College with Food Allergies: How I Made It Work at UMass Amherst
It’s never easy growing up with food allergies — but one of the biggest life transitions for me was heading off to college with them. I wanted to share a few things that helped make my time at the University of Massachusetts Amherst a little easier, safer, and honestly, a lot more enjoyable!
Move-In Prep: Snacks, Support, and Superstores
As someone with food allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, and dairy, packing for college looked a little different. My parents helped me gather all the essentials — which, for me, meant a lot of snacks, non-perishables, and medications. We basically lived at Target and Walmart before move-in. I was so grateful for how involved they were in making sure my transition felt safe and seamless💛
Dining Halls & Label-Reading Lessons
One thing that really helped? Going to the #1 ranked college dining program in the country! At UMass, I always spoke directly with the chefs in the dining hall to double-check what was safe for me. The salad bar and pasta station quickly became my go-to spots. Everything was clearly labeled with allergens, which made eating there feel way more manageable (and less stressful).
I remember always eating the French fries — until one random day, the label showed they contained sesame. That moment really stuck with me. I was proud of myself for continuing to check labels, even for foods I’d eaten before. Ingredients change, and cross-contact happens — but that awareness kept me safe.
Dorm Life: Learning the Hard Way
I also learned a lot in the dorms that first year — like how to politely say “no thanks” to a floor pizza night, or how to label my fridge shelf and ask my roommate not to store nut butter nearby. Small things like that made a big difference in keeping my space safe.
To be completely honest, my first roommate wasn’t very respectful about my allergies. One morning, I woke up and saw peanut shells in our shared garbage. That moment really hit me — and I lost trust.
Finding My Safe Space: Sorority Life & Chef Kev
After my first semester in the dorms — and some not-so-great experiences with my roommate — I moved into my sorority house, Kappa Kappa Gamma. To say I was lucky is an understatement.
We had a private chef, Chef Kev, who cooked us lunch and dinner every weekday. He knew my allergies like the back of his hand. If there was ever a meal I couldn’t have, he always made a separate dish for me — no questions asked. And yes, the salad bar at our house was always a hit — everyone was obsessed. Some of my favorites? Chicken fingers with rice pilaf and his infamous pasta salad.
There were a few other girls in the house with food allergies too, which made the environment even more comforting and supportive. One of them is still one of my absolute best friends to this day!
I was also surrounded by the most supportive group of friends in my sorority — they knew my allergies just as well as I did. I always made sure one of them had an extra EpiPen on them, just in case. Most times when we were out, they’d even tell the waiter my allergies for me — or sing the little “allergy song” they made up (LOL). They truly had my back (and still do).
College Allergy Survival Tips That Helped Me Most
Here are a few things that made a big difference for me in college with food allergies:
Talking to dining staff early – I introduced myself to chefs during orientation week so they knew me before things got busy.
Creating a “safe stash” – I kept allergy-friendly snacks in my dorm, backpack, and sorority room at all times.
Sharing my allergy action plan – My close friends knew what to do in case of an emergency (and where to find my meds).
Advocating for myself, without apology – It took time, but I got more confident speaking up — whether it was in class, the dining hall, or at social events.
Real Talk: The Tough Moments
Of course, there were still hard days. There were plenty of dinners or parties where I couldn’t eat anything — and that stung. But I reminded myself that it was okay to eat before or after those events, and I always kept a snack with me. Whether it was a group dinner, a dining hall with limited options, or a sorority or fraternity formal, I learned to be prepared. And while it can sometimes feel like food allergies are your whole personality, I try to remind myself that they’ve made me a more responsible, thoughtful, and strong person!
Final Thoughts
Everyone’s college experience is different. I know how lucky I was to feel safe, supported, and still enjoy so many amazing meals during those four years.
If you’re heading to college with food allergies, I promise: you’re not alone. It can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right tools, support system, and a little planning, you can thrive.
Already in school with allergies? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you — DM me on instagram @eatsafelivebig 💛
XXOO,
JJ
