Now that the holidays are over and the start of a new year is underway, it’s time for Sacramento State students to get back to business and begin their spring semester.

With all the studying, writing, and researching that is going to take place during this new semester, students are going to need all the energy they can get.

According to Psychology Today, studies show that the right food can enhance the brain’s mental capabilities. Thankfully, Sacramento State provides its students with places they can turn to for the brain food they might need.

Regardless of which part of campus you’re on, a good meal is never hard to find. From Togo’s to Mother India Express, the University offers a wide array of eateries on campus to help fulfill the appetites of hungry students.

In the University Union, located in the south area of campus, many will find common food joints such as Burger King Express, Gordito Burrito, and Round Table. There is also Kung Fu Fat’s and Mother India Express, which are both found in the River Front Market (North Campus) as well.

For those who crave something sweet or fruity, TCBY Treats can be found near Burger King. Complete with smoothies, juices, and ice cream, it is the perfect place to go.

TCBY shares their space with Da Deli, which prepares fresh sandwiches ranging in price from $4.09 to $4.39. Ham and cheese, hot pastrami, and fresh veggie are just a few examples of what kind of sandwiches they have to offer. Da Deli also has a selection of pasta and potato salads both priced at $1.25, and a tasty soup of the day.

In the northern part of campus, the River Front Market features eateries such as Togo’s, Taco Bell, and La Crêperie. As mentioned earlier, Kung Fu Fat’s and Mother India Express are available there as well.

Hula Dog, with two locations, one by Brighton and Eureka Hall and the other in the River Front Market, serves sandwiches and hot dogs of different styles. There’s the simple Hula Dog for $3.65, the Nacho Dog for $4.25 covered with nacho cheese and jalapenos and the more filling Chili Dog for $4.50.

However, the most creative item on the menu would have to be the Cuban Dog for $5.75. This sausage on a bun complete with mayo, ham, bacon and white cheese is perfect for those who aren’t afraid to try something new.

The newest dining service on campus is the long awaited Saigon Bay. Located in the Outpost Cafe in the quad, the tiny Vietnamese style restaurant, which also contains a small Starbucks inside, opened this semester and is already receiving rave reviews.

When asked about her pork roll sandwich, Jasmine Marquez had no complaints.

“Yeah, it was good I want to try their pho noodles next, ” Marquez, a nursing student said.

A bowl of pho, or beef noodle soup, will cost $4.75 while their sandwiches sell for $3.25.

Besides the pork roll sandwich, there is also a cured pork sandwich, combination sandwich, and Saigon Bay sandwich. Spring rolls, which are filled with pork and shrimp, are also available for $3.25.

Saigon Bay makes smoothies too, but these are not the typical kind with flavors ranging from avocado to mango. Students also have the option of adding tapioca balls into their drink for just a few more cents.

To alleviate longer lines, some restaurants provide students with alternate ways of getting their food. For example, Burger King and Round Table both have separate express menus to lessen the wait for those who are in a hurry.

Some others restaurants have pre made meals available for quick pick up. Togo’s and Java City prepare a full batch of sandwiches and salads that are already wrapped up and ready to eat.

However, despite the many selections, sometimes food just isn’t enough. The truth is, college students need their coffee.

Almost every student will admit that at some time or another, after long nights of studying or long days of working, coffee helped them last that needed extra hour or two.

It is no wonder why there are four different Java City locations on campus. Two are inside opposite ends of the University Union while the others are in Modoc Hall and in a separate roundhouse that is west of Lassen Hall.

Because it is most likely that students will be frequent buyers, Java City gives their customer’s little stamp cards filled with tiny squares printed on them. For every drink purchased, a square will be stamped until the whole card is filled. When this happens, the customer may receive a free drink.

With all these options, there is no way anyone on campus can go hungry. It may be a change from the home cooked meals everyone’s been pampered with in the past month of vacation, but now it’s back to the books. Bring on the coffee and turkey sandwiches, please.