<p>It's been a couple of years since the last MIT foodie thread, so I'd like to know students' opinions about the current state of dining hall food at MIT. Since most freshman will have to be on the 19 or 14 meal plan, and the plans come with various dorms, we have some decisions to make and would love to hear from those who have to "stomach" them.</p>
<p>I skipped the meal plan freshman year, no regrets. It’s simply too expensive and there are much cheaper food options around. In terms of food quality, some of the dining halls are pretty decent (Next), while others are mediocre.</p>
<p>@MITer94 I think most people don’t take food plans in colleges all over because it’s not really worth it. You end up not using it entirely anyway.</p>
<p>My daughter is a Junior and has been on the meal plan all three years. She lived in Baker her Freshman year and her sorority house (next to Baker) the past two years. She hasn’t really complained about the food and pays close attention to specials at certain dorms (which vary). She has a smaller plan now that she’s a Junior and supplements with meals she cooks or gets elsewhere (great food trucks near campus). We actually insist on at least a small meal plan because she is involved in so many activities in addition to the typical heavy course load she wouldn’t eat well if left to her own devices. She appreciates the convenience of being able to walk next door and get actual hot food without any effort and will continue with a meal plan her Senior year. She almost always eats breakfast and grabs fruit and a bagel for lunch at the same time so she can eat “on the fly.” Grocery shopping is not so easy unless living in Random Hall which is right by Shaw’s grocery. Otherwise, it’s a fair walk with heavy bags.</p>
<p>
There are shuttles to Shaw’s and Trader Joe’s on the weekend that stop at a few dorms. I also know quite a few students who regularly order from Peapod, a grocery delivery service. I’ve used the service a good bit myself as well. It can be steep since the minimum delivery is $60, but you can stock up on pantry items, or split an order with friends. More students will get a zipcar every once and a while and go to the grocery store with friends. Some will go as far as costco! It’s also possible, though few students do it, to get your veggies from CSAs that deliver or that offer pickup at nearby bakeries and restaurants.</p>
<p>I usually bike to Shaws, which takes <10 min from west campus. It’s pretty convenient, but I can’t buy too much.</p>