You asked:

What's the deal with the dining hall?

Most schools require freshmen to purchase a meal plan of some sort. This  plan can be points functioning just like cash, a set number of meals or a combination of both. In most cases, one meal consists of one swipe at an all-you-can-eat buffet (aka dining hall).

Eating in a dining hall is not half-bad and can actually be quite convenient -- especially when you’re tired of microwave dinners, which get old real fast. Most halls have plenty of choices, but on some nights you may have to be creative if you’re picky. And if you have special dietary needs, scope out your options online, where most dining halls post their menus. Since you’ve already paid for the food each time you use a meal on your meal plan, get as much bang for your buck as you can -- and that doesn’t necessarily mean going back for seconds. Cereal, fruit and sandwiches make great takeout snacks for later.

Most schools will let you change your meal plan after your first semester, so if you find yourself eating fewer meals and more snacks or wanting more meals than you’re paying for, change your plan to meet your needs. Oh, unlike diners, dining halls aren’t open 24/7, so also keep snacks and quick meals in your room. 

Name: Liz Cruger
School: College of William and Mary
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology and English lit
Her deal: This is Liz’s second year as an R.A. for freshmen. She is also involved in several campus activities, including pep band and the belly dance club.

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