• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
College Magazine logo

College Magazine

College Life, Dating, Career & Campus Advice

  • Colleges
    • College Guides
    • College Rankings
    • Campus Life
      • Academics
      • Dating
      • Freshman Year
      • Health
      • Social Change
      • Party
    • Find Your College
  • Majors
    • All Majors
    • Most Popular Majors
    • Choosing a Major
  • Intern
    • Internship Directory
    • How to Get an Internship
    • How to Write a Resume
    • How to Write a Cover Letter
    • How to Interview
    • How to Network
    • Career 101
    • Find Your Passion Career
  • Money
    • How to Make Money
    • How to Save Money
    • How to Get a Job
    • Credit Cards 101
    • FAFSA
    • Ramen Project
  • Travel
    • Study Abroad
    • College Spring Break
    • How to Travel Cheap
    • Things to Do
  • Shop
    • College Magazine Shop
    • Gift Guides
    • College Packing List
Home » Latest Posts » Why College is the Best Thing for a Vegetarian
Food Life

Why College is the Best Thing for a Vegetarian

FacebookTweet
Veggies eggs benedict
Francesca Furey
Francesca Furey December 18, 2017

From as early as I can remember, I was fascinated with any animal, from giraffes to killer whales to pangolins. I loved going to zoos and aquariums, spending hours in awe over all the wildlife right in front of me.

As I got older, I found a whole new side to the animal world: the abusive side. I watched “Whale Wars” on Animal Planet daily, wondering how people could easily kill such gentle creatures. My love of animals slowly warped into guilt and sadness. News of poaching, deaths at zoos and aquariums, game hunting and inhumane industry action added more weight to my shoulders.

This brought me to a dilemma: How could I, someone not even 20 years old, save abused and endangered animals from the evils of humanity? Lots of people, activists and critics alike, believe it impossible to truly change the industries. But while as a college student I may not have the time and capacity to take down all of those who abuse and kill animals, I can start small. That’s where vegetarianism comes to play.

As a vegetarian, I’ve experienced some ups and downs—limitations on menus, problems with orders or lack of options. Despite some of the changes I’ve had to make, I’ve experimented with some crazy ingredients and learned to love a whole new type of cuisine.

Why Vegetarianism in College Works

Diner food vegetarianism in college
Francesca Furey

Dining Hall Options

Going to college is amazing for vegetarians and vegans. The administration and food services know to prepare for all types of dietary preferences and restrictions.

Temple’s dining halls have salad bars, vegetarian options and vegan stations. I never get worried when I go to lunch or dinner on campus, because I know they accommodate for my dietary restriction. When I’m home, I sometimes feel like a burden. My mom has to buy different food at slightly higher prices just for me.


trending

121

How Graduation is Causing Me a (Good) Existential Crisis

83

Adulting with Your Mom Is Fun

53

An Interview with ASU Tempe’s Student Body President


Freedom to Buy Your Own Food

I like that at college, I can buy my food and prepare meals just for myself without feeling guilty. I have a new obsession with tempeh and tofu, one that would have never been discovered if I didn’t go to college. Without the different types of options on menus or brands in the grocery stores that aren’t available at home, I probably couldn’t continue to live as a vegetarian.

College Towns with Vegetarian Restaurants

I frequently feel food-related anxiety at home. Like any family, mine often goes to restaurants when we don’t have time to cook or we want to try something yummy. This brings a whole other level of worry to my plate—I have to make sure we go to a spot that isn’t meat heaven.

Philadelphia, home to Temple University, has many spots scattered across the city that serve up tasty vegetarian and vegan only food. I love to look up different vegetarian spots and go to a new one every once and a while. Not only do I explore more parts of a city at my fingertips but also, I can experiment. Philly has tons of Chinese, Italian and modern places that I discovered.

How My Wallet Feels

Vegetable pasta
Francesca Furey

On the flip side, cities tend to be expensive and that really limits anyone with specific diets. For some reason, vegetarian cuisine and ingredients usually cost more than other types of food.

Though I love to experiment with what I eat, I don’t get to go to new restaurants every day. I have to be more in tune with what I spend and how much I need to save.

When you’re at college, you are the person in charge. Your mom and dad don’t live with you, in most cases, so you have to take charge of your wallet. Your usual lifestyle choices can’t always transfer over from home because of the price.

I’ve learned from college that what you need and what you want are completely different. While at the grocery store I occasionally treat myself to some new, expensive foods. But I don’t do it every day.

I recommend stocking up on vegetables and dry foods that you can get for cheap at local markets that cost a lot more at pricey stores in the city. You’ll save money for later when you want to try something a little out-of-budget. Also, the city has tons of vibrant restaurants and spots that cater to vegetarian and vegan options, not just the big names. Don’t go to the ones in popular or expensive areas, even if everyone raves about them. Find the eccentric or small corner stores that have a better price and taste.

More Acceptance from Peers

Veggies eggs benedict
Francesca Furey

Colleges tend to attract a crowd of progressive and accepting people. Vegetarianism and veganism has quite a popular following at Temple and it makes me feel welcome. I get little to no questions about why I chose this lifestyle, which is refreshing.

At college, I feel like I can make an impact on others when it comes to not eating meat. Many students and friends have asked me, “Do you feel healthier?” and “Should I try it?” They regard vegetarianism as a positive and life-changing experience. No one questions why I do it. They wonder if they can, too.

It’s great to hear the multiple “I wish I could do that” from others. I’ve always wanted to help the environment and its wildlife population in every aspect I can. When people wonder if they can do it as well, I tell them the same thing: You can be vegetarian or vegan with determination and dedication.

And the best place to start? College.

About Francesca Furey

Francesca is a junior at Temple University studying journalism and history. When she isn’t on the hunt for new adventures, you can find her jamming out to alternative music and quoting Lord of the Rings way too much.

Why You Shouldn’t Go for a Run on the Hedonic Treadmill

5 Ways to Survive Grueling Summer Classes 

What To Do Next When You Don’t Know What To Do

Q&A with ASCEND app Creators Sydney Campos and David Richeson

How a Last-Minute Gap Semester Changed My Life

Is Online Learning Right for You?

10 Things All International Students Understand

5 Pre-Finals Rituals to Follow for Optimum Study Time

Life Lessons I Learned in Fitness Classes

Previous Post:21 Stocking Stuffers To Kill the Christmas Game
Next Post:Top 10 Safest College Campuses

colleges

  • College Guides
  • College Rankings
  • Campus life
  • Academics
  • Dating
  • Freshmen Year
  • Health
  • Party

majors

  • All College Majors
  • Most Popular Majors
  • Choosing a Major

intern

  • Internships Directory
  • How to Write a Resume
  • How to Write a Cover Letter
  • How to Interview
  • How to Get an Internship
  • How to Network

money

  • How to Make Money
  • How to Save Money
  • How to Get a Job
  • Credit Cards 101
  • College Loans

travel

  • Study Abroad
  • College Spring Break
  • How to Travel Cheap
  • Things to Do

shop

  • College Packing List
  • Gift Guides
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS Feed
  • Twitter
  • About Us
  • Team
  • Write
  • Apply
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sign Up
  • Advertise
  • My Account
  • Cart

College Magazine logo

Copyright © 2023 Powered by BizBudding