By Lucia Rivera, VRG Intern
We put together a guide with tips for eating vegan in college using information from eight VRG interns attending college in the U.S. and Europe. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or exploring new diets, these recommendations can help you out!
Research and Using Resources
Many universities provide their students with online dining hall menus or even apps that students can use to find vegan options on a day-to-day basis. Once in the dining hall, students can also pay attention to signs that often indicate what is vegan, vegetarian, or not.
“My school’s website has the menu for the week, and you can filter out all the nonvegan items. If some days are better vegan days than others, then I’ll know to eat elsewhere,” University of North Carolina student Clare Broud said “Also, talking to dining staff members is really helpful. Most staff are happy to accommodate! My school also offers nutrition counseling for those concerned about eating right, and that is another great resource.”
During college applications is another good time to conduct research about what different universities do to cater to vegan students.
“[Ask] upperclassmen at your particular school about advice dealing with the meal coordinators at your college. Also ask about any local vegan restaurants! Perhaps try to get a dorm room with a small kitchenette or kitchen (if possible). Try to stay flexible and ready to create meals for yourself,” Johns Hopkins University student Jacqueline Tang said.
Creativity is Key
Being creative with vegan food options can look like many different things. For some students it means cooking for themselves, but other students find working with the dining hall staff helpful for creating specialized options.
“On these days [when there are not substantial vegan options], I’ve learned to customize meals with ingredients that I find from all over the dining hall. I’ve made salad bowls with rice, and sometimes there is plain oatmeal that can be used as a base for savory ingredients. I also think getting an instant cooker or crock pot and learning to make an easy dish to take on campus can be helpful, so you don’t have to worry about finding a place to eat,” Cornell student Adhi Muthukumar said.
Additionally, Iowa State graduate Katie Nunemaker points out that “breakfast doesn’t have to consist of cereal or tofu scramble or another breakfast-y food. It can be anything that you want it to be, and whatever’s available. The same goes for lunch and dinner.”
Plan Ahead and Be Proactive
“To overcome this challenge [of not finding a vegan option], it’s essential to think ahead. Pack a lunch box with vegan snacks in case you get hungry and your dining center is out of food to accommodate you. It’s also not a bad idea to grab lunch right when dining centers open on your way to your first class, so you don’t have to worry about them being out. To avoid food boredom, I recommend keeping satisfying snacks and side options in your dorm. Also, keep sriracha or a sauce on hand to spice up a meal,” Katie Nunemaker said.
Students can make sure to always have their own supply of vegan snacks and drinks when going out for the day to avoid getting too hungry or eating the same foods every day. Additionally, vegans can become advocates for their university to add more vegan options for all students!
“Be proactive, if there are no vegan options, ask for them, create a vegan association, start creating the change you want to see in the world,” Wageningen University student Odette Olivares Sanchez suggested.
Benefits
Eating vegan in college provides students with many benefits, despite any challenges that arise, according to VRG intern college students.
“By eating healthier and cleaner, oftentimes you will actually feel like you have more energy, which is especially important when in college,” Loyola University student Katelynn Budzich said.
Clare Broud added on with her experience: “I used to feel embarrassed about asking for special treatment, but most people are really nice about it and want you to be able to eat. It is also really easy to eat unhealthy food in college. Between the tofu nuggets, French fries, and late night snacking, it can be hard to resist all these foods. But, you will feel so much better physically and mentally if you feed your body right. I have learned to treat myself maybe once a week rather than once a day.
Besides health benefits, Katie Nunemaker and Odette Olivares Sanchez agree that it is a great way to engage socially with other students and groups on campus.
To read more about veganism in college check out these resources!
Thank you to the following contributors to this piece:
Adhi Muthukumar
Clare Broud
Gabriella Walker
Jacqueline Tang
Katelynn Budzich
Katie Nunemaker
Kavitha Shankar
Odette Olivares Sanchez