Whispers about the “Freshman 15” are usually common at the start and end of the first and second semesters of freshman year. The term refers to the belief, or perhaps trend, of students gaining weight during their first year of college.
The “Freshman 15” is nothing to be ashamed of. It often happens as a result of freshmen adjusting to the college lifestyle, figuring out how to balance the new structure of classes, study time, work and oneself.
Besides, gaining the “Freshman 15” isn’t such a bad thing in Houston, a city named in Travel + Leisure as one of the “Best Food Cities in the US.” It signifies that students are immersing themselves in the culture.
Starting on campus, there is a strong presence of cafe culture, where people study, work and hang out with their friends.
Across the city, several cafés serve popular drinks like matcha, often infused with flavors such as lavender and mango.
With an on-campus Kokee Tea situated across the street from the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, as well as a Teahouse and a Sharetea nearby, bubble tea is another popular choice.
As Yemeni coffee gains popularity, cafés like Qamaria and Haraz Coffee House have become the go-tos for delicious Adeni chai served with kunafa desserts.
Gaining the “Freshman 15” as a result of frequent, low-budget café runs and hangouts in Houston doesn’t seem so bad with these options.
Moreover, Houston’s incredible cultural diversity is reflected in the cuisines—especially on the food truck scene.
It’s not just the regular American cuisine you can find, but everything from across Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa, Europe, and South and Central America.
With trucks in various neighbourhoods, feasting options include birria, juicy burgers, chicken and waffles, soul food, gelato and much more.
UH main campus also hosts a few trucks weekly. Waffle Bus and Seoul Food are great options, located outside Student Center South when they are on campus.
Easy access to late-night snacks and treats also contributes to the “Freshman 15.”
With H-E-B close to campus, students can take a quick trip to find just about anything from tortilla wraps to ready-to-go sushi.
Accessibility isn’t limited to late-night openings either. It also applies to dietary accommodations.
For instance, Mediterranean and Desi restaurants are usually halal, but many other places in Houston have adapted to offer halal options as well. Some of the options in the city include hibachi, birria and Korean barbecue.
Similarly, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-friendly options, full of flavor, are widely available as well, making the Freshman 15 almost inescapable regardless of dietary preferences or restrictions.
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