Guest Bwogger Margherita Firenze walks us through the various vending machines on campus.

Have you ever been desperately hungry but far away from the dining hall? Thirsty in Mudd but Blue Java is closed? There’s probably a shiny fridge of food near you, but you may not know where it is or if it’s even worth your precious coins. 

I explored over 40 vending machines in 10 academic buildings, so next time your big brain is hungry you know where to go. See the illustration below for a map of campus and vending machine locations, prices, and offerings. 

Pro tips: 

  • If a machine is cash-only then it’s usually going to have better prices (38% cheaper to be exact).
  • If a building is old and stony, it probably doesn’t have a vending machine in it (e.g. Fairweather, Schermerhorn, Hamilton, Butler).

Curious finds:

  • There are ice cream vending machines in Wien, Uris, Milstein, and IAB.
  • There are coffee dispensing machines with great prices—as low as $1—and decent quality coffee. Note: you have to bring your own cup/mug.
  • There’s a Farmer’s Table vending machine in the Law School with fresh salads and snacks.
  • There is a vending machine on the CSEPR/Pupin bridge! Beware the skybridge from Mudd to CSEPR is closed at night unless you have swipe access.

Paper plate awards:

  • “I want to be alone with my food”: Wien and Milstein basements
  • “Thirsty, thirsty, thirsty”: IAB floor 4 (over eight vending machines, two sets of four on different sides of the courtyard area)
  • “I have so many coins I jingle when I walk”: Mudd 
  • “Starbucks is too far”: IAB floor 4 and Uris Cafe
Columbia University Vending Machine Map by Ava Morouse

Vending Machines via Bwog Archives

Vending Machines Map via Illustrator Ava Morouse