I have been vegan for almost nine months, and going from life at home, where I could easily access the foods necessary to keep me feeling good and healthy, to life in a whole new food environment seemed a little daunting at firsts. I had a lot of people asking me if I was going to stop eating vegan, or if I would just let myself "cheat" (which, by the way, isn't a thing---eating vegan isn't a diet, but we'll save that for another article.) However, I got lucky with my college choice. As it turns out, my school is extremely vegan-friendly. Many of my friends here eat fully vegan at least once a day without even realizing it. However, I know that some, if not most, college campuses are a bit harder to find nourishing, filling vegan foods, so here are a few tips for staying vegan in college:
1. Do a little bit of research
Most university websites will have a section dedicated to dining/meal services, and there is a pretty good chance that they'll have some information regarding specific allergies and dietary patterns. If not, or even if so, it's always a good idea to send dining services an email or give them a call to ask about vegan-friendly dishes and items in the dining hall. Who knows, there may be more options than you thought, so it's always a good idea to check in with the good people who provide sustenance for you. As an added note, always be gracious and patient with those who hold the fate of your next meal in their hands. They're working hard and will likely be willing to accommodate for you, but make sure that you show your appreciation.
2. Survey your options
Make the salad bar your best friend (but that doesn't mean you just have to eat salad for every meal...no one wants that). Does your cafeteria have a rice/noodle bar? A pasta station? Stir-fry station? Take some time to figure out what exactly your situation provides and figure out ways to work with it.
3. Get crafty
Start thinking of different ways you can combine what's offered. Ask the pasta station to sautee up some of those veggies, supplement with the salad bar, and maybe throw in some rice. Grab some toast with peanut butter for those late-night cravings and you're good to go. I'm always a fan of taking extras back to my dorm for when hunger strikes at a later time, but as luck would have it, somehow the caf is out of all of its vegan options.
4. Buy your own food
Yes, I know, spending any more money than you have to is never the ideal solution for a college student. For me though, it's been well worth it to spend a few bucks on a bulk bag of oats for the morning, or a sack of sweet potatoes ready to be thrown in the microwave when I'm in a rush. It's also always good to have a few things on hand if your on-campus options get limited every once in a while. Shopping vegan, as you'll find, is often cheaper than shopping non-vegan, especially if you're smart about where and what you buy. Buying bulk is always a good option, and figure out where in your area stocks affordable (but not soaked with pesticides) produce and whole foods-based vegan snacks and goodies.
5. Realize that sometimes, you will feel a little left out
Inevitably, you'll be invited out on more than one late-night ice cream, In and Out, or pizza run, and you'll just have to sit back while your friends fill up. If this happens, obviously you can always see what kind of vegan options the venue has. For future occasions, take it upon yourself to suggest hangouts that are more vegan-friendly. Your friends may even enjoy trying something new for all of you!
6. Be open and willing to listen and share
Your friends at home are probably all semi-used to your vegan lifestyle. However, your college may be an environment where little is known about being vegan and many people will have questions and perhaps criticisms. Carry yourself gracefully and be open to answering questions and explaining the way you eat, but also don't be afraid to stand your ground if people try to belittle your decision. You know what you stand for, and that's a pretty awesome thing.
7. Make your own change
If your campus is extremely lacking in vegan options, don't be afraid to inquire as to the possibility of that changing. Get in contact with your dining service and find a group of students that share your interest in more veg options. My school wasn't always so vegan-friendly. More vegan options were introduced as a result of the requests of student groups. As with everything, your voice and input matters, so be willing to (politely) request a little veggie reform and see what happens!
