Virginia Tech Ranked #1 in best campus food !

Blacksburg, VA., Feb.17- Dining life: Dining, Steak and sides being serve at West End cafeteria in cochrane hall. Photo: Terrell Edmunds

By:Terrell Edmunds

Feb. 17, 2016

Virginia tech has been ranked numerous times in the top 10 for the best college foods. Ranking the best college foods as #1 by websites like Niche.com, College Magazine, and Lendedu.

Living on campus at Virginia Tech people would say that you are living the life, eating what you want at all times throughout the day. But what is it like after you finally take a stand and move off of campus? Is it best to buy a meal plan at the high price, or is it best to spend $100-$200 a week on groceries?

Every person who stays On-campus is required to purchase a Major, Mega, or premium meal flex plan:

Major Flex Plan

$1,627/ Per Semester

Mega Flex Plan

$1,743/ Per Semester

Premium Flex Plan

$1,865/ Per Semester

As you can see above, some prices can be stunning, but with each meal being %50 off everything levels out. Is staying on campus paying the extra money, and reaping more benefits the best option when choosing between staying On- or Off-campus?

Freshman Wright Bynum stated, “The mandatory meal plan is good, because it forces people to eat, I believe that everyone should have swipes here and there.”

For more information on the On-campus dining plans, click here.

Blacksburg, VA., Feb.17- Dining life: Dining, Donuts being served at D2 Breakfast. Photo: Terrell Edmunds

Living Off-campus is a different story because no meal plan is required, but you can purchase one by choice. The two minor flex plans give students who stay off campus a chance to purchase food at the campus dinning halls when they decide not to cook.

The pricing for the two Minor flex plans varies:

Minor Flex Plan

$863/ Per Semester

Commuter Flex Plan

$275/ Per Semester

Sophomore Xavier Burke stated, “Living off campus puts you in a tough situation, paying almost $900 for about $300 worth of meals is not really a lot, but going day by day that can also be scary.”

For someone who eats strictly at home, Sophomore Tyrell Smith said, “Providing for my own meals, makes me feel a little more independent. Also, the fact that I am saving more money makes it a little easier for me.”

Another resource that many people off campus benefit from is dining dollars. A lot of off campus residents believe this is beneficial because you determine how much or how little money you can access from your card.

Blacksburg, VA., Feb.17- Passport: Terrell Edmunds Hokie Passport. Photo: Terrell Edmunds

Senior Quinton Taylor, who normally uses dining dollars said, “Dining dollars are convenient with time and money, not having to buy food, but also not paying for a meal plan.”

For more information on dining dollars, click here.