Students returning to campus after studying remotely may be in for a surprise when they find out there is nowhere to buy a coffee at Guelph-Humber. With only one concession stand at Humber College, students are beginning to lose interest in what they’re offering. 

Since 2016, The Boost app has provided a convenient way to get food on campus for Humber students. Now, it’s one of the latest efforts by the college to provide students with a safer option to get food on campus. 

Previously, Boost was available exclusively for food in residence, but will be open to all students as more food places in Humber and Guelph-Humber reopen. 

The Boost app is an innovative reliable way for students to purchase their breakfast, lunch, or dinner from any food place on campus. Students can order from any available store on campus, having the option to skip the line with a prepaid purchase.

Any student on campus can order a variety of food using their smartphone through the Boost app.

Prior to the campus’ closure, students using the app were required to pick up the food on campus, but now have the convenience of Boost lockers. 

Bailey Reinhart, a third-year student at Guelph-Humber, has never heard of the Boost app before, but is excited for what’s to come. Bailey lived in residence during her first year at Guelph-Humber and studied in-person. 

“I am really happy to go back to face-to-face classes but the lack of food variety at school is a bit stressful,” says Reinhart. “The boost app sounds like I could get back the favourite meals that I used to order.” 

Starbucks is now open at the Humber campus and is available for students to visit, while following COVID-19 precautions. With Starbucks being one of the only two places in Humber open, the line is longer than ever, and the staff has only gotten smaller since closing in 2019. On the Boost app, you can order what you would like from Starbucks, pay on the app and skip the line up at Humber.

Jessica Vaz, a first-year student at Guelph-Humber, says she has never got to experience a genuine university life but she is still enjoying university and the food they have to offer. 

Vaz lives in residence, and despite having access to the residence cafe at any time, she has become very accustomed to using the Boost app. 

With the Boost app, Vaz can make time for meals by ordering before going to class, “I love using the Boost app as all I have to do is pick it up from a locker and not worry about a lot of people touching it.” 

Students are now hoping that places like the Food Emporium and Tim Hortons will open up later in the semester, and will be added to the boost app for students to pre-order their meals.