How to Become a Vegetarian in College

College is a great time in your life to become vegetarian. Moving away from home presents the perfect opportunity to introduce a lifestyle change, and you’ll most likely be able to meet other vegetarians and discuss finer points of the lifestyle. But being vegetarian in college can present a few challenges as well.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Tell your immediate family about your decision to become vegetarian and be prepared to explain your choice. Whether you’re going meat free for health, ethics, or politics, your family will want to know. Telling them and helping them understand as soon as possible also cuts down on the likelihood you’ll go hungry at holiday gatherings.

2. Be prepared to have the same conversation with your extended family when you see them next. Unless you’ll be having dinner at Great Aunt Martha’s house in the near future, you won’t need to make an announcement phone call.

3. Talk to your roommates about your decision to become vegetarian. That way, you won’t accidentally be fed vegetable soup with chicken broth at the next communal dinner. If you have any serious aversions (like washing dishes that have cooked meat), this conversation is the perfect opportunity to bring them up.

4. If you’ve purchased a campus meal plan, scope out your dining options. Does your college cafeteria offer a vegetarian entrée choice, or are you stuck eating sides every night? Is there a fast food restaurant or café on campus that caters to vegetarians?

5. If your meal options on campus feel too limited, start lobbying for change. Ask the cafeteria staff if they can plan more vegetarian meals to accommodate you. Write letters to the college president, dean, and housing department explaining your situation and requesting food you can eat.

6. Learn to prepare simple vegetarian meals at home or in your dorm. The best part of becoming a vegetarian in college is learning how to make awesome and healthy food for yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• If the sight of uncooked meat in the refrigerator grosses you out, ask your roommates to keep the meat inside a plastic grocery bag so you don’t have to see it every time you get a snack.
• Research nutrition for vegetarians to find out how to get enough protein and iron so you don’t feel weak or tired.
• Just because you’ve decided to go vegetarian doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be eating healthy food. Like anyone else, you’ll need to watch your calorie and fat intake.