What to Look for in a College Meal Plan: Insights from One of The Princeton Review’s Top-Ranked Campus Dining Programs

SPONSORED BY ROLLINS COLLEGE

When choosing a college, food might not seem like the first thing to consider—but perhaps it should be! Dining plays a central role in daily campus life, fueling your studies, workouts, and late-night hangouts. Beyond satisfying hunger, a great meal plan can enhance your overall wellness and help you feel at home on campus.

Located in sunny Florida, Rollins College is recognized in The Princeton Review’s Best 390 Colleges guide and ranks Rollins at #11 for "Best Campus Food." With standout dining options like the innovative Fox Lodge, Rollins exemplifies how colleges are redefining campus dining. As you research meal plans at your prospective schools, consider these four key areas along with Rollins’ approach to each.

1. Variety, Convenience, and Flexibility

Questions to Explore:

• Does the meal plan offer choices for every mood and schedule?
• Can you grab something quick between classes or sit down for a hearty, made-to-order meal?
• Is there flexibility in how you use your dining dollars?

At Rollins, the Fox Lodge is a dining destination that meets every need. Its Café offers freshly baked pastries, hand-crafted smoothies, and flatbreads for students on the go, while its Grill serves up rotisserie items, power bowls, burgers, and custom sandwiches. Specials rotate every two weeks, with the best dishes becoming permanent menu items.

What truly sets Rollins apart is the flexibility of its meal plans. One highlight is their approach to Dining Dollars, which can be used at any on-campus dining location, including entry into The Marketplace for all-you-can-eat dining. While you might find that some colleges cap Dining Dollars at $25 or $50 per semester, Rollins allows students to spend significantly more (with plans offering up to $1700 per semester) at retail outlets or the fully stocked C-Store, which features over 5,000 products. Whether you’re picking up groceries, ordering a late-night snack, or preparing meals in your dorm, Rollins’ program provides a wonderful variety of options.

The C-Store is a standout feature, offering a grocery store experience right on campus. Stocked with fresh produce, specialty dietary items, and meal kits prepared by Rollins chefs, it’s a convenient resource for students. One student shared, “The market is more than a store—it’s part of my meal plan and lifestyle. I’ve even found my favorite snacks there!”

2. A Place to Build a Strong Community

Questions to Explore:

• Does the dining program create spaces for connection?
• Are there opportunities to meet people, collaborate, or just relax with friends while you enjoy coffee, food, or a snack?

More than just a dining hall, The Fox Lodge is the social heartbeat of campus. Strategically located near the fitness center and Lake Virginia, it’s a hub where students enjoy gathering. Comfortable seating, scenic views, and extended hours create a welcoming environment for study sessions, group hangouts, and everything in between.

Its design also encourages connection. With the Market placed between the Café and Grill, students are naturally drawn into shared spaces. Whether bonding over coffee, collaborating on a project, or sharing a meal, students at Rollins find opportunities to connect in an inviting and inclusive setting.

3. Wellness-First Menus

Questions to Explore:

• Does the dining program prioritize health and accommodate diverse dietary needs?
• Are there resources available to support your wellness goals?

Rollins constantly strives to create a dining program rooted in health and inclusivity. The Fox Lodge offers curated menus with fresh, nourishing ingredients and clear allergen labeling, helping students make informed choices. Students with dietary restrictions—including vegan, kosher, halal, and gluten-free options—are well cared for.

The Market’s focus on organic and health-conscious products ensures students always have access to fresh and wholesome choices. Rollins also provides a dedicated dietitian who works with students one-on-one to meet their specific needs, even offering dorm delivery for specialty items not available in the market.

4. Quality and Freshness

Questions to Explore:

• Does the dining program prioritize high-quality ingredients and innovative offerings?
• Does it offer locally sourced options?

Whether it’s a meal after class or a snack from the C-Store, freshness, and quality are hallmarks of Rollins’ approach to dining. The school stocks in-season, locally sourced, organic produce in the Fox Lodge market, providing peak flavor and nutrition. Cooking demonstrations teach students how to prepare fresh, minimally processed meals, empowering them to make healthy choices on and off campus.

Additional Questions to Ask on a College Tour

When evaluating campus dining, ask yourself:

• Does the food taste good? On-campus food tends to be the easiest, most accessible option for busy students, so you’ll likely be eating a lot of it over the course of your college years. Taste it for yourself when visiting!
• What flexibility does the meal plan offer? Rollins’ extensive Dining Dollars program is a game-changer compared to many other schools.
• Does your school have a grocery store on campus? With over 5,000 items, Rollins’ C-Store is a resource many colleges can’t match.

At Rollins College, dining is about more than just food—it’s a cornerstone of campus life. With flexibility, quality, and community at its core, the dining experience at Rollins stands out as one of the best in the nation.

Learn more about Rollins College