College can be an exciting time for many, but it can also be incredibly stressful. Going to college is often the first time young adults live independently and control their own meals. However, being accountable for feeding oneself can be triggering and daunting for people with eating disorders.

Let’s break down some tips for navigating campus dining halls and staying well-nourished while away from home.

Know Your Dining Options

Take a tour of the dining halls and get comfortable knowing where different options are. Know when breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals are served. Maybe there is always a pizza or pasta option, but daily entrees or salad bar options change. 

Maybe every Tuesday, they offer your favorite baked goods. Ensuring you know what your options can look like and what options never change (e.g., bread and bagel station) can increase confidence in meal choices and limit feelings of anxiety and impulse with seemingly limitless options. Most schools share the dining hall menus in advance, which can also help you plan your meals!

Make Time For Your Meals

Build time into your daily schedule for all your meals and snacks. College is busy, and class schedules can keep you moving nonstop. Making sure you know the hours of operation for the dining hall can help your time meals – or even just when to stop by the dining hall to grab something quick – can be a game-changer in making sure you stay nourished at school.

Eat With Others 

Eating with others can be overwhelming, but it can also be helpful and a form of support. If you are in a class that ends at lunch or dinner time, see if your classmates or friends want to join you for that meal. This is a great way to be social while enjoying a meal.

Try Something New

Dining halls often do special or themed meals throughout the school year. Depending on where you are in treatment, the opportunity to challenge your flexibility and preferences is a great option. Or even use the opportunity to try foods you have not had before. If you do this, ensure you have some support and a backup meal if the challenge is harder than anticipated.

Have Snacks On Hand 

If you can access a mini fridge in your room or common space, stock grab-and-go snacks there as backup. Some schools might offer on-campus food pantries as well, and being familiar with these resources can help feeding yourself feel even more accessible.

Outside of dining halls, navigating college while seeking treatment can be intimidating. Look for on-campus support groups to connect with those who might also be recovering. If you are still in the planning stages of heading to college, you can use different tools to assess for triggers and step into your college years feeling ready and recovery-focused. Remember that even though this time might be challenging, your friends, family, and treatment team stand beside you to support you.