| I just have to add:
As a college student with a food allergy (mild/moderate anaphylactic response to milk - trace amounts cause digestive issues), the experience of cooking for myself has been far from isolating. When I was on the meal plan I often had to deal with feeling unwell because I had difficulty determining what foods were safe for me to eat, and that caused me to isolate myself from many activities I might have otherwise been involved in. This year I have taken over cooking for myself, and I've had more energy and been far more involved in all aspects of my life.
Unfortunately a lot of college bonding does occur over food, so students that miss that interaction during daily meals should make an effort to eat with other students whenever possible. That could mean packing a lunch or snacks to eat while everyone else grabs whatever is available.
On weekend evenings, my friends come and cook with me far more often than we used to go out to eat. It's cheaper than eating out, and they are enjoying learning how to cook. It takes a little work to adapt meals so that the others won't feel like they're missing out on "real food", but overall it is fun. (I've been known to hold "bring your own cheese" homemade pizza parties that have been a big hit.) |