As the fall 2024 semester kicks off, students are returning to the classroom and working hard to earn that degree, but, they must stay fueled to do so. Luckily, a handful of new spots have popped up around campus since the end of the spring semester.

Let’s take a look at the new guys on the block and what they have to offer in terms of grub.

Aloha Fresh Poke Bowls – East Halls

Located in Findlay Commons, Aloha Poke Bowls offers three signature bowls: the Ohana Shrimp, the Ono Ahi Tuna, and the Mahalo. Guests also have the option to customize their own bowl and choose from an array of options. Starting with a choice of rice, folks can choose between standard white sushi rice or brown rice. Next, pick from tofu, imitation crab, shrimp, or tuna as your choice of protein. Finally, the bowl comes with up to five topping choices of carrots, cucumbers, edamame, nori strips, scallions, wasabi ranch, spicy mayo, eel sauce, and much more. Guests can also get avocado in their bowls for an additional $2.29. Aloha Fresh Poke Bowls is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

East Philly Cheesesteaks – East Halls

Staying within Findlay Commons, students can now enjoy Philadelphia’s very own signature sandwich at East Philly Cheesesteaks on the first floor. There are five different sandwich options to select from: Steak, Mushroom Steak, Pepper Steak, Mushroom Pepper Steak, or Pizza Steak. Additionally, guests can order a side of french fries to pair with their tasty steak of choice. East Philly Cheesesteaks is open from 4-10 p.m., Monday to Friday.

State Chik’n – West Halls

Moving to Waring Commons, this new chicken spot offers a chicken-based menu of comfort food we all know and love. Starting with sandwiches, State Chik’n offers two options, grilled or fried. The sandwiches include pickles, “cluck sauce”, and lettuce. If a guest opts for a combo meal, their sandwich will be accompanied by a honey butter biscuit, calico slaw, and waffle fries. For the chicken tender lovers out there, State Chik’n has traditional tenders as well as a vegan alternative. There are small and large options for the tender combos, but both sizes come with the same trio of sides available for the sandwich combos.

Additionally, there are three different mac and cheese bowls to pick from, traditional, buffalo, and southwest. With the option of bacon, green onion, and a choice of fried, grilled, or vegan-style chicken tenders, the tasty bowls are sure to hit the spot. If you are looking for a lighter option, there are three different salads to pick from as well.

State Chik’n is open on from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday. Unlike that insanely popular chicken chain that is closed on Sundays, State Chik’n remains open for business from 1-9 p.m. on weekends.

Fresco – Pollock

The Chipotle downtown was out of every single protein? Can’t say we’re surprised, but we have good news! Although the restaurant is not entirely new to the University Park campus, this specific location, on the second floor of the Pollock Commons, is a welcomed addition to the esteemed dining hall at Pollock.

The Mexican grill-inspired spot is conceptually very similar to popular chains like Chipotle, Qdoba, or Moe’s. Guests can pick from a burrito bowl or walking taco that is made in a bag of nacho cheese Doritos or chili cheese Fritos. The burrito bowls start with a base of rice, a choice of chicken or beef, and then all the fixings one could want on top of their bowl such as beans, lettuce, queso, and much more. The Pollock location is open from 2-8 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday.