College students everywhere deal with the struggles and occasional perks of their campus dining halls since most universities require students to purchase some sort of meal plan during their freshman year.
Personally, one of the hardest things to adjust to at college for me has been the food. I’m sure I am not the only one who thinks that options are limited and grease is in excess. But after being at college for almost an entire year, I can say that I have picked up on some tricks of the trade and have somewhat of a game plan when I enter the dining hall.
Here are 10 things I’ve learned that can hopefully serve as useful tips for anyone needing a little guidance.
1. Be wary of the meat
Some days it’s cooked, some days it’s pink, and some days it’s pink. I’m always baffled by how they’re able to cook this huge batch of chicken and then not even realize that it’s not fully cooked. Don’t they check this stuff in the process?
2. Peanut butter is your best friend
If you’re feeling grossed out about the situation of undercooked meat or just are vegetarian, don’t worry because peanut butter will become your best friend. It’s a great source of protein to start the day on the right note, but it’s honestly great at any time when other options don’t seem appetizing. Yeah, so it’s creamy, but let me break it to you: nothing in the dining hall isn’t greasy.
3. So are beans
They’re another great source of protein and a great option when you’re in a rush. Pro-tip: beans and rice make for not only a tasty combination but also a well-balanced (as balanced as you can get at the dining hall, right?) meal, on-the-go or otherwise.
4. Take some napkins to that pizza
If I didn’t already mention it enough times, I’ll say it again: food at the dining hall is greasy (at least at UVA). And you can really see that grease on the pizza. It’s usually my last resort when I’ve exhausted all my other options, but regardless I always grab a napkin (or two, or three, or five…) and take off some of the excess oil. Trust me, if you do it, your stomach will thank you later.
5. Be wary of the salad bar
This actually applies to places other than the dining hall as well, but it’s always a good idea to eat salads in moderation because of all the bacteria outbreaks that have occurred in recent years (RIP Chipotle). Rolling your eyes? Just consider that the lettuce you’re about to put on your plate came from a bag that was inside a cardboard box – in other words, when it was last washed remains a mystery. Sorry for being disturbing, but better to be safe than sorry!6. Be wary of fancy dish names
In my experience, the longer/more complicated the name, the weirder the taste. I’ll concede that I’m a picky eater, but it’s not that I haven’t given these “fancy” dishes a fair chance. It’s just that I’ve been let down every time. My takeaway: keep it simple and keep your stomach happy.7. Take advantage of special occasions
Sometimes, the dining halls get creative and fail miserably (see #6), but other times they actually do well. My guess is that on special occasions like “Street Food Night,” they have a different staff who cooks the dishes. Whatever the case, I wonder, “is this really the same dining hall I go to every day?” These special times can get crowded, but it’s been worth it.8. Snag a spot first
This might sound obvious, but you should definitely get a table first when the dining hall is crowded. Don’t get carried away by all the (questionably) great food you see and the (questionably) pleasant aromas that hit you when you enter. The lines at stations might seem long, but for the most part, they move quickly. Because, I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not sit next to a stranger because all the other tables are full.
9. Avoid national (insert food here) days
10. Don’t go to the dining hall
Sometimes you won’t be able to avoid it for the sake of convenience, but just remember that you can always use your Plus Dollars to get a break and get to eat some real food for once.
