Celiac College Student Survey submitted April, 2019

Food Service Vendor

Aramark

What stage are you in college?

Junior

Please describe your meal plan for each year there so far. Include if your school required any of these decisions. If you are eating in a greek house or other club type arrangement include that as well.

Only required to have a meal plan freshman year. I don’t have one now.

How many years ago were you diagnosed with celiac?

Less than 1

How sensitive to gluten are you?

Very: React to small amounts

How would you describe the worst reaction you have had since diagnosis?

Really bad

Does your college handle celiac food restrictions as you expected they would when you selected your school?

Somewhat what I expected

Grade your college on feeding celiac students

B

Explain your rationale for that grade

In the dining halls they have a few options for gluten free, though they our limited. There are two restaurants/take out places on campus that have gluten free options.

Check all that apply

Ability to feed me varies somewhat across dining halls, I am only comfortable eating in a few dining halls, I can find some but not enough food in any of the dining halls, Ability to eat well was a small part of my college selection process

Did you register with your students disabilities office for accommodations? If yes, describe.

No, I did not find out until this past year.

Are there resources (nutritionists, chefs, peer support groups) to help ensure you are receiving safe nutritious food? Describe

Unsure

How many times have you been glutenized in your dining hall?

NONE

Describe your biggest celiac challenge at college and how you manage it

I find it easier to just make my own food than to have to worry about cross contamination in the dining halls.

If you were in charge of your school's dining, what changes would you implement to better feed celiac students? Would your school be open to these suggestions?

I would have an allergy friendly section in at least one of the dining halls. This may include other allergies as well.

Did celiac impact your housing decision? How? Is there a certain dorm you recommend for celiacs? Why?

I live off campus.

Your advice to new celiac kids for managing the dining halls? Favorite dining hall(s)?

I would definitely let the school know you have an allergy. They will be more informative as to what your options are.

Your advice to new celiac kids for eating in the dorm? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?

While there are limited restaurants on campus that deliver, there are many gluten free options in the city that deliver! When it comes to sweet snacks, I’m a big fan of making my own cake in a mug! You can use gf oatmeal grounds as a replacement for flour.

Your advice to new celiac kids on preparing before they come? Or doing upon first arrival?

Whatever school you go to, make sure to discuss food options with your school.

Your advice to new celiac kids on managing keg parties and alcohol scene?

Don’t. Drink. Beer. Many of you know this already, but if you have already had a few drinks in you, you may accidentally drink it. If you’re going to go out, be safe and always have your own alcohol that you can trust at parties.

Grade your college town area for celiac friendliness

A

Favorite places to eat in town or food shop?

Trader Joe’s for food shopping. Sabrina’s cafe on university city campus has INCREDIBLE gf bread that they get from a bakery in center city..

Anything else you would like to add?

Always be safe, but having an allergy shouldn’t stop you from going to your dream school! If the college you want to go to is not very celiac friendly, discuss options with your school as to how they can better accommodate you