The transition from high school to college can be a scary and confusing time. There are piles and piles of things you have to learn and do differently just to slightly make the transition easy. Along the way, there are people to assist you in registering for classes, finding your way around campus, and moving into your new dorm.
However, there seemed to be a greater amount of confusion for me coming into college when I was trying to decide which of the many food plans to choose from. There are many different choices which all includes different benefits. But don’t stress, there are a few various ways to make sure you find the best plan to fit your personal lifestyle.
Review all of your options
It is important to review all of the plans before you begin to get an understanding of the type of plans you are working with. There are a couple different categories to help you get started.
Underclassman Residential Student Plans
These plans are designed for freshman who live on campus in student housing.
- Weekly 12 – This plan provides 12 swipes per week, and it also has 390 dining dollars. This meal plans costs $1,875
- Weekly 10 – This plan allows 10 swipes per week, and it comes with 610 dining dollars. This plan also costs $1,875
Common Access Only
The common access only is a smaller option designed for people who live off-campus.
- Access 40 – This plan has 40 swipes into the commons, and it costs $370 which makes each swipe worth $9.25.
- Access 80 – This plan has 80 swipes, and it costs $700. This brings each swipe being worth $8.75.
- Access 120 – This plan comes with 120 swipes worth $8 dollars a piece which makes this the best deal. This plan costs $8
Dining Dollars Only
These plans allow the student to eat at the various options located across campus including Chick-Fil-A, Panda Express, Starbucks, and others. This was also designed for students living off-campus
- $100 Plan- This is worth 107 dining dollars which is a 7 percent bonus.
- $200 Plan – This plan is worth 220 dining dollars. That is a 10 percent bonus.
- $300 Plan – The plan has 336 dining dollars with a 12 percent bonus.
Consider food preference
As a freshman, I always preferred to go to the commons over any of the restaurants that accepts dining dollars. However, not everyone would want the same. “I have the Weekly 10 plan, and I like that one because it has more dining dollars,” said Taylor Dean, freshman.
If you want a larger variety of food, the commons is looking like a better choice for you due to the constantly changing menu. “Our menu is constantly changing,” said Mark Siegfried, Commons employee. “We are constantly adding new dishes and adding new combinations every week.”
Keep your schedule in mind
No-one can argue with the fact that college is a very busy time. Sitting down at the Commons three times a day may sound like a good plan, but time may not always permit.
“I am a nursing major, and I have to study all the time which leads me to just picking up take-out from Panda Express more times than not,” said Sydney Twardos, freshman.
When I was a freshman, I tried to kill two birds with one stone through using the Commons. I would swipe into the Common early in the morning to eat, and then I would study and work on homework for the majority for the day. This allowing me to eat multiple times on a single swipe while still being studious.
Make a decision
Now that you take different aspects into account including living arrangements, food preference, and time, you can now make decision. In the end, any of the choices will provide you with excellent food, but it is up to you to decide which will benefit you the most as you explore your first year in college.
If you have any other questions regarding dining services, the KSU Dining Service has a website which allows anyone to ask questions.
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