Students Share Their Best Cafeteria Hacks

If there’s one thing every college student learns fast, it is how to make the most of the cafeteria. At Oklahoma Christian University, students have found clever ways to upgrade their meals and mix things up beyond the daily menu. A few Oklahoma Christian students shared their favorite hacks.

Senior Landon Casaday said he likes to use the waffle maker to take a basic meal up a notch.

 “Sometimes what I’ll do is get a wrap or sandwich and put it in the waffle maker to toast it,” Casaday said. “I’ll also grab Chick-fil-A sauce and use it for my chicken from the caf.”

On popular themed days, some students turn main dishes into something new.

“On orange chicken day, I’ll get a wrap and put the orange chicken in my wrap,” said Enoch Perkins.

Others focus on beating the rush. Solomon Ross said he plans his schedule around the lunch crowd.

“I swipe in for lunch before chapel so after chapel I can just enter through the re-entry line, which is always shorter,” Ross said. “The after-chapel line can back up quickly, making the early swipe worth it for many students.”

For salad lovers, simple tricks can make a difference.

“When you get a salad, grab two bowls so you can use one as a lid to mix your salad,” said Elle Sharpe.

Some students build custom creations with what is available.

“I’ll make self-made loaded fries; it’s just a basket of fries then whatever you want from the salad bar,” said Nikki King.

Dessert is where creativity shines.

“I love a good caf affogato,” said student Ella Mae. “I’ll put some of the caf’s vanilla ice cream into a bowl or cup then brew an espresso shot or two over it. It’s always so good.”

Sierra McCracken keeps it classic with an ice cream sandwich.

“I get a bowl of ice cream, a spoon and two cookies and make an ice cream sandwich,” McCracken said.

Some hacks are about helping friends as much as helping yourself. One hack Ajaya Macon joked, “I’ll get the meat for my meat-eating friends.”

Senior PJ Damico said building relationships in the caf can pay off.

“Become friends with the caf workers; if they like you, they sometimes give you more food,” Damico said. He also recommends mixing potatoes into the breakfast scramble to make it more filling.