This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SMCVT chapter.
Here at St. Michael’s, one of the perks of being an upperclassman is being able to live in the townhouses and apartments on campus. For most people, however, there is a tradeoff: you only get to go into Alliot forty times per semester, plus however many times a generous person will swipe you in. The transition from total dependence on the chefs in the Green Mountain Dining Hall to having to buy and make your own food can be difficult. But, if you strategize how you use your swipes throughout the semester, you can make the most out of your limited dining hall experience without wasting swipes on hot dog night.
- Brunch – Sometimes all you really need to start off your Saturdays or Sundays is a warm, fluffy Belgian waffle with some spicy home fries. So save some swipes for weekly/biweekly trips to Alliot brunch, and maybe even sneak in some real maple syrup to top off you waffle.
- Sloane – Some people forget or don’t even know about Sloane, the alternative restaurant-style dining hall on North Campus. Diners at Sloane get rolls, an appetizer, an entrée and dessert served to them all for the price of an Alliot swipe. Venture to Sloane for weekly family dinners, and maybe even a date or two.
- Thanksgiving dinner – At Thanksgiving dinner, Alliot is at its most classy, decked out in tablecloths and gords. Save a swipe for turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and all the other fixings that make up a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
- Christmas dinner – Eggnog in Alliot. Christmas. Need I say more? The dinner is a great way to end the semester in the most enjoyable way possible – by eating!
- Bananas Foster for Mardi Gras – This banana, vanilla ice cream and caramel dessert is only served in Alliot once a year to commemorate Mardi Gras. Though it doesn’t come until second semester, it is well worth the wait – and a swipe!
- Oreo Goodness/Goop/Surprise/Pudding – Whatever you may call it, it’s delicious. Follow SMC Dining on Twitter (@DiningSMC) or talk to your friends on the unlimited meal plan to get updates on when this delicious dessert is available throughout the semester.
- Local food night – Local chefs prepare local ingredients to create tasty dishes that are not usually served in Alliot. Save some swipes for these unique meals!
- Finals week – Use the rest of your swipes during finals week, when you don’t have time to cook or when you just need an escape from studying.
Photo courtesy of @DiningSMC