The KInd Life Community Forum

I have been a vegan before, but it was ard for me to do so because I am a college student. But I really want to be one and am lactose-intolerant so cutting the dairy is easy, but now cutting out meat is hard. How can I do this while living off a meal plan? The kitchens in my dorms are small and aren't big enough to cook anything in. What can I do? Please help!

Hello! You know, I first went vegan in college, and in a way, I LOVED doing it and being on a meal plan! Now, granted, at times you may have to turn to things like the PETA College Cookbook to get a little more variety, but here are a lot of basics that most college cafeterias should offer:

Breakfast: dry cereals, bagels, fruit, peanut butter, jelly

Lunch: the salad bar! veggie sandwiches made with bread provided, peanut butter and jelly, often times soup options are vegan--always ask first

Dinner: do they ever have a pasta bar? pasta is typically vegan, make sure to ask about the marinara sauce.

I'd say it's difficult to stay interested, and potentially to get good protein sources. My college offered beans and hummus on the salad bar--I don't know if yours does. But also, definitely ask for basic things that you'd like! Often times this is the best way to go--requesting soy milk, requesting beans for the salads, etc.

Good luck and have fun! I loved college :)