<p>Even if you are not thrilled with the dining hall food, in most cases, a UVa student is not required to pay for it beyond first year. At many other colleges, more students live in on-campus dorms after first year without kitchens, and are forced to keep paying for meal plans. Also, at UVa there are plenty of on grounds ala carte options available for people who are not on meal plans. There are also some commercial options for people who are on meal plans.</p>
<p>@ApertureRun </p>
<p>As a prospective student, I appreciate logan94 bringing it to CC. I have actually heard this from others. One student ( a recruited athlete) claimed the food for athletes was much better & healthier.</p>
<p>Of course the food is better for athletes. They have a very strict nutritional program. That will be the case at any Division I school. </p>
<p>My S never minded the food except by the end of the semester got tired of the repetition of it all. It is dining hall food which is different than mom’s home cooking or cooked to order elegant restaurant food. I have been to about 30 different college campuses while touring my 3 kids around. UVA’s food was better than most. </p>
<p>@bsalum I’m glad you’re getting a range of opinions to help you figure out whether UVa is right for you. Just remember that everyone’s experience varies, so the best thing to do is try the food and see for yourself. Also remember that meal plans can get you food at tons of places aside from the main three dining halls - Crossroads, the Castle, N2Go, Got Dumplings, and the Pie Guy are all places I can think of off the top of my head that are often way better than dining halls and accept meal exchange swipes/plus dollars.</p>