Most college application deadlines happen between January and March. This process can be stressful in itself, but when you are applying for college with a gluten free lifestyle in mind, it can be even more difficult imagining life on campus.

It was halfway through my freshman year of college when I found out I needed to go on a gluten, dairy, and egg free diet. This news was shocking because I had no idea what to eat, especially on a college campus. My meal plan was solely for the campus cafeteria and there were very few options for my dietary restrictions. On top of that, I lived in a dorm room, a very tiny dorm room. The closest thing to a kitchen was a mini fridge and microwave. 

After many tears and practicing intense self-control things got a little easier. I was able to change my meal plan around to give me better access to food that I needed. I slowly figured out meals and snacks that I could make in my dorm room. Let’s just say after finishing up my first year of college and continuing to thrive my final 3 years, I embraced me and rocked college gluten free. 

 When you are applying for schools there are a few things to look into to make your transition to college easier.  

1.  Check into CAMPUS Food service For Gluten Free Options 

Universities will have information regarding their dining services on their website. Most will have dining menus as well. Check into their menus and gauge the variety of options as well as options that fit your dietary needs. Universities will have other dining options besides just the cafeteria: cafes, coffee shops, etc. Check into these options to see if they have items that meet your dietary needs. 

*If they do not have gluten free options listed on their website, email/reach out to the head of the dining services. Some universities make their gluten free options in the back and serve it to prevent cross-contamination with other food in the buffet line. 

2.  Look at what Meal Plan Options are available

Look into meal plan options that your school of interest offers. Some scholarships and housing options require that you have a meal plan – make sure there will be food options that accommodate you. There are usually three different types of meal plans:

1.  Cafeteria Meal Plan – These meal plans give you access to all meals in the campus cafeteria. If the campus cafeteria provides a wide variety of dietary accommodations this would be a great option for a meal plan. 
2.  Flex Dollar Meal Plan – These meal plans give you a set dollar amount to use at other dining establishments on campus. If the campus cafeteria has fewer options, but other dining options on campus have more that fit your needs, this would be a great plan. 
3. Combo Meal Plan- These meal plans give you a mix of both worlds. It will provide you with some access to the campus cafeteria and a set dollar amount for other dining establishments on campus. If there are dietary options for you at all eating areas on campus, this plan gives you such a variety. 

3. Look into possible college housing options

There are several housing options on a college campus. Be careful to look into what options are available for freshman. Some housing is only available for older students.  

Dorm Room: These small shoebox-sized rooms are typically furnished with a desk, bed, and dresser/wardrobe. Dorm rooms are not equipped with kitchens, but do have room for a mini fridge and microwave for cooking food. If you will be living in a dorm room it is important to check into the school meal plans and ensure they fit your dietary needs since you do not have access to making meals. Some housing options require you to enroll in a meal plan. 

University Housing: There are many different types of University Housing, but they typically have more access to a cooking space than a dorm room. Some housing might have one shared kitchen in the entire unit. Some housing might have a shared kitchen for a small number of roommates. If there are housing options that have access to a kitchen that you will use to make food, you may not have a need for a meal plan. 

4.  Reach out to others at your school of interest

If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that attend your school of interest reach out to them. Even if they do not share your gluten free diet, ask them about the dining options, their living arrangements,  their meal plan, and their overall experience. 

Today universities have made huge gains in accommodating students with dietary needs. Do not let what you eat dictate your future, be proactive and look into options to make your transition easier. Chances are, there will be accommodations at all your dream schools. Be you, embrace you, and good luck in the steps of the college process!

Additional Resources:

Gluten-Free College Survival Guide

The Best Gluten-Free Colleges in the U.S.