College dining halls. The first reaction most people have when hearing these words provokes images of sloppy Joe’s or microwaveable corn dogs. Eating on campus is often viewed as a right of passage—thou shall suffer heartburn, stomach pains, and loss of appetite or, instead, live solely off of instant noodles and easy mac.

I consider myself fortunate to go to a university that takes pride in their dining options. Bon Appetit (the caterers for University of Portland) displays a clear message that they aim to nourish students with fresh and sustainable produce. From visiting other friends’ schools, it is evident that UP is extremely fortunate in the department of food. Ranging from acaí bowls, to globally inspired dishes, my school would definitely be considered 'fine dining' compared to many others.

While I find it important to give credit where credit is due, I could never say that dining on campus is anywhere near amazing. Serving sizes can seem stingy, the options start seeming limited, and everything honestly kind of starts tasting the same.

Being a sophomore, I’ve come to discover that there are ways to “hack” the system, and keep your dining hall visits from becoming repetitive, expensive, or unhealthy. Here are a few tips in tricks on how to “win” the University of Portland dining hall:

1. Free bread

Think that the bread hiding behind the soup station is just for the soup eaters? Think again! You are allowed to take pretty much all the bread you want no matter what you order.

2. Opt for the smaller size

Literally the only difference in the bigger salads is more lettuce. And if you actually do your civil duty and pay for soup, oatmeal, or cereal, save yourself some points by getting a cup instead of a bowl. You can always go back for more.

3. Bring your own cup

If you bring a reusable coffee cup to the Starbucks in the commons, you'll not only be helping the environment, but you get a pretty good discount as well.

4. Side of anything

Would you kill for some mac n' cheese, but can only rationalize with yourself if you have some veggies with it? Fear not my friends, because you can get a side of basically anything from any station for just two extra points. So by asking for one, two, or how ever many sides, you can get some vegetables from the salad bar.

5. Get your protein fix

Bulking season? Good news! You can ask for chicken or eggs from the grill station without having to put it in sandwich or burger form.

6. Beat the lines

If you go to the commons while classes are in session, you can usually beat the ridiculous lines and wait times. Also, since there are less people overall, the servers are more likely to give you a little bit more food.

7. Become friends with a Bon Appetit worker

I have the very pleasure myself to work behind the counter once a week in the commons. After closing times, I swear there is enough left over food to feed a small country. All the workers are allowed to take as much left overs as the want, so if you know someone who works in the commons, they'll probably be more than happy to bring you back some free food. It all goes pretty much to waste otherwise.

8. Lemon for your water

Not a fan of the infused water options, or plan water either? The coffee stand usually has a bunch of fresh lemon by the cream and sugar that you can use to give your water a little more flavor.

9. Add some flavor to your food

Depending on what's being served at the "bowl" station, there are usually some topics at the very end. Salsa, cilantro, or other sauces are among the various options you may find. Whatever you get in the commons, you can add some flavor variation to your food by going over and adding what ever they have to your plate.

10. Switch up the dressing

If you ordered a side salad but aren't a fan of the dressing at the station, feel free to ask them to hold the dressing, and pick one out from the salad bar instead.

11. Rice for your soup

The commons has steamed rice right next to the soup station every day. Putting some of that rice in your soup can give it a little more bulk and fill you up better all for free.

12. Check the app

Don't waste your time walking all the way to the commons to see what is being served. The University of Portland app updates the commons menu daily so you can always see what is being served.

13. Forks in the drawers

If the utensil bins are all out, instead of wasting plastic, check the drawers right below. They should be filled with fresh forks, knives, and spoons.

14. Don't forget the pickles

In between the salad bar and the sandwich station you will find bowls filled with pickles, peppers, etc. Those are fair game for anyone.

15. Closing time

The commons says it stops serving food at 7:00 p.m., but food is still out until around 7:45. And since they aren't expecting many more people to serve, you'll likely get even more food too.

16. Chips and fruit

Want to be a bit more healthy when ordering a sandwich? If you skip the chips you are allowed to take some fruit instead.

On cold nights, I like to get some grilled chicken, a cup of soup, and a side of veggies. I was running all over the place but I would get a relatively inexpensive and healthy meal that would fill me up nicely.

Knowing new ways to explore the commons can keep the food from getting dull and boring. I hope you UP students are ready to discover new ways to "win" the commons.