Food Allergies in College

With National Decision Day having just passed on May 1, high school seniors across the country have now committed to their future colleges or universities. Naturally, these soon-to-be college students have been thinking about and planning how they will begin their college experience. With students with food allergies, however, this planning sometimes looks a little bit different. Nonetheless, with some extra caution and preparation, these students will be able to experience the full college experience with their peers. 

1. Always be vocal in explaining your situation and needs. Whether this be with your roommate, your classmates, professors, or other university personnel, you must communicate your needs for your own safety and personal well-being. There is nothing to be ashamed or shy about — the more you open up, the easier it will become for you to enjoy your college experience! 

 

1. Contact a campus nutrition expert at your future institution. You will be able to ask questions specific to your college or university, providing you with details and tips on how to proceed with your planning. 

 

1. Ask questions at and educate yourself about your dining halls. This is instrumental in finding safe and wholesome food on a day-to-day basis. Here are some questions to start the conversation:  
   1. Are there any specific food-allergy safe foods or stations?
   2. How are ingredients labeled? 
   3. How is food handled in the kitchen? (Inquire about cross-contamination.)
   4. Are there any special accommodations that can be made for my food-allergies? 

 

1. Be prepared in the case of an emergency. There are a few contacts and items you should always have at hand to properly handle the situation. 
   1. Make sure your medication is available and easily accessible at all times. You and/or someone else should know how to administer the medication if needed. 
   2. Have a few trusted contacts on campus who understand your allergy and what you require in the case of an emergency. These contacts can include friends, roommates, Residency Advisors, etc. 
   3. Know and note down emergency contacts should anything occur. This includes 911, campus emergency numbers, family members, and even close friends. 

 

1. Research about other dining options on campus. Don’t exclude yourself from social events because of your allergies! By researching about restaurants or dining options on campus beforehand, you can suggest these to your friends and peers when making plans. There is always a way to accommodate everyone’s needs, so don’t be afraid to open discussion.  ​

          By: Nami Jain