One of the biggest benefits to college meal plans is the accessibility of healthy and low-fat food products. In addition to prepared entrees, many college cafeterias offer specialty deli and salad bars, which provide students with fresh vegetables, a variety of dressing options and a selection of breads. Many school cafeterias also provide students with fresh fruits and vegetable bars. In addition, many college cafeterias are now aiming to better accommodate specialty diners, including vegans, vegetarians and students who are lactose-intolerant. A variety of alternatives, including soy milk, vegan cheese and vegetarian patties, are generally available to students in these environments. In addition, all meals on college campuses must be certified by the state health board, ensuring that they are nutritious and well-balanced.
In addition to dietary benefits, college meal plans are also generally more financially feasible for students on tight budgets. These meal plans are often sold at a discounted rate, making them cheaper than buying each meal individually. In addition, because they must accommodate a variety of students, many college cafeterias offer a selection of college meal plans, ensuring that students are only paying for the number of meals they plan to consume. Students may also have the option to carry unused meals over to the next semester or academic school year. Meal plans are also generally more affordable than ordering fattier, less nutritious takeout meals daily.
Students on college meal plans may also have an easier time interacting with other students and making friends while in the cafeteria setting. Because many students purchase a college meal plan, the campus cafeteria is often a place of social interaction. Students with a campus meal plan can make and meet with friends more easily, or schedule conferences or group meetings in this shared setting. In addition, many college campuses now offer specialty dining nights, including specialty cuisine meals and ice-cream socials, to generate more diners. Students on a meal plan can attend these events with their friends without paying for the meal individually.