Decisions... Decisions.
Dorms: Old or New?
Computer: Laptop or Desktop?
Meal Plan: 13 or Unlimited?
Dining Hall: O-Hill or Newcomb?
It is a familiar scene on Dabney third right on a Wednesday evening. Above noisy hair-dryers, blaring music and hoards of laughter, someone yells: "Where do you guys want to eat tonight?"
Two screams for Newcomb and three for O-Hill ring out from the rooms. Yet, majority does not rule everything.
In a group of more than three people, chances are the decision will not be unanimous. So where do they end up going, and why?
By now, most first years have settled into their new surroundings, implementing certain routines for laundry, sleeping, partying, maybe studying - and even eating.
But why, if the dining halls offer the same fare and are nearly equivalent, do some people never venture outside their dining comfort zone? How do students choose between Newcomb, Observatory Hill and Runk dining halls?
Most first years cite better service, food or atmosphere as rationale for their ventures further across Grounds.
"I usually go a bit farther out of the way because I love the guy that works at O-Hill. He is friendly and very efficient when swiping our cards," first-year College student Jen Berhards said. "He always makes my day and he gives us good tips on what to eat that day."
At each meal, students can scarf down pasta with marinara sauce, burgers (veggie or beef) and fries, soups du jour, deli sandwiches, salad bar, homemade pizza and a "Premium entr
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