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I had a lot of questions about the �����������ϳԹ� experience before I arrived on campus for New Student Orientation, and some of the most pressing involved food. What if I didn’t like anything in the dining hall? Would I find anyone with whom I could sit? What if it all just tastes bad in general?! Luckily, those fears were totally unfounded, and eating at �����������ϳԹ� has been an easy, and sometimes even enlightening, experience.

The Marketplace Dining Hall, better known to �����������ϳԹ�ians as D-Hall, is both a hub for social activity and the main source of sustenance for students on campus. Although some prospective students express fear that having only one dining hall on campus means choices for meals are limited, the D-Hall hosts a wide variety of options and takes dietary restrictions into account. All first-years are required to be on the full meal plan during their first semester at �����������ϳԹ�, so it’s definitely a good idea to get familiar with all available options!

I’m a pescatarian, so my dining options are understandably more limited than someone who eats all forms of meat, but I’ve never had trouble finding something to eat in D-Hall. I’ve actually been exposed to lots more different kinds of food from what I would normally eat at home — I’ve discovered that I really love vegan meals like couscous with raisins, tofu tikka masala, and eggplant pizza.

Since going to D-Hall is one of the central parts of my day, let me give you a quick glimpse of my routine through food!

Breakfast After Your First-Year Tutorial

As my time at �����������ϳԹ� has carried on, I go to the D-Hall for breakfast less often. However, it’s a great idea to eat breakfast after your early-morning tutorial during your first semester! The D-Hall regularly serves traditional American breakfast foods such as eggs-to-order, sausage, waffles, pancakes, oatmeal, and tofu scramble as well as reliable standbys like bagels, toast, yogurt, and a fully stocked cereal bar. This morning I had a protein bar and a clementine from my dorm room, but I also treated myself to a hot chai from the Spencer Grill.

The Grill is campus’s secondary option for student dining as well as a great place to hang out, work on homework, and chat with friends. The Grill serves hot food during daytime hours as well as snacks, baked goods, and hot and cold beverages. Students can pay with cash, campus cash, or dining dollars. Dining dollars are included with certain meal plan options and can be redeemed at the Grill by swiping your Pioneer One-Card, better known as your P-Card.

Here’s to the �����������ϳԹ�ians Who Lunch

At some point during the late morning, I always check NetNutrition online to see what’s available for lunch and dinner in the D-Hall. NetNutrition is the online software �����������ϳԹ� uses to help students meet nutritional goals, manage food allergies and dietary restrictions, and plan meals for the week.

After my morning seminar, I went to D-Hall during the noon rush hour and got in line for mac and cheese from the plat du jour station, which is always a popular favorite. I also scooped a serving of sugar snap peas and a smaller serving of waffle fries from the Honor G Grill station. The D-Hall has a full array of fountain drinks as well as whole, skim, and chocolate milk, but I usually just drink water. Self-serve tea and coffee are also availab