Yes, I know. Dining hall food is not the most luxurious food to eat on the planet, but after not having a meal plan for a semester, one comes to appreciate the prison food at the dining hall. While the food isn’t the best, you don’t have to put any effort into preparing to eat except swiping your card.

Here are four reasons why I appreciate the dining hall despite its many negatives.

1. I never have to wash dishes

I don't have to clean pots, pans, plates, or silverware. Absolutely nothing. It is amazing. I just grab a plate, eat, and throw it onto a conveyer belt when I am done.

2. I never have to go to the grocery store

Going to the grocery store was always a pain for me. I first had to make time to actually go there, then I had to try to figure out what the heck to even buy, and then I would have to lug it back to my apartment. The dining hall simplifies all of that for me, because I never have to step foot inside a Harris Teeter or a Walmart again.

3. I save a ton of time

I save so much time with a meal plan. I don't have to go to the grocery store, spend time cooking the food, or spend any time cleaning up. Most of the time I just quickly swipe in, eat, and leave within 30 minutes. With a packed schedule, meal plans can save your life.

4. I can always have dessert

No matter what, there will always be ice cream and cookies waiting for me at the dining hall if I have a rough day. I can spend my time crying and eating cake instead of wasting my time crying while making cake.

Even though the dining hall food is sometimes questionable and inedible, it always has my back when I am too lazy to be an adult and make my own food.