Whether you have an allergy, intolerance or preference, going to university with food restrictions can be an unusual and anxiety-inducing experience. Food forms a huge part of university life, so knowing how best to manage requirements is a good thing to think about before starting university.
My personal dietary requirements
I have coeliac disease, which means I follow a strict gluten-free diet, and I have done for 13 years. Although I am very used to this diet, I had many worries before starting university, mainly about the risk of contamination in a shared kitchen and the extra cost of gluten-free food. Since starting university, I have found ways to enjoy food that is safe for me to eat and that doesn’t burn a hole in my wallet!
Top tips for sharing a kitchen
- Explain your dietary requirements to your flatmates. I recommend doing this as soon as possible, so everyone in the kitchen is aware of your requirements and understands how to deal with these. It may be helpful to put up a sign in the kitchen so people can remember to take extra care when preparing food.
- Cleanliness is key! Personally, I ensure that I wipe down all the surfaces before and after I prepare food to reduce cross-contamination risks. Also, all the cleaning equipment I use is used by me only. Shared equipment, such as sponges, can trap allergens.
- Organise safe zones. I keep all my utensils, cooking equipment and ingredients separate. By keeping them in my own drawers, no one else can use them, and this gives me peace of mind that my cooking equipment has only been used for the preparation of gluten-free food.
- Use labels! Although you will have your own shelf in the shared fridge and freezer, it can be handy to label your food, so no one is confused. This is another reminder to your flatmates to be aware and cautious of your dietary restrictions.
Food at formals
My experience with food at formal events has been brilliant so far! On the form that you fill out before attending a formal event, there is always a space to explain your dietary requirements. Upon entering the event, I have been handed a small object that lets the catering staff know I am gluten-free. They have these for all other allergens and for vegetarians/vegans too.
I have always enjoyed the food, and I have never had a reaction afterwards, so I can confidently say that it has been safe!
Catered colleges
Although I am not part of a catered college, to my knowledge, allergens and preferences are well catered for. All the catered colleges provide options for a range of dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, nut-free, vegetarian and vegan. If you prefer to cook your own food for safety reasons, however, I encourage you to prioritise self-catered colleges.
Budgeting
Famously, dietary needs are more expensive to cater for, both when it comes to eating out and shopping in supermarkets. To reduce the cost of my food shopping, I tend to opt for naturally gluten-free products rather than specially made gluten-free products. Of course, I still enjoy certain gluten-free treats, but I focus on buying naturally gluten-free foods such as rice and potatoes.
I also tend to cook from scratch and meal prep where I can. I utilise my freezer drawer a lot to reduce food waste and ensure all the food I buy and prepare is eaten.
Personally, I opt to walk further and shop at a Lidl, so I can find cheaper ingredients than those available at the express stores in town.
All these small adjustments have helped me to keep on track with my spending and ensure I am eating the right foods for a reasonable price!
Overall, when it comes to managing dietary restrictions at university, communication is key. Whether this is with your flatmates, who you share a cooking space with, or the staff who are preparing your food, make sure your needs are directly communicated and understood. Never feel as though you are a burden – others around you will just want to help and ensure that you feel comfortable!
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