<p>I'll be going to boarding school next year. I'm vegan, and my school only offers a vegan option at dinner, and otherwise keeps things like bananas and a very limited salad bar. I was thinking that I could get a refrigerator in my dorm room to keep food I can eat (like non dairy milks and organic produce), but it's only allowed for "medical needs." Do you think a note from my doctor would allow me to have one? Would it be necessary? I was also thinking I could also ask my school to start adding more organic and plant-based foods to the menu, but I'm not exactly how I should go about that.
Do any of you have advice? Also, what are you students with special dietary needs (or parents of) doing to get by? Thanks. :) </p>
<p>A note from your doctor would most likely allow you to have an in-room refrigerator, as they can’t argue with your medical needs and doctor. Such an idea is a very good one and would probably be a wonderful thing to supplement the diet, but I also might wait and see what actually is around at the school - sometimes they offer more than you think. Additionally, a plastic box with a removable lid can be stocked with packaged goods, snacks, and ingredients for meals and kept in your dorm room without trouble - the commons will also probably have a refrigerator that you could store non-dairy milk and the like in. </p>
<p>Asking the school to start adding in more organic and plant-based foods is a really good idea. However, it would probably be best to wait until you arrive. There, you might find an environmental or food club, or both, and could work with them. A petition or other such item and discussions with officials in the dining and administrative services would be able to help you. A healthier school diet is always a great idea, but it might involve some work and connections, so I would wait until you arrive simply for that reason.</p>
<p>ANOTHER VEGAN :x :x :x </p>
<p>If I ever get to boarding school, I want to start a vegetarian club! I’d push for more vegan options, environmental awareness, Meatless Monday, etc. </p>
<p>Just curious, what school will you be going to? Exeter has some great options for vegans! :x </p>
<p>Vegetarianism. </p>
;
</p><p>I like how we hijacked a parent’s thread again :x </p>
<p>The OP is a kid, so no hijacking committed. ;)</p>
<p>Is your vegan diet medically necessary or a lifestyle choice? That is what will make the difference between a special dietary “need” and a special dietary “want.” But if your doctor can site a medical reason for you not to have any animal products, I would think they would let you have a fridge. </p>
<p>I would think that most dorms have a refrigerator in a common room. It might be more of an issue to have one in your actual room, not to mention that it would take up some valuable space. I’m sure that you’re not the first one with this issue and the school might have some suggestions.</p>
<p>Stargirl is taking my word out of context. </p>
<p>Meat is shown to have properties of awesomeness. </p>
<p>@neatoburrito As a vegan, I can honestly say that once you commit to the lifestyle, it is a need. For me at least, there’s no other way. My guess is that the doctor could write something and that would do it. </p>
<p>@earthyboarder Good luck!</p>
<p>Vegan “Beef” & Broccoli Stir-Fry on the menu tonight. I might have to give it a try.</p>
<p>Yea, @skieurope! Worst that’ll happen is you’ll like it… ;)</p>
<p>Earthyboarder, after a certain period of time everyone finds the menu boring.</p>
<p>You won’t be the only student with vegetarian leanings at school. Try to start or join a club. Be nice to the dining hall staff. I suspect the refrigerator note will not pass muster. A lifestyle choice is not a medical need. Many schools are aware that individual refrigerators are not good for the school’s carbon footprint. However, most dorms I have heard of from my children do have shared refrigerators and microwaves, so you should not need an individual fridge.</p>
<p>The “beef” and broccoli was not bad. Not enough to make me go vegan, but some compromise may be in order. Of course, I go home in 10 days, so it won’t be in the cards until next September. :)</p>
<p>If you say it’s for religious reasons, I don’t think they can argue with you. Someone please correct me on the this. </p>
<p>But you would only that if it’s true, right stargirl? ;)</p>
<p>Like stated by someone earlier, contacting the school is your best bet. If they accepted you, they are generally happy to have you and want you to like their school.
At bare minimum, the school should provide PB&J for lunches, so that would be enough to get by. Not ideal, though.</p>
<p>IM NOT THE ONLY VEGAN YESSS!!! I am just planning on keeping a couple jars of nuts in my room and a fruit bowl and live off of that if need be. :p</p>