Students gripe and moan about the dining hall food here at the University, but they still choose favorites -- even if their preference is less of a favorite and more the lesser of the three evils of Newcomb, Runk and O-Hill.
First-year Engineering student Justin Chhabra said he prefers Newcomb out of the three dining halls.
"They have a greater variety," Chhabra said. "They actually have real food."
Unfortunately, Chhabra said he only eats at Newcomb once a week because it is located too far from his residence in New Dorms for regular dining. The walk is usually worth it, though, according to Chhabra.
"I love the burrito bar at Newcomb," Chhabra said. "I like how they have nachos and wheat pasta, too."
First-year College student Nandita Mani said she prefers O-Hill over Newcomb and Runk.
"Newcomb tends to be crowded and I don't like the layout of the two rooms," Mani said.
Chhabra said the layout of O-Hill is not the greatest either.
"The biggest improvement O-Hill can make is to change the stairs so you can walk out without walking around in a big circle," Chhabra said.
Mani said she also favors O-Hill because it is convenient and, in her opinion, the lines are shorter.
"In a week I eat at O-Hill maybe eight times," Mani said.
Though Mani said she will eat breakfast, lunch or dinner at O-Hill, she does have a favorite meal.
"I like the brunch on the weekends," Mani said. "It's the only thing I really like."
Chhabra said he hates O-Hill because the food choice is too repetitive.
"They serve grilled cheese every day and hamburgers every day for lunch," Chhabra said. "Switch it up, please."
Something Mani said she believes O-Hill could improve upon is their selection of vegetarian items.
"I sent an e-mail to the head of O-Hill saying there should be a bigger selection for vegetarians, and I've seen a lot of change since then," Mani said.
Despite the improvements, Mani said the selection still could be healthier.
"It's hard to be a vegetarian and live off of salad and french fries," Mani said.
Convenience is the biggest reason first-year College student Trumaine Jones prefers Runk over O-Hill and Newcomb. Because Jones lives in Courtenay, Runk is closer than O-Hill and definitely closer than Newcomb.
"What's the point of walking out of my way to go to the others?" Jones said.
Despite his preference, Jones qualified his enjoyment of Runk.
"I mean, it's alright," Jones said. "The atmosphere is not desirable. It's not crowded, but it's dark. It does have great people who work there and great people who go there."
As for anything Runk needed to improve upon, Jones said he could not think of much.
"It's fine with me," Jones said. "I'm not picky."
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