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GFF College Dining Survey Responses
Fairfield University
Fairfield
Connecticut
Survey Date:
Feb 17, 2026
Survey 1 of 2
Student:
Freshman
With:
Celiac Disease, Milk Allergy
Student's Summary Assessment:
College Dining:
D
Surrounding Area:
C
Rationale for Grades Given
The gluten-free food is completely allergen-free. I am picky, but did not find many foods I was able or willing to eat beyond a burger with no bun and eggs.
A lot of bread-based foods.
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)
In addition to having celiac, I am also a very picky eater. I don't have the need for an epi-pen.
Details About this Student's College Dining Experience
Does your college handle food restrictions as you expected when you decided to attend?
Not at all what I expected
Have you had a reation from eating in your dining hall?
YES
If Yes, describe each incident and how your school responded
I did not report. I just feel sick and have diarrhea. The lack of food options caused mental health issues; I also experienced skin issues while I was there.
Did you register your food restriction with the disabilities office? If yes, describe
Yes. They gave me a card for a gluten-free pantry, but I didn't like what was there and felt self-conscious about going in. They would not allow me to bring my preferred GF foods into the pantry to use the safe toaster ovens, etc.
Are there resources to help with nutritious, safe dining (e.g. dietician)? If yes, describe
There is a dietician, but I did not find her very helpful.
If you were in charge of dining, what would you change? Would your school be open to suggestions?
More options for proteins and gluten-free buns.
Describe your biggest challenge managing your food restrictions at college and how you deal with it
When I couldn't find food I wanted to eat, I just didn't eat.
Advice for Incoming Students:
Housing:
Did your food restrictions impact your housing decisions? Any dorm recommendations
There is an on-campus living requirement.
Dining Halls:
Any advice for managing dining halls? Favorite dining halls? Any to avoid?
There is only one dining hall. Not many other options for food on campus.
Meal Plans:
Describe your meal plans over the year(s). What's mandatory? Any suggestions?
The full meal plan was mandatory for freshmen.
Dorms:
Any advice for eating in the dorms? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?
We were not allowed to have a toaster oven, only a microwave.
Getting Started:
What should students do before school starts or when they first arrive?
Register with OOA, Get accomodations for
Socializing:
Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?
Other:
Any other advice or comments?
Meal Plans:
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