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GFF College Dining Survey Responses
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles
California
Survey Date:
Apr 23, 2025
Survey 1 of 1
Student:
Recent Grad
With:
Peanut Allergy, Sesame Allergy, Tree Nut Allergy
Student's Summary Assessment:
College Dining:
D
Surrounding Area:
A+
Rationale for Grades Given
Before the FASTER Act was published, I had countless sesame reactions. It was hard to navigate dining there! More details on my Spokin review.
LA has the BEST community for food and specifically vegan food. Many restaurants kept me safe and well nourished. Special shoutouts to Julie Goes Green, Tulsi, Gogobop, Crossroads, Monty’s, and Chipotle. More reviews on my Spokin!
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?
Add details to help us better understand your food restrictions (e.g. sensitivity level, potential reaction, need for EPI pen)
I have severe anaphylactic allergies to the above and also am vegan by choice.
Details About this Student's College Dining Experience
Does your college handle food restrictions as you expected when you decided to attend?
Mostly not 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
Too many to count! Had one in isolation a few years ago where I had to call my own EMS and it was the result of them putting my allergen as a major ingredient in my food one day.
Did you register your food restriction with the disabilities office? If yes, describe
Yes, but toward the end of college. I wish I had done it sooner!
Are there resources to help with nutritious, safe dining (e.g. dietician)? If yes, describe
There were personal meals I could order but they wouldn’t let me order after a while as I was late to pickup a few times.
If you were in charge of dining, what would you change? Would your school be open to suggestions?
Labeling, personal dieticians, full transparency, easy access to accommodations and single room requests, vouchers to off campus safe foods.
Describe your biggest challenge managing your food restrictions at college and how you deal with it
Roommates! Was hard to do without access to accommodations and trust in the institution to support my needs, resulting in me applying before my senior year and even then not hearing back in a timely manner before apartment lease signing deadlines.
Advice for Incoming Students:
Housing:
Did your food restrictions impact your housing decisions? Any dorm recommendations
Yes. I wish I had access to single accommodation! Ask before matriculating and before stepping foot on campus, and get accommodations if you need them!
Dining Halls:
Any advice for managing dining halls? Favorite dining halls? Any to avoid?
B plate was my favorite! Please always be careful and ask for all ingredients up front. Get a personal dining plan through the dining team and ask for all the help you need.
Meal Plans:
Describe your meal plans over the year(s). What's mandatory? Any suggestions?
Dorms:
Any advice for eating in the dorms? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?
Get an airfryer!
Getting Started:
What should students do before school starts or when they first arrive?
Reach out to CAE, submit accommodations for a single room as soon as humanely possible, and ask for accommodations to test away from others in a food free environment.
Socializing:
Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?
Advocate for yourself, take up space, never feel like you are a burden. You deserve to live happily and safely. Leave friendships and relationships that put you in danger or don’t respect your needs. Find friends with similar needs and backgrounds and disabilities who can understand you. Be open to making friends from all backgrounds and let yourself trust the right people! Have mentors. Know that you have the right to a fruitful and joyful college experience. Reach out to me for advice! I got you :)
Other:
Any other advice or comments?
Meal Plans:
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