With so much discussion surrounding how foodservice operators are planning new changes for the fall semester and beyond, we thought we’d take a brief moment to check into what current college students are expecting to find (if and) when they return.
Ann Roebuck, one of our principals here at Envision Strategies, had a quick check-in with those close to her:
Having two college students (ages 20 and 22) and access to their friends, I created an impromptu Q&A session on campus dining. These college students were impressive young adults. I half-expected the responses to be flippant, but their answers to my probing questions were thoughtful and worldly. Their responses tended to reflect what they have personally experienced with COVID-19.
On Dining Facilities
Almost all of them thought that residential dining (AYCE) would be modified and/or limited. This was expressed in terms of access or the number of people in the facility by having “reservations” or “assigned numbers.” They expect that if you can’t get inside the dining facility, then you would be offered a to-go meal option. One had already received communication from his university of their plan of to-go meals only, and was content with it.
On Hours of Operation
All of them thought that overall hours of operations would be about the same as last year, but the timing for “breakfast” or “lunch” may be different. In particular, that the time for lunch might be extended.
On Number of Locations
When asked about the number of locations, the answers varied. Some said that limited finances would lead to fewer locations. Others asked “how can they feed the entire campus without MORE locations? There are too many people to feed, so they need as many locations as they can get.”
To Sum Up
Just like some college students want an in-person classroom experience, they are also craving that “on-campus experience.” And, of course, dining is a big part of that experience. Returning college students know that Fall 2020 won’t be like Fall 2019, but they want to get as close to that experience as they can. They will adapt and change, but deep down they just want to sit with their friends and eat a meal together.
The most important practical take away from my conversation is that communication is VERY important. College students can’t help but expect what they’re used to (and, like the rest of us, they fear the unknown), but if you just communicate your modifications and changes as regularly as possible, they can and will adapt to what will be required.
Just let them know what’s happening!