<p>I have already submitted my housing contract so I will be staying on campus next year. I was wondering if it is necessary to get a meal plan while living in the dorm. If so what plan is best? You should also know that I like to eat healthy so would that be a problem at the dining halls?</p>
<p>It’s not necessary, and I would definitely avoid getting a meal plan! I was a really healthy eater at home and it’s been almost impossible to eat healthy without doing my own grocery shopping every week.
There are some healthy options in the dining halls, but it will be the same 2 healthy choices very day and you will get tired of eating those same two things for an entire year.
The dining hall has the same options every day: salad bar, vegetarian option, rotisserie (meat [usually over/under cooked], canned veggies, and potatoes), sandwiches, pasta, rice/noodles bowl, omelets, cereal, pizza, ice cream, and cookies. I got very frustrated trying to eat healthy in the dining hall because the rotisserie food was often cooked terribly, and the only options I would eat was sandwiches or food from the salad bar.
It’s not difficult to go grocery shopping every week, there is a Publix on the edge of campus, and a few other stores within 10 minutes. </p>
<p>If I go grocery shopping, can I cook in the communal style dorms (ie. Broward or Jennings)?</p>
<p>Yes, there is a kitchen on every floor for students to use. There is a stove, oven, microwave, and sink for about 50 students to share. I thought it would be difficult for that many people to share everything, but surprisingly, every time I have wanted to cook something the oven was available. There is also a lot you can cook in the microwave, so you can use the microwave on your floor or get one to keep in your room for convenience. </p>
<p>Don’t forget to get a small refrigerator for your room! You should work that out with your roommate.</p>
<p>I lived in Broward last year and my parents purchased me a meal plan because they didn’t want to worry about me eating or not. Broward dining food is absolutely awful barring game days and other times when parents are there. They have a good selection of food to choose from. Always have pizza and usually a few different main entrees to choose from. </p>
<p>I think it’s worth it because you don’t have to worry about cooking food and it’s extremely convenient to just grab a meal before class. </p>