Some people pick their future college based on the quality of food, while others get scared about the number of options. As upcoming freshmen adjust to college life, here is a rundown of the dining hall and food plan need-to-knows.
A public service announcement from an upperclassman: the biggest thing to remember is that while college life includes a large amount of walking, people do not move as much as they think they do. There are unlimited options of pizza, hamburgers, pasta and whatever food a person wants. If one chooses to, one can eat ten desserts in one sitting at the dining halls.
The thing is, to stay aware of what is being consumed. Ohio University provides menus and nutritional information for everything served in all of the dining halls and eateries.
As for the meal plans, it is tricky to know which one to get. For Freshmen, it should be strongly recommended to go with the Flex 14 plan. Yes, it is more expensive than the traditional meal plans, but it is so much more flexible and therefore less stressful for students.
The biggest difference between the flex and the traditional plans is the additional $225 in Flex Points. These points can be used at campus cafes, West 82, Latitude 39 and Life is Sweet. Leftover meal swipes are able to be used at Jefferson, Nelson and Boyd Markets to buy groceries.
This past year, the university changed the rules with block and traditional plans so that with a non-flex plan can swipe others into the dining halls or use swipes in as frequent succession.
For young college students who are still trying to figure out how to eat and survive in college, having the ability to spend their extra meal swipes in the markets is really helpful. With busier and more random schedules, getting to the dining hall 14 times a week may be difficult.
Those living on East and South Greens are near Nelson Court and Earl’s Coop. Nelson is a solid option for food, providing daily options like burgers and pizza. Including additional options of grilled chicken, pasta, Velvet Ice Cream, Asian food and a revolving selection of daily meals.
Earl’s Coop is a grab-and-go chicken place, similar to Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers. It may not be the “healthiest” option, but it is reliable and open until midnight Monday through Thursday and at 4 p.m. on Fridays. Eat there wisely and do not be afraid to walk in a few times a week.
Boyd Dining Hall, also called The District on West Green, is the main dining hall for those living on West Green. They have frozen yogurt and pasta, as well as quesadillas on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, it can be argued the best part of Boyd is the smoothie deal in the market.
With any meal plan, there are dining options at Boyd Market’s Smooth Moves, where there is the option to purchase a smoothie, a baked good and a piece of fruit. One scoop of protein or energy is free, and or substitute the yogurt or milk for non-dairy options. The best thing to do is order it on mobile through the OHIO EATS app before walking over.
The food trucks are really good, but they are not the best for quick eating. The Hungry Cat has fantastic food and a good variety, but if someone is trying to go between classes, be prepared to wait in a long line.
The best thing to do there is to mobile order or order in person with the understanding that there may be a wait time.
Brick City Deli has a store, located in Jefferson Market, and a food truck, Brick City Deli On-The-Go, which is parked next to Bentley Hall. The one in Jefferson Market has more options, such as sandwiches, sides and a gluten-free bread option.
For these, ordering ahead can be helpful, but it is not always the right move. If going in person to Brick City Deli in Jefferson Market, then the food will be ready within thirty minutes. If ordering ahead, it may take from one to three hours.
Always make a plan to eat at the beginning of the day. Schedule changes happen frequently every day, and classes can prohibit this as well.
Helpful tip: to use up all of the meal swipes included in the dining plan, it would probably be best not to schedule three classes back-to-back in the middle of the day. Do not go up to Court Street or DoorDash McDonald's three times a week.
The meal plans are there to use, and they do not carry over into another week. Upperclassmen with block plans are an exception to this.
At the end of the day, there are many dining options provided. Make life easier by planning a food schedule or ordering ahead of time on the mobile app. Although ordering and waiting can be a better option.
The food will be there next semester, as it doesn’t change a lot. Try new things, have fun and be smart.
