Here’s a stereotype with some truth to it: in college, most people gain weight their first year. It’s not the end of the world, and could be due to stress, heavy alcohol consumption, or hormones. The steady diet of pizza, subs, and ice cream from the school’s dining hall also plays a role for many. Eating vegan is no guarantee of avoiding this “fate”. However, if you’re not used to scavenging for food by yourself or have recently decided to eat plant-based, you also risk unintentionally losing weight. On many campuses, pasta, veggie burgers, and a side vegetable or salad bar are the only reliably vegan options.
Eating the same thing day after day is boring, not to mention nutritionally lacking. It requires some creativity and intention but it is possible to be vegan while on a college meal plan! I lived on campus for three years and had a meal plan for all that time.
1. Ask around
If you’re curious what the on- and off-campus options are, talk to admissions officers, current students, or the dining services director. As demand increases, the food industry is offering more plant-based options and being more transparent about which products are vegan, gluten-free, kosher, etc. Don’t be embarrassed; if anything, you asking questions and providing helpful feedback will make more even options available in the future!
2. Mix it up
I used the dining hall’s salad bar, panini press, and waffle maker to make my own vegan dishes. If your school has a smoothie bar or coffee shop you could also have access to blenders, toasters, and mini-ovens. I would start by loading my main plate with greens and veggies from the salad bar, than add rice and beans or tofu from the hot foods bar. Flatbread with hummus and your favorite toppings is also filling, as is a waffle topped with peanut butter and fruit. Experiment with the foods from different sections of the dining hall, rather than eating only pasta or the same veggie burger at every meal.
3. Stock up on staples
I always took a piece of fruit and coffee or almond milk to-go when I ate in the dining hall for in case I wanted a quick snack later. I didn’t go grocery shopping while on campus, but bought protein powder, Cliff bars, and other shelf-stable items in bulk when I visited home. A mini fridge often isn’t necessary unless you want cold drinks right in your room. I used storage bins to keep my these items organized and out of the way.