In general, students from all over the country spend a lot of time complaining about how terrible dining hall food is. The options are limited, the meat probably isn't real and everything is flavorless. It's certainly not an exaggeration, but maybe we should take a step back and consider what good comes from our meal plans.

1. There is always an opportunity to try new food.

Never will I ever forget the blue cheese pizza I had a few weeks ago in Brandeis.

2. They have fairly decent meat options...on Ash Wednesday.

Shouldn't a Catholic university be a little more considerate?

3. The lettuce is only freezer burned some of the time.

My parents still make fun of me for the time I returned home for fall break during my freshman year and praised the "real lettuce" we had for dinner. Little do they know.

4. They haven't found a way to taint the food or drinks at Starbucks.

In fact, bringing a Starbucks to campus is the best decision this university has ever made.

5. An insanely overpriced buffalo chicken salad from Java Jay is always a valid option.

Ever since they took away the grill in Skutt, I've been forced to fulfill my chicken tenders craving in some other way.

6. I can refill my water bottle with infused water when I'm in the dining hall.

What college student has money to spend on fruit just to put in your water?

7. The music in Brandeis is typically on point.

The Disney Channel throwback days are my favorite.

8. The lo mein is consistently decent.

Unlike the orange chicken that is either too hard to eat or practically raw.

9. Becker has surprisingly good salsa.

If you don't think I can make a meal out of chips and salsa then you are sadly mistaken.

10. A meal plan is only required through sophomore year.

The pain doesn't last forever.