Dining in the Union Posted on June 3, 2015June 3, 2015 by Analise Pruni UWM has a notably diverse campus. Students from all over the globe come to study history and art, research science and chemistry, or play in Panther sports with the hopes getting to the big leagues. There is one thing that brings everyone together; we’ve all got to eat. Between the downstairs Union station, The Gasthaus and the a la carte lines on the second floor, UWM attempts to keep up with the dietary needs of its diverse student body. The series of quick-stop food places upstairs caters to students on the go who need to refuel fast. Greasy guilty pleasures like Taco bell and Burger King stay busy while others frequent the Stir Fry line or Pacific Wraps. There is everything from pizza and sub sandwiches, to ice cream and baked sweets, reinforcing the “freshman fifteen” paradigm, in which many first-year college students pack on extra pounds. Despite the variety, many students would like to see healthier choices in the mix. Bio med major Heidi Solberguiar sat with her husband, a UWM alumnus, after class at the Union Station. “I would like to see more healthy and local choices,” she said. “It would be good for UWM to invest in its community.” There is a want for healthier options, and UWM needs to meet its students halfway. The first floor Union Station has grub lines reminiscent of high school, with foil wrapped burgers, chicken sandwiches and other fried finger foods. The special of the day: fried chicken plate for just $6.12. If the food is somewhat predictable, the diverse student watering hole it creates certainly isn’t. Bordering the LGTBQ and Women’s Resource Centers, the dining area outside the Union Station creates an atmosphere for friendly talk, often in multiple languages, in a welcoming environment where anyone is welcome. Two guitars hummed in the back corner, and beginners Spanish students put forth valiant efforts of Spanglish chit chat outside the pressure and boundaries of the classroom. UWM has the classic college student dining experience down pat. A few more healthy options would improve that experience.