1. The Dining Halls Have Nothing

Although I am grateful that my university tries to implement vegan options, it tends to be the same thing everyday: soggy vegetables and unseasoned tofu. Of course, this is a problem nationwide at colleges.

2. No One Wants to Try that Restaurant

Since vegan restaurants tend to be more expensive, I can understand why broke college students would prefer to get a cheap taco rather than try a vegan place with me. Still, it hurts just a little bit.

3. People Judge Your Plate

Whether it's looking with disgust at my meal or poking at the mysterious meat-substitute on my plate, some people are evidently uncomfortable when I bring my food over.

4. People Get Scared that You're Silently Judging

Trust me, I genuinely do not mind if you eat in front of me. I don't expect my friends to follow my diet because I recognize it's not for everyone. Go ahead and have your hotdog.

5. Cooking is Almost Impossible

I'm basically the worst chef in the world, but being vegan means that sometimes I have to make my own meals. However, it's pretty difficult to find ingredients for a satisfying plant-based meal on a college campus. Unless I want a dinner of Oreos and potato chips from the vending machine, I'm out of luck.

6. Dating Gets Tricky

College is a time for exploration, which means potentially finding new romantic interests. Unfortunately, most first dates usually involve me ordering a salad without cheese or chicken. So, I basically have to sustain myself off lettuce and a single cherry tomato for the duration of the dinner.

7. The Guessing Game

Especially at dining halls, it's hard to tell if something is cruelty-free. While some options are labeled, others are not, which means I have to inspect whether that sandwich has mayo without being too awkward about it.

8. Not Everyone Respects It

Even in college, I am still constantly asked to "just try it" or "have a cheat day." I don't want to impose my veganism on anyone in anyway, but others do not necessarily feel the same way about me.