Lifestyle

Colgate’s Declassified Frank Survival Guide

By Jessica Schoen at Colgate

When you walk into Frank Dining Hall, you might feel like this:

or this:

Never fear! We have some tips to help your survival of the horror that is Frank Dining Hall.

1. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is

So don’t eat it. Unless you’re very, very brave.

2. Combine multiple stations

Frank intends to serve whole meals at different stations, but more often than not, you will find one good option among three lesser foods.

3. Use your friends as taste testers

Questioning something? Tell your gullible friend it looks good, and then tell them to try it. If they make a face, you have your work cut out for you.

4. Don’t forget the standbys

These options will (almost) never disappoint, even on the lowest of Frank days: egg station, salad station, grill station, and desserts. Also, on the lowliest of days: cereal.

5. Long lines are key

Now is not the time to avoid long lines. As a general rule of thumb, the longer the line, the better the food. When they have four different kinds of mac and cheese, they’re usually all amazing.

6. Save room for Frank dessert

Cupcake Saturdays and Sundae Sundays are real and will save your meal.

7. Remember your options

If you’re a first-year or sophomore, your unlimited meal plan will get you food at the COOP and Donovan’s Pub. Mix it up a little and check out some other food suggestions, like this.

8. Set your expectations low

Especially true if you’re eating at off-hours. Don’t expect a fresh meal at 4 pm–it’s probably the same food that was there at 2 pm.

9. Listen to your peers

Check out what others have to say about being a vegetarian or picky eater in Frank.

10. Be innovative

Use what Frank has to your advantage, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes!

Here are some more tips to help you survive Frank:

• 6 Ways to Turn Your Frank Salad into a Masterpiece
• 7 Unbelievably Easy Colgate Food Hacks That Will Change Your Life
• 6 Easy Frank Hacks to Keep In Your Arsenal