How feasible would it be to buy groceries instead of having a meal plan? I would presumably use the money that I would have spent on the meal plan on groceries instead. I know that there is a shuttle that goes to Jewel and Target, and that there is a Trader Joes in Evanston (not the most inexpensive options, I know). I would rather not eat out every day, and I would rather be able to choose and cook my own food, although I know this is probably not very doable.
Another issue is cooking food. I know that some residence halls have kitchens, but some do not. Do any current students not have meal plans? Any opinions?
My S & D both tried what you are suggesting - from off-campus housing - and couldn’t wait to get back to a dorm and dorm food.
- Problematic getting back /forth to Evanston for groceries - both time & distance
- Time involved with cooking/cleaning/organizing
- If Roomies are involved - “Who Ate My ______” is a non-fun game.
- Going to eat at assigned dorm can be social time
- Who wants to cook for themselves everyday / twice a week?
- It gets cold in winter, and “Cooler By The Lake” are not just words on sweatshirts at Wrigley
- At NU you are often pressed for time - and finding time to do food on own can be an added pressure.
YMMV - but good luck with your decision - hope we gave you some food for thought…
Meal plans are required for all students who live in on-campus housing and incoming freshman are automatically given the Wildcat 14 meal plan. For future reference, if you choose to live of campus, there is a Whole Foods that is maybe 5 minutes away from campus walking.
Thank you both! Yeah, I didn’t realize that meal plans were necesary. I visited campus yesterday and ate at one of the dining halls though - there were more healthy options than I had thought, so that’s good. And as far as time and convenience, the meal plan would certainly be preferable.
Thanks @CaliCash and @nugraddad for the helpful advice!