High Student Demand for Vending Machines and Charging Stations

• Reporters: Ahmed Awad and Nardine Sameh

The Student Union’s (SU) initiative to install campus vending machines and charging stations this semester is gaining traction, but the community says more needs to be done.

The vending machines, which offer snacks such as biscuits, baked items, and chocolates in addition to soda drinks and juices, are located at the School of Sciences and Engineering (SSE) building entrance, on and off campus dorms, the Innovation Hub and the west corner (next to Tabali).

Co-chair of Student Services at the SU Amgad El Dessouky said that the vending machines initiative has been in the making for years to accommodate students, particularly those who stay on campus late at night and can’t find food outlets to serve them.

The efforts have been welcomed by students but some have complained that the machines don’t work too well.

“Even though [the machines] are faster and more convenient because they help me avoid getting in line at the SU market, I didn’t get any change back when I paid in cash,” said Hamza El Dayasty, a Mechanical Engineering sophomore.

He added that each transaction cannot accept more than one item for purchase, so the student is forced to pay multiple times if he/she wants multiple items.

To remedy this issue, the SU removed the option of cash payment and replaced it with two alternatives: standard ATM transactions, and payment through an app.

El Dessouky acknowledges that more can be done to improve the user-friendliness of the vending machines.

Ahmed Amr, also of the SU Student Services, told The Caravan that they are working with the university to add more vending machines at different locations on campus, such as at the library.

Students have also asked for charging stations around campus particularly near the library.

Both El Dessouky and SU Student Services co-chair Nagham Samer told The Caravan that students struggle to charge their devices out of the classroom and library.

One such student who finds himself needing charging stations outside of the classroom is Mechanical Engineering senior Ali Moemen.

“One of the main challenges that I face is that I do not find empty spots during assembly hour,” Moemen said.

He said that he strategize to arrive at the charging stations before assembly hour. El Dessouky said that they are planning to increase the number of charging stations all over campus.

“Our main goal always is to focus on anything that falls within the umbrella of 24/7 services or day-to-day services and the necessities that students ask for,” said Samer.

Currently, students can find the charging stations at the east corner next to the food court, and west corner in front of the SU market and in front of the SU lounge.