When I committed to Ohio State, one of my biggest fears wasn’t the size of campus or making new friends — it was food. Starting college with celiac disease felt terrifying. Would I be able to eat safely? Would I constantly feel left out? How was I supposed to handle late-night cravings when everyone else grabbed pizza?
Surprisingly, OSU has made the transition much easier than I expected. The dining halls are incredibly accommodating — staff members always answer my questions, the gluten-free labels are clear, and there’s almost always a safe protein, veggie, or grain bowl I can grab without stressing. I’ve learned which stations are the most reliable, and I’ve built a small rotation of go-to meals that actually taste good. Also, Marketplace on Neil is super great.
Outside campus, the Short North has become my little haven. There are some amazing gluten-free-friendly spots — places where I don’t have to triple-check every ingredient or apologize for being “that person.” Whether it’s a dedicated GF menu or kitchens that truly understand cross-contamination, these restaurants make going out with friends feel normal and fun instead of anxiety-filled.
Inside my dorm, I’ve become the queen of snacks. My room is basically stocked like a mini GF convenience store — microwave rice bowls, gluten-free mac and cheese, protein bars, crackers, and anything else I can stash for emergencies. The hardest part is definitely late-night eats after going out, when everyone else gets food without a second thought. I can’t always join, and it sucks.
But learning to navigate celiac at OSU has taught me independence, confidence, and how to advocate for myself. If anything, college hasn’t limited me — it just pushed me to get creative and trust that I can handle it.