Eating Habits in College

I've been hearing a lot about the college lifestyle and dining choices people make. Do a lot of college students tend to eat out most of the time? What's the average meal plan like, assuming I don't want to spend my entire budget on takeout?

Excellent question! Eating habits in college can significantly vary depending on personal habits, meal plan options, proximity to local eateries, etc. However, many colleges provide freshmen with a mandatory meal plan that's included in their tuition.

These plans are often set up in a quite universal way. At many universities, meal plans are based on a points or swipes system. Swipe systems tend to denote each meal as one "swipe," irrespective of how much you consume in a single meal sitting. A points system assigns a designated point value to every food or drink item, allowing flexibility with meals throughout the semester.

Typically, meal plans will include 2-3 meals per day in the on-campus dining halls. Some meal plans also include "flex dollars" or a similar concept that you can use at other on-campus eating establishments or even certain off-campus locations.

Dining halls often offer an array of options including buffet-style meals, salad bars, fruit stations, and sometimes even specific dietary accommodations like gluten-free or vegan options. Hence, a good meal plan can help you maintain a healthy and balanced diet without breaking your budget or relying on takeout.

Despite these comprehensive meal plans, it's also common for college students to eat out occasionally - perhaps as a social outing or for a change of pace from the dining hall food. Some students may opt for cheaper fast foods, while others might enjoy exploring local restaurants.

In terms of maintaining a balanced budget, try utilizing your school's meal plan as much as possible. If you find yourself frequently eating out, consider looking at a cheaper meal plan and setting aside some of that money for dining out instead. Remember to account for snacks and beverages as well, which can sneakily add up over time.

Don't forget, you can always talk to current students or your school's dining services to figure out what meal plan would work best for you and how to maintain a balanced diet during college life.