Union Mart
You should never have to go without food or other necessities
Union Mart has become a staple on the Parkville campus. It provides a variety of food, drink and household products for free to all students. In 2026, Union Mart will continue to combat the increasing pressure inflation places upon students. Students should always have access to the essentials, it is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
Union Mart operates upon a no-questions-asked honesty system. We ask that students take what they need as opposed to what they want. Our product range is largely determined by what we can source at the lowest prices, however, we acknowledge that the University of Melbourne is home to a diverse range of cultures and so we intend to cater to the widest range of diets possible to ensure that all members of our community have access to what they need.
In 2026, Union Mart has expanded to include Frozen Meals, this service will operate during Union Mart and Welfare Brunch hours. Please keep an eye on this page to hear more.
What time is Union Mart open?
Union Mart will be running all 5 days of the week during the Semester at the Parkville Location, Room G30, Building 1888.
The timings for Union Mart at have changed in 2026, in line with an increasing service. At Parkville, morning sessions will take place on Tuesday and Thursday. From 9:30 - 10:30, and 10:30 - 11:30. While afternoon sessions will take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2:30 - 3:30 and 3:30 - 4:30. However, we do have a capacity of 100 students per session, totalling 200 per day. If we reach the capacity before the sessions end, we will not be able to allow more customers to enter.
Union Mart at other campuses
In 2026, UMSU Welfare is working with students from other campuses to ensure Union Mart reaches them. Scheduling is yet to be confirmed.
Union Mart
Union Mart shifted to a points system in 2024. Essentially, each student can choose how they spend their points to ensure they are accessing products they need. We will continuing with same system in 2026.
How many points do I have?
Each student has an allocated 40 points per week. These points do not stack up, and resets on Sunday. All items within Union Mart will be assigned a point value that is proportionate to the cost of that item when purchased by Union Mart. Students are able to take any item, as long as their total spend is less than or equal to 40 points and within product caps.
What about product caps?
Product caps will be put in place for some products depending on the level of stock we have available. This goes mostly for 0-point products, such as period products. We do give out diapers and baby food for 0 points to help students, who are also parents, to tackle the Cost of Living crisis. These baby products are unlimited, no product caps for 0 points. If there is any other such instance our volunteers would tell you. These will be clearly signed around Union Mart.
Where is Union Mart?
It is located in G30, Building 1888.
Find us here:
Feedback and product issues
We love to hear back from the community on ways we can improve Union Mart. This can be our service, the products we purchase etc. We would also appreciate feedback on things we are doing well.
Contact Us
The Welfare Department is here for all students, irrespective of their nationality, race, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. If you are trying to deal with an issue and are not sure who to turn to, we can point you in the right direction. If you are ever unsure of anything, feel free to shoot us an email and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can, or come visit us in our offices. We are located on Level 3 of Building 168.
Email: union-mart@union.unimelb.edu.au