The Dining Hall at Lincoln by Hannah

The dining hall was one of the first places where we felt truly at ease—not just at Lincoln University but in all of New Zealand. Rain poured relentlessly on the day we arrived in the Christchurch/Lincoln area on the South Island. Exploring the outdoors wasn’t an option, and the weather postponed some plans we were supposed to have upon arrival. But when we stepped into the dining hall for lunch that first day, it was like a warm embrace. The aroma of hot food offered a welcome reprieve after more than 24-hours of travel and the excitement of arriving at our home for the next month. Airplane food and airport terminals were behind us. Now, we could sit together, eat a real meal, and start to feel grounded.

It wasn’t just the food that nourished us but the opportunity to connect. As weary as we were from the journey, sitting down at those tables gave us our first real chance to get to know one another. The dining hall became a place to settle in: not just into Lincoln, but into the group dynamic that would shape our experience over the next month.

The dining hall quickly became the rhythm of our days in New Zealand. At 7:00 a.m., breakfast was served: eggs with breakfast baked beans, bowls of fresh fruit, creamy yogurt, and an assortment of cereals. There was always something warm and comforting to start the day before heading off to class. Lunch came at noon, often featuring a build-your-own sandwich bar with options like chicken, egg salad, or ham, alongside a rotating hot dish with things like teriyaki beef and rice or pasta. Dinner, served at 6:00 p.m., was a daily surprise—always a hearty mix of meat and vegetables, with gluten-free and vegetarian options ensuring everyone had something to enjoy. The dining hall may not have been as expansive as Caesar Rodney at UD, but it was more than enough to satisfy every appetite, even for the pickiest among us.

As the days are long and full here in New Zealand, the dining hall has become more than just a place to eat. It’s a space where strangers become friends, routines bring comfort, and we can truly feel at home, even on the other side of the world.

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