Meal Prep vs. University Dining Options

Cadet35

Cadet35

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Joined
Jul 11, 2019
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My university is going to refund me slightly over $2,000 because my aid exceeded the bursar bill. I can apply this amount to a university meal plan- which is extremely over-priced, subpar, but very convenient time-wise..... also you can take as much food as you want! It charges around $2-2.8k for either 85 or 130 meals a semester (17 weeks). On the other hand I could pocket the 2.3k or so and use it towards purchasing food on my own. There is a Wegmans nearby, but this would be quite the time investment especially during a rigorous semester. Was hoping someone may have advice or recommendations for a fast and efficient way to meal prep quality healthy food on the fly.
 
Which one will result in you eating regularly scheduled, nutritionally balanced meals — not theoretically, but realistically?
 
If the meal plan price is locked-in, it might be a better deal. Food prices are rising dramatically!!
 
Are you a 1st year student, living in a dorm? I ask because what you think about college, and what it actually is, often are different. If you have been to college and can make the judgement call that you are willing to do the work of cooking, etc., that’s one thing, but if this is your first experience. I think you should get the meal plan. Of all the things you must adjust to in your first year of college, I wouldn’t add learning to cook/prepare all of your meals. Just my 2 cents.
 
milmomsomeday said:
Of all the things you must adjust to in your first year of college, I wouldn’t add learning to cook/prepare all of your meals. Just my 2 cents.
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+1000. Wait until you have an apartment with a kitchen and roommates as an upper classman. I know that the meal plan seems like a rip-off but it’s worth it at least for freshman year.
 
How busy are you? If your day is full to the edges then time is the most valuable thing to you, but if you have light days or easy afternoons or whatever then you have room in your day to cook. Also, do you like to cook? Because coming home after a long stressful day with a busy evening ahead of you and facing a kitchen full of Forget To Shop sort of sucks when you don't like the challenge.
 
NJROTC-CC said:
+1000. Wait until you have an apartment with a kitchen and roommates as an upper classman. I know that the meal plan seems like a rip-off but it’s worth it at least for freshman year.
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I have a kitchen and a roomate, but I’ll have a crazy schedule so it may be in my best interest to get a small meal plan.
 
Cadet35 said:
I have a kitchen and a roomate, but I’ll have a crazy schedule so it may be in my best interest to get a small meal plan.
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I agree with you. Time management-wise, it is in your best interest to spend more time studying and less time shopping for groceries.

Note: After putting four children through college, I have found that you do NOT need the "biggest" meal plan (unless perhaps you are playing the defensive tackle position on the football team.
 
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