UIB students protest against nearly 10-euro cafeteria menu – 'Too much for a simple meal'

Discontent on campus: Why students in Palma are making themselves heard

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On Monday at noon, just after 12:30 p.m., dozens of students gathered in front of the Universitat de les Illes Balears cafeteria (UIB). It wasn't a big demonstration with a stage, but a loud, concrete protest: signs, improvised chants, and thermos flasks stood between smudged bike racks and the olive trees in front of the cafeteria building. The reason is simple and for many annoying: a lunch menu now costs almost 10 euros.

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What exactly is bothering?

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Many young people on the island have small budgets. Those who work while attending lectures, pay rent, or commute, calculate strictly. At 9.80 or 9.90 euros per menu, there is often less left at the end of the month than planned. Some students have already counted the weeks: if you stay in the cafeteria five days a week, you are at almost 200 euros per month, says one student who prefers to remain anonymous. Others now bring bread or leftovers from home — not out of principle, but because it is necessary.

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Comparison with other universities and demands

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The student representation points to models in other cities: In Granada there are government-funded menus for around 3.50 euros. This is not a luxury but a matter of social justice, it says. On site, the students therefore demand a similar subsidized model or at least a price review. An online petition with several hundred signatures is circulating, and notes with proposals hang at the cafeteria: discounted cafeteria cards, days with cheaper menus, or a tiered system by income.

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The university administration has so far admitted that costs have risen – energy, staff, supply chains. But concrete measures were not announced by press time. Some instructors showed understanding: the lecturer from the humanities department says they know students who are wondering whether to work more instead of studying.

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How are the affected reacting?

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The tone at the action was determined but not hysterical. Between chants people talked about monthly budgets, shared kitchens, and the annoying sound of the cafeteria checkout line at 1 p.m. A group of student activists now plans regular meetings to bundle demands and develop concrete alternatives. The representative says: it's not only about food, it's about the everyday life we want to build here.

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What remains: The discussion continues. Whether the UIB will respond to pressure from students and take steps toward cheaper lunch options will show in the coming weeks. Until then, for many it's: thermos, Tupperware, and a bit of anger, and hope for a fair solution soon.