1. Compass Marketplace (The Grocery Game-Changer)

Launched as a new initiative in March 2026, the Compass Marketplace is a pop-up event where you don’t just get a meal—you get the ingredients.

• The Deal: Students choose from three curated recipes and receive all ingredients for free to take home and cook.
• Where: Rotating locations including Carlton (O’Grady Place) and City (Alumni Courtyard). Check the RUSU calendar for the next “Market” week.

2. VE Smoko + Free Veggie Market (Carlton)

If you are based near the Carlton end of the City campus, Mondays are your most important day.

• The Deal: Known as “VE Smoko,” this event offers free sandwiches, pies, and—most importantly—a Free Veggie Market.
• The Hack: Bring your own shopping bag. You can stock up on fresh produce to supplement your weekly pantry for $0.

3. Free Fruit Fridays (Building 12)

To combat the high cost of fresh produce in the CBD, RMIT runs a dedicated “Vitamin Boost” session to end the week.

• The Deal: Grab free seasonal fruit from 9:30 AM onwards.
• Location: City Campus, Building 12 (402 Swanston St), at the RUSU Info Counter. It’s first-come, first-served, so arrive before your 10 AM lecture.

4. The “Welfare on Wheels” Library Catch

During the high-stress assessment periods (Weeks 10–13), the Welfare on Wheels trolley roams the campus libraries.

• The Deal: Free snacks, instant noodles, and de-stress tips.
• Timing: It hits the City and Carlton Libraries on Tuesdays from 4:00 PM and the Bundoora Library on Thursdays from 11:00 AM.

5. The Bundoora “East vs. West” Rotation

Bundoora students often miss out because they only check their “home” building.

• The Deal: The Chill N Grill rotates: Mondays at Bundoora East (Bldg 254) and Wednesdays at Bundoora West (Bldg 204).
• The Hack: If you have a cross-campus day, you can effectively get two free lunches a week by hopping between the two courtyards.

6. Brunswick’s “Hidden” Tuesday Smoko

The Brunswick campus (Building 514 Courtyard) hosts its own version of the Chill N Grill every Tuesday from 12 PM – 2 PM.

• The Vibe: It’s typically less crowded than the City campus events, meaning shorter queues for the famous vegan burgers and more opportunities to grab “seconds” if food remains toward 1:45 PM.

7. The “Flying Turtle” Coupon Hack

Located in Building 515 (Brunswick) and several City buildings (8, 10, 80), these automated beverage machines are a 2026 staple.The Deal: While usually paid, the RUSU Info Counters frequently stock “100% Free Drink” coupons for these machines to help students through late-night study sessions. Always ask the staff if they have any vouchers left before you tap your card