Coming back from spring break, I'm already missing the food from my pantry and refrigerator back at home...
Though our expectations always start off high when we walk through the doors of our dining hall, they're usually not met. Never fear, however, because here are 11 dining hall hacks to get you through the next couple months of school.
1. Combining Stations
It wasn't until late into my second semester that I found out about the brilliant idea of combining food from different stations. For example, since they only have deli meat at the wrap and sandwich station, cut up a piece of chicken from the grill or tofu from the salad bar to add to your wrap instead of just your average lunch meat.
2. Supplement What's Already There
Though we all wish we could have avo-toast for breakfast every morning, most universities don't understand the craving college kids have for avocados. Don't fret, however, because the possibility of avo-toast is in your near future. Bringing your own food to your dining hall (such as avocados from Trader Joe's that are usually less than $1), and then using the dining hall's toast and other ingredients make the dream of avocado toast and other concoctions a reality.
3. Make Your Own Trail Mix
Mix together cereal, goldfish, pretzels, M&M's, and dried fruit from all the different stations in your dining hall to create a sweet and salty snack on the go.
4. Pizza Bagel
Stop wasting your money at the grocery store buying the frozen mini pizza bagels and make your own using your dining halls ingredients! Take a bagel, sauce from the pasta station, and cheese from the deli and put it all in a panini press. Voila!
5. Quesadilla
Another great way to take advantage of the panini press at your dining hall is to make your own quesadilla. Ask for a wrap/tortilla from the deli station and add cheese and other toppings such as chicken, beans, or veggies. Fold the wrap over and put it in the panini press for a few minutes to create a gooey, stuffed quesadilla.
6. Root Beer Float
Fill a glass with the vanilla soft serve and top it with the soda of your choice to make a delicious and nostalgic float!
7. Milkshake
Another way to take advantage of the soft serve ice cream station is to make your own milkshake. Fill a cup with ice cream and add your choice of milk to make it less thick. Finally, add toppings such as M&M's, Oreo chunks, or sprinkles found at the ice cream bar to make it your own.
8. Add Your Own Toppings to Your Waffle Batter
If you're lucky enough to have a make-your-own waffle station at your dining hall like I do, it's time to take it up a notch. Before you pour out the batter onto the waffle iron, add your own sweet or savory toppings such as chocolate chips or cheese and bacon bits to give your bland waffle some flair.
9. Menus
Most schools and universities these days have an online website where you can check your balance and the menu of the day. Previewing the menu before I go to the dining hall has saved me so many swipes because I can see beforehand if there isn't anything I like for that day and choose another option. Not only that, but universities also list the ingredients and nutrition facts for each menu item so you can fit the food around your diet and preferences.
10. Breakfast Burrito
Getting omelettes and fried eggs every day can get bland and boring. Spice up your morning by putting scrambled eggs into a tortilla and adding your own toppings such as cheese, veggies, and bacon bits.
11. Pump Up Your Pasta
Most of the pasta dishes at my dining hall include bland sauces that aren't that fun to eat. Make the dish your own by adding veggies, more cheese, and other ingredients to switch up the monotonous meal offered.
