Questions about eating in college..?

Question

1. Are they expensivie?

2. How do you pay for them?

3. What about vegetarian meals?

4. What "paying options" are there?

5. Will I starve?

THANK YOU! Going to college for the first time.. :S

Answer 1

Meal plans have probably changed a lot since your parents were in college. In the old days, you paid for a plan which gave you 19 or 20 buffet meals a week, and most of what was offered was pretty unhealthy (my college's idea of a salad bar was a bunch of mayonnaise-y and jello salads). It got epensive because you had to take all meals, whether you ate them or not. These days, most places offer several different options. For example, you could pay for all meals, or you could have meals only on weekdays, or you could have only one or two meals/day. You pay for these up front. Then there are plans which let you put money on a card, which you can use to pay for meals as long as there is money on it (you can add money at any time during the year) at a number of locations including, in some cases, off-campus options.

Vegetarian options are pretty widely available, but that may vary a bit by part of the country. Many of the food services are run by one of a couple of major companies, though, so they have some standard things they offer, but may adapt some of them to meet what people in a particular part of the country choose to eat. Almost every school, these days, offers a salad bar, but you will need to make sure that you get enough protein.

Will you starve? Have you heard of the Freshman 15? Apparently the average freshman gains 15 pounds these days (it was 10 when I was in college!) during their first year in college. I suspect it is because the food offered isn't your mother's home cooking, and the most appealing option is often not the healthiest (I remember living on soft-serve ice cream because the casserole-like main dishes were just too unappealing).

Have a great time in college, and the food really doesn't much matter.

Answer 2

Your college should offer you some kind of meal plan. They should also have a cafeteria that you can eat every meal at. Contact the college you will be going to about meal plans. Or, if you want more food freedom, especially if the meal plan does not allow you much choice, you need to come up with a way to spend your money and keep yourself on a budget. Many people get themselves a dorm-size fridge and a microwave for their dorm rooms. That way you can keep some cold drinks in the fridge and stock up on microwavable meals.

PS I never purchased a meal plan through my college, I liked the freedom to eat when and where I wanted to. But then again, I am really good about budgeting my money.

Answer 3

most people are on a meal plan their freshman year aka "board". Since most freshman are put in dorm housing, they are required to have a meal plan. Most colleges have several levels of meal plans; from 3 meals a day to one a day. Almost any college i know always offer vegetarian substitutes (and not just salad). Most of the time there is an "all you can eat" style place for students. Just watch out for the freshman 15 lol.

Answer 4

1. Depending on the meal plan they could be affordable or mildly expensive. It also depends on what kind of dorm you live in becaus eif you have an oven and stove you'll be able to shop and prepare your own food.
2. Some meal plans have installment payments you should talk to your school about that.
3. It depends on the cafeteria but I would say yes because schools are making more of an effort to accomodate different eating habits and also to help students eat healthier.
4. Like I said possibly installments
5. Hopefully not :) just find out what kind of meal plans your college offers

Answer 5

Not any more than you would pay at a fast food restaurant.

With whatever food allowance your parents give you or get a job.

Cash or debit card

I guess you will starve if you can't find a way to pay for it.

Most colleges have pretty good food in their cafeterias. Full salads bars, fresh fruit, and all kinds of things for veggies and meat lovers alike. I am sure you will be fine.