After a long day of intense lectures and tons of school work, food is an escape route that most people like taking. Finally getting to sit down at a table and eat your favorite food is a little piece of heaven.
However, should you dine at the usc dining hall ? Or are off-campus restaurants the better choice for you?
Experiencing the USC Dining Hall
The food at schools has a reputation for not having enough nutrition and meal planning. However, universities like the University of Southern California have a wide array of healthy foods available.
The USC dining hall is a part of the university’s Hospitality program. They have a wide variety of foods and snacks for everyone.
You can enjoy plant-based foods, assorted fruits, and pastries to munch on while you’re studying. For meat-eaters, their bacon, chicken, and turkey choices will satisfy your hunger.
The best thing about eating at the USC dining hall is you can guarantee safe and healthy foods. You can enjoy eating without worrying if it’s going to mess with your health.
As a college student, getting sick is the last thing you’ll want to happen.
But besides the dining hall, USC Hospitality also has a mix of cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores. That means if you don’t get what you want in the dining hall, you have more choices to choose from.
Getting Meal Plans
If you choose to stay at a USC housing, you’re eligible to apply for meal plans. These are based on your housing as well as your class standing.
However, some residential locations don’t require meal plans. If you happen to live in one, you can choose from any plan you want, at any time you wish.
One great benefit of having a meal plan is guaranteeing you don’t live on instant ramen and other unhealthy food. You can also enjoy the company of a friend or two when you pick meal plans.
Off-Campus Restaurants
You have all the food you want inside the campus, do you have to try off-campus restaurants?
It’s a matter of personal choice. Many USC students venture out to eat, especially during the weekends. Although the dining hall and cafes have everything you need, it’s not wrong to reward yourself with something more different.
Luckily, USC is near well-known restaurants. Some restaurants are cheaper than even your dining hall choices. But there are also the more luxurious ones.
The good thing with off-campus restaurants is that your choice is almost limitless. One downside is that it may burn a hole in your pocket.
What to Eat in College?
When it comes to whether you must choose meal plans or off-campus restaurants, there is no right or wrong choice. If you’re running a little late, eating within the campus is the best choice. However, if you want to indulge in something that the dining hall is not offering, you can go out to eat.
What you should be mindful of are your budget and your health. The great thing with USC is that they have a resident dietitian whom you can ask about your diet and nutrition.
