GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Boston College

Chestnut Hill

Massachusetts

Colleges

Survey Date:

Dec 27, 2023

Survey 1 of 2

Student:

Freshman

With:

Celiac Disease

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

B-

Surrounding Area:

A

Rationale for Grades Given

There are always gluten-free options available, but often dull and tasteless. Their fall-back is plain grilled chicken and steamed veggies. Healthy, but boring.

Boston is amazing. So many options both quick service and sit down options.

Details About this Student's Food Restrictions

How many years ago were you diagnosed with food allergies or celiac disease?

5+

If you indicated celiac or gluten intolerance, how sensitive are you to gluten?

Extremely: React to even small traces

Add details to help us better understand your food restrictions (e.g. sensitivity level, potential reaction, need for EPI pen)

I avoid Gluten at all costs. If ingested, I experience stomach cramping and diarrhea. Sucks, but no need for an epi pen - just a bathroom.

Details About this Student's College Dining Experience

Does your college handle food restrictions as you expected when you decided to attend?

Mostly what I expected

Have you had a reation from eating in your dining hall?

NO

If Yes, describe each incident and how your school responded

Did you register your food restriction with the disabilities office? If yes, describe

Yes - I registered with disabled student services and met with a campus nutritionist as well.

Are there resources to help with nutritious, safe dining (e.g. dietician)? If yes, describe

Yes. I was given the ability to pre-order my meals to reduce wait time and increase options. They are really trying.

If you were in charge of dining, what would you change? Would your school be open to suggestions?

More options. They are super open. I am somewhat lazy...

Describe your biggest challenge managing your food restrictions at college and how you deal with it

Variety. Not having a kitchen. Cost of foods.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

Did your food restrictions impact your housing decisions? Any dorm recommendations

Not an option for Freshman. I am hoping my registration with DSS will increase my ability to get a kitchen for next year.

Dining Halls:

Any advice for managing dining halls? Favorite dining halls? Any to avoid?

Be proactive. They are really receptive.

Meal Plans:

Describe your meal plans over the year(s). What's mandatory? Any suggestions?

It is mandatory for everyone on campus to have a dining plan. There are three options - small, medium and large. Most get "medium". Athletes prefer "large"

Dorms:

Any advice for eating in the dorms? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?

Door dash, uber eats and instacart are great. I have a dorm fridge, so I keep yogurt and fruit in my room. Love Bobos Oat snacks for quick breakfast on the go. Instant Pho helps a ton - I use my coffee maker to boil water.

Getting Started:

What should students do before school starts or when they first arrive?

Register ahead of time with DSS and meet with nutritionist.

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

There really isn't "food" at most parties - just drinks. Obviously don't drink beer. BYOB if you are so inclined. Out to dinner in the area is super easy. Most restaurants accommodate and my friends are amazing and always check ahead of time when choosing. Boston is fabulous for gluten free.

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

Meal Plans:

GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Boston College

Chestnut Hill

Massachusetts

Survey Date:

Dec 27, 2023

Survey 1 of 2

Student:

Freshman

With:

Celiac Disease

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

B-

Surrounding Area:

A

Rationale for Grades Given

Details About this Student's Food Restrictions

How many years ago were you diagnosed with food allergies or celiac disease?

5+

If you indicated celiac or gluten intolerance, how sensitive are you to gluten?

Extremely: React to even small traces

Add details to help us better understand your food restrictions (e.g. sensitivity level, potential reaction, need for EPI pen)

I avoid Gluten at all costs. If ingested, I experience stomach cramping and diarrhea. Sucks, but no need for an epi pen - just a bathroom.

Details About this Student's College Dining Experience

Does your college handle food restrictions as you expected when you decided to attend?

Mostly what I expected

Have you had a reation from eating in your dining hall?

NO

If Yes, describe each incident and how your school responded

​

Did you register your food restriction with the disabilities office? If yes, describe

Yes - I registered with disabled student services and met with a campus nutritionist as well.

Are there resources to help with nutritious, safe dining (e.g. dietician)? If yes, describe

Yes. I was given the ability to pre-order my meals to reduce wait time and increase options. They are really trying.

If you were in charge of dining, what would you change? Would your school be open to suggestions?

More options. They are super open. I am somewhat lazy...

Describe your biggest challenge managing your food restrictions at college and how you deal with it

Variety. Not having a kitchen. Cost of foods.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

Did your food restrictions impact your housing decisions? Any dorm recommendations

Not an option for Freshman. I am hoping my registration with DSS will increase my ability to get a kitchen for next year.

Dining Halls:

Any advice for managing dining halls? Favorite dining halls? Any to avoid?

Be proactive. They are really receptive.

Meal Plans:

Describe your meal plans over the year(s). What's mandatory? Any suggestions?

It is mandatory for everyone on campus to have a dining plan. There are three options - small, medium and large. Most get "medium". Athletes prefer "large"

Dorms:

Any advice for eating in the dorms? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?

Door dash, uber eats and instacart are great. I have a dorm fridge, so I keep yogurt and fruit in my room. Love Bobos Oat snacks for quick breakfast on the go. Instant Pho helps a ton - I use my coffee maker to boil water.

Getting Started:

What should students do before school starts or when they first arrive?

Register ahead of time with DSS and meet with nutritionist.

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

There really isn't "food" at most parties - just drinks. Obviously don't drink beer. BYOB if you are so inclined. Out to dinner in the area is super easy. Most restaurants accommodate and my friends are amazing and always check ahead of time when choosing. Boston is fabulous for gluten free.

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

​

Meal Plans: