With the new year comes new decisions. Papa John's or Au Bon Pain? Salsarita's or Chick-fil-A?
Around campus, choosing a meal has become increasingly difficult. With the renovation of Foy Hall, the food court at The Village and all the choices inside The Student Union, dining on campus has grown and improved.
The new Tiger Dining meal plans will make eating on campus more convenient and manageable, said Gina Groome, marketing manager for Tiger Dining.
"Auburn University is trying to keep students eating on campus," Groome said. "Research has shown that students perform better when eating on campus dining options."
Tiger Dining and Auburn University are collaborating to improve dining options and help networking between students, Groome said.
For campus residents, a $995 meal plan is required per semester, making approximately $9 available per day. This meal plan is built into the student's Bursar's account.
"I like using Tiger Dining to eat on campus," said Sophie Shain, freshman in psychology. "The food is tasty, and I like how they make it in front of you."
Groome said convenience is a major reward when a meal plan is purchased.
"We are always trying to enhance the dining experience here at Auburn," Groome said.
Casey Fowler, freshman in pre-nursing, likes the convenience and variety of meal options on campus.
"It's nice how close the options are to the dorms," Fowler said.
For students that live off campus, $300 meal plans are offered, but are not required. In addition, after a meal plan is purchased, an optional standing reservation plan can be added onto the original meal plan. The minimum standing reservation account amount is $25, but after the initial $25, the student can add as much as he or she wants.
Unused dollars within a meal plan will roll over between semesters, but once an academic year has ended, the funds will expire.
Still, Shain and Fowler said they are not sure they will purchase a meal plan next year.
Fowler said she does not plan on living on campus next year, making on campus dining choices less convenient.
Shain said she likes the healthy food, but thinks it is expensive.
"It's healthy and good, but I wouldn't say it's cheap," Shain said. "I think it's pretty pricey,"
But, both Shain and Fowler said they were glad they purchased a meal plan and said it was worth their while.
Tiger Dining also includes free cooking classes, special events, catering, nutrition information and logs for all of the meals.
For more information, go to www.dineoncampus.com/auburn.
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