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GFF College Dining Survey Responses
University of Virginia
Charlottesville
Virginia
Survey Date:
Mar 25, 2025
Survey 1 of 2
Student:
Sophomore
With:
Celiac Disease, Milk Allergy, Other
Student's Summary Assessment:
College Dining:
C
Surrounding Area:
A
Rationale for Grades Given
During my first year, there was only one dining hall I could trust to eat at without risking getting sick, and this dining hall was out of my way and not near classes. Since I have other restrictions as well, I couldn’t always eat what was served at cooper hood, and the menus posted online often wouldn’t match what food was actually being served.
Charlottesville has a surprising amount of gluten free options around the city, definitely reference Find me Gluten Free. Wegmans is also the best for GF groceries
Details About this Student's Food Restrictions
How many years ago were you diagnosed with food allergies or celiac disease?
1-3
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 was diagnosed with celiac right before starting my first year of college. In addition to celiac I have a variety of less severe diet restrictions.
Details About this Student's College Dining Experience
Does your college handle food restrictions as you expected when you decided to attend?
Somewhat 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
I tried to alert the school through every way I could think of, but received no response
Did you register your food restriction with the disabilities office? If yes, describe
I was denied housing accommodations for celiac disease, and was given one of the worst housing assignments. However, I explained my condition to my professors and they were empathetic and understanding when I needed to move back deadlines and exams after being glutened.
Are there resources to help with nutritious, safe dining (e.g. dietician)? If yes, describe
There was no resource I found helpful
If you were in charge of dining, what would you change? Would your school be open to suggestions?
My school was not open to suggestions. In fact, they made the dining halls worse between my first and second year
Describe your biggest challenge managing your food restrictions at college and how you deal with it
Having to go out and buy my own food, but still having to pay for the unlimited meal plan even though I couldn’t use it
Advice for Incoming Students:
Housing:
Did your food restrictions impact your housing decisions? Any dorm recommendations
Dining Halls:
Any advice for managing dining halls? Favorite dining halls? Any to avoid?
Runk was the only dining hall I felt safe eating at first year, but I’ve heard that it’s gotten worse since then. Be very careful at Saxbys, their oatmilk has gluten in it and got me sick!!!
Meal Plans:
Describe your meal plans over the year(s). What's mandatory? Any suggestions?
I was required to purchase the unlimited meal plan my first year. I did not get any sort of meal plan my second year
Dorms:
Any advice for eating in the dorms? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?
I’ve done well with the chick fila grilled nuggets and fries, and zaatar. Uber eats is your friend!!
Getting Started:
What should students do before school starts or when they first arrive?
I would definitely look into joining the Student Disability Alliance, they helped me a lot
Socializing:
Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?
Other:
Any other advice or comments?
Meal Plans:
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