As a student busy with academics, extracurriculars, work and various other things, it is easy to see cooking as a chore and choose a meal plan or eat out. However, the perception that cooking is a chore prevents students from realizing the benefits of a home-cooked meal.

In a whirlwind beginning of a semester for Baylor Dining, Sic ‘Em Swipes for the Block 40 and Block 65 meal plans were revoked, temporarily available due to a technical error and officially reinstated.

Late Night is only available from 8 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday at the Penland Crossroads. I think expanding Late Night should be a high priority for the university.

In order for the university to uphold its commitment to respecting all people, that would mean providing dietary accommodations for practicing Muslim first-year students specifically, since they are required to purchase a meal plan. These students deserve to feel comfortable eating on campus without fear that they are going against their religious beliefs by doing so.

Even though I’m an off-campus student, I still need to eat. I buy a meal plan so I don’t have to worry about packing a lunch, there’s no money coming out of my pocket and I can maintain ties to campus life.

Trying to swipe a friend through in the dining halls is a fairly common experience. Perhaps, if you are a student who has a meal plan, you’ve tried it yourself.

Perhaps you’ve been told no.