<p>I realize this is the bane for all incoming freshmen, but I want some straight dish on on-campus dining at Columbia. What's good? What's bad? What's ugly? What to do?</p>
<p>bumpbumpbump</p>
<p>You only need to bump if it’s not on the first page, somebody will get to you. </p>
<p>The meal plan, like others at various universities, will be wasted, because you will not be able to eat at JJ, Ferris, and/or John Jay 15 times a week without causing yourself agony and ennui. Check out the Dining page for more info on the 2 dining plans available to freshmen; I suggest the one that gives you more dining dollars so you can get more nice stuff such as pearl milk tea. On the positive side, I will say that Ferris has great weekday hours, and the fact that you don’t have to pay a check allows you to grab a quick bite and leave when you’re in a rush. Early weekend mornings, Sunday afternoons, and Friday/Saturday after 8:00 are terrible though, everything’s closed.</p>
<p>Also, you should be enjoying your winter vacation instead of worrying about stuff that doesn’t need to be answered immediately.</p>
<p>There are two options for freshmen: Plan 1 has 19 meals per week and 75 Dining Dollars per term, plus 15 floating meals. Plan 2 has 15 meals per week and 125 Dining Dollars per term, plus 10 floating meals.</p>
<p>In my opinion Plan 2 makes a lot more sense. Fifteen meals per week is more than enough, particularly since each one is all-you-can-eat. Dining Dollars can be used at a bunch of on-campus cafes for things like bubble tea, coffee, snacks, sandwiches, etc. I don’t know a single person who has Plan 1 who actually eats 19 meals per week. Most of the time I don’t even use 15. Also, you’re going to want to go out and eat in Morningside Heights sometimes too.</p>
<p>As for quality, well… the food isn’t bad, but if you eat at John Jay for weeks on end you will go crazy from boredom. Just get off campus or go to Barnard’s dining hall once in a while. Variety really makes all the difference.</p>
<p>I have actually never seen anyone use all of their meals in one week. Go for the second plan-- Columbia leaves no time to eat lol. But seriously the dining dollars are super convenient and you’ll maybe go to the hall ten times a week.</p>