Being hungry on Campus

| Lisa Waldera

Lisa Waldera (24) is a master’s student Communication Studies from Bremen, Germany. For three years now, she’s been living on campus. Next to her study, she regularly visits the cinema and enjoys concerts of all music genres. Every other week she writes about her life at the University of Twente.

Photo by: Annabel Jeuring

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Everyone knows that. I am just never hungry in the morning. It still confuses me how people are able to make a whole meal right after getting out of bed. And then eat it. Instead, I am taking coffee. But, as a result, a sudden feeling of hunger hits me at precisely 10:00. Now that the UT is closed, it is not happening during every morning class at least. Still now, I scold myself for not eating anything before starting to study. Again. I consider the food options. I do not really want a warm meal yet but something smaller and faster. A bread maybe. Right after class, I was usually passing the Mensa. Sandwiches and smoothies were options there. But every time the same questions: what student is able to pay these prices for a bread? I thought Dutch people are known to be cheap? And more importantly, what student is full after only one small sandwich? I discard the thought because all UT buildings are closed now anyway.

Wait. The supermarket is open. After the renovation, they are offering a greater variety of salads, pastas and breads. I have to say though that most people still walk straight up to the greasy and cheap frikandel- and kroketbroodjes. The bread choices are limited, even more now, and cost as much as at the Mensa. A salad might be healthy, but again, who is full after eating one of those? No wonder all students on Campus simply make a sandwich for lunch. Unfortunately, I did not replace my sandwich maker after the old one broke. My level of hangriness is rising. While walking the dog, I am passing the Subway sign. Still open for take away. I look at their sub of the day rooster. I am debating in my head. Is it really healthy? No. Is it tasting great? Yes. Is it fast? Yes. Is it filling? Yes. I guess the decision is made for today. With my last mental strength, I deny the addition of a tasty cookie to my sub.  

At the same time, I am thinking about what kind of lunch options I am actually missing on Campus. Maybe a Wok to Go could offer some semi-healthy, filling, fast and optionally vegetarian choices. Until then I will try to make breakfast at home a more important meal of my day.

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