<p>Hello everyone,
I just found out a few months ago that I have to be on a strict gluten free diet. The school that I'm going to be attending does have a gluten free area which they claim is free of contamination, but I'm wondering if anyone has any tips for eating healthy gluten free food in college?
Did any of you who need to eat gluten free have to specifically request that on your meal plan, or could you just go in to the dining hall on a normal meal plan and eat in the gluten free section?
I'm also a vegetarian. As of yet, I don't appear to have any other restrictions (I know being gluten and lactose free is common).
Any advice is appreciated!!</p>
<p>Accommodations for students who must follow a gluten free diet really vary from school to school. At most schools, it is helpful to set up a meeting with the school dietician, and they can help you figure out a way to eat a healthy, varied diet, within the constraints of the school dining system. Also, see if they can put you in touch with other students eating gluten free on your campus. Also, most of the time it is important to register with the school’s disability office (this will likely require submitting medical verification of your need to follow a gluten free diet). Check the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness website – they have some materials for college students.</p>
<p>You need to get into contact with the schools disability office. They should be able to advise you (for example, mine said i could be in contact with the chefs because there was no “station” and that I could choose my own meals on a weekly bases).</p>
<p>I agree, you will need to have your doctor write a letter for the disability office to be able to help you. It needs to state what issues you have (such as the issue with gluten).</p>