With fast food options around every corner and a seemingly never-ending stock of meal swipes, temptation can be a demon to handle.
However, if you keep swiping that card with eternity in mind, there will be a day that the Pit worker will look you dead in the eyes and say ‘sorry sweetheart you’re out of swipes.’ Trust us, it’s a feeling you want to avoid. The first key is to understand the basic components of your meal plan. Your standard meal plan is comprised of pit swipes (used at the Pit and North Pit), Old Gold Swipes (combo meals at most of the fast food dining sites) and food dollars (used anywhere). Old Golds can be confusing at first, so take a minute to learn how to effectively use these. While this is not a completely comprehensive list, this will at least get you started with the basics. Trust me, your stomach (and wallet) will thank you.
Chick-fil-A: If you’re from the south, you understand. If you come from anywhere else … you’ll quickly learn.
Combo #1: Original Chicken Sandwich, medium Waffle Fries and a Fountain Drink
Cost: $6.64
Bang for buck: ★★★
Healthiness: ★★
Popularity: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
Combo #2: Chargrilled Chicken Salad and a Fountain Drink
Cost: $8.25
Bang for buck: ★★★★
Healthiness: ★★★★
Popularity: ★★
Overall: ★★
Combo #3: 8-Count Chicken Nuggets, medium Waffle Fries and a Fountain Drink
Cost: $6.19
Bang for buck: ★★★
Healthiness: ★★
Popularity: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
Combo #4: 4-Count Chick-n-Minis, Hash Browns and a Fountain Drink
Cost: $5.50
Bang for buck: ★★
Healthiness: ★★
Popularity: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★
Zick’s: Open until 2:00 a.m., Zick’s can be a popular choice after a long night out.
Combos: Two slices of One Topping Pizza or one of the Signature Flatbreads with a Fountain Drink
Cost: $8.08
Bang for buck: ★★★★★
Healthiness: ★★
Popularity: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
Forest Greens: Easily the healthiest option of all the Old Gold Swipes.
Combo: Custom Four-Topping Salad and a Fountain Drink
Cost: $9.20
Bang for buck: ★★★★★
Healthiness: ★★★★★
Popularity: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★★
Moe’s Southwest Grill: An alternative for those facing withdraw from Chipotle.
Combo #1: The “Jr. Homewrecker” Burrito, Tortilla Chips and a Fountain Drink
Cost: $8.88
Bang for buck: ★★★★★
Healthiness: ★★★
Popularity: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★★
Combo #2: The “Rupert” Vegetarian Nachos and a Fountain Drink
Cost: $9.09
Bang for buck: ★★★★
Healthiness: ★★★
Popularity: ★★★
Overall: ★★★
Subway: Open 24 hours, Subway is the late night venue of energy restitution.
Combo: Any 6’’ sub, Chips and a Fountain Drink
Cost: $6.44
Bang for buck: ★★★
Healthiness: ★★★★
Popularity: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
Einstein Bros’ Bagels: A great option for those looking to spend their mornings studying in Farrell Hall.
Combo #1: Bagel with a medium Coffee
Cost: $4.30
Bang for buck: ★★
Healthiness: ★★★
Popularity: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★
Combo #2: Deli Sandwich and a Fountain Drink
Cost: $9.05
Bang for buck: ★★★★★
Healthiness: ★★★★
Popularity: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★★★
Take Two (Boar’s Head): If you can spare a few extra minutes to wait in line, Boar’s Head sandwiches/burgers are the best.
Combo #1: Any Sandwich, Chips and a Fountain Drink
Cost: $8.63
Bang for buck: ★★★★★
Healthiness: ★★★★
Popularity: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★★
Combo #2: A Single Angus Burger, Fries and a Fountain Drink
Cost: $7.77
Bang for buck: ★★★
Healthiness: ★★
Popularity: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★
Starbucks: Although it’s not the best option for those with limited Old Gold Swipes, food dollars are a popular currency for coffee.
Combo: A Pastry and a Tall Coffee
Cost: $4.30 – $4.80
Bang for buck: ★★
Healthiness: ★★
Popularity: ★★
Overall: ★★
Shorty’s: Known better for its food than its speed, Shorty’s is a great option for those wanting a sit-down restaurant atmosphere.
Daily Old Gold Deals — Monday, triple cheese and tomato basil; Tuesday, BLT and guacamole sandwich; Wednesday, Shorty’s dog with fries; Thursday, house, cobb or apple walnut salad; Friday, grilled ham and pimento; Every day, tenders and fries.
