Some of your fondest college memories are likely to involve eating. Maybe you’re preparing an elegant 3-course meal with your suitemates, or perhaps you’re frustration with studying for that 8 a.m. exam has lead you to McDonald’s at 2 a.m. (Bad decisions make for great memories, right?).
But what happens if your food cabinet is empty or your car is not readily available? It may be time to invest in a swipe at Scurve.
Yes, Scurve. Its real name is Johnson Dining Hall and the story behind how its mononymous nickname came about is a bit unclear. Of course, there are other eating options on campus, but students just don’t seem to have the same love-hate relationship with those eateries that they do with Scurve.
Eating there is always an interesting experience – it’s hit or miss. A lot of times, the issues you face there aren’t even related to the food. But a true YCP student should know his or her way around it and know how to make the best out of it. Here are seven Scurve hacks that are sure to make the best out of your Scurve experience:
Get an omelet for breakfast.
Omelets are perhaps Scurve’s most underrated food item. They are made to order by the dining hall staff every morning and are actually pretty good. Don’t let the long line stop you. You won’t be waiting for any longer than five minutes. The chefs are pretty fast and if you go often enough, they may even remember your order.
Find a table before you get food.
You definitely don’t want to be that one person standing in the middle of the room, searching mindlessly for the table that your friends chose to sit at because you got separated from them. Be prepared. Mark a table by placing your things on it.
Check dineoncampus.com before going.
Not enough students know about this website, and they should. This website provides dining hall menus for colleges all throughout the country, YCP being one of them. It’s mobile friendly, so just take out your phone before going so that you know what you’re walking into. You don’t want to use a swipe just to discover that there’s nothing good to eat at that time.
Go alone every once in awhile.
It’s not as bad as it seems. Think about it: you’re on your own time. There’s no worrying about eating too fast and sitting there waiting for everyone else to finish. Alternatively, there’s no worrying about eating too slow and having to feel guilty about everybody waiting for you. It’s a win-win. And don’t overthink it – the chances are that nobody is judging you for being alone. It isn’t anyone’s business, anyway.
Sit at a round table if you’re eating alone.
If you’re eating alone, own it. Show off your independence and make yourself visible by sitting front and center. Confidence is attractive.
Use styrofoam cups for more than just beverages.
Ever heard of fries in a cup? You should try it. You can put anything in the styrofoam cups provided next to the coffee – there is no limit. This is a perfect solution if you’re still hungry upon leaving the dining hall and just want to snack on something.
And finally:
Don’t go at the top of the hour if you’re trying to avoid lines.
Scurve can get pretty crowded, especially when the food is exceptional. A good general consensus to keep in mind is to not go at the top of the hour. At the top of the hour, students have gotten out of class about ten minutes earlier and have made their way over to the dining hall all at once. Noon and 6 p.m., the prime meal times, are the worst, so definitely try and avoid going then. Going at random times of the hour will give you a better chance of not having to wait in a line that goes out the door.