What do you think is the top question new students ask once they enroll in a school?

If the students at Western Illinois University are any indication, the question may be: “Are we allowed to have mini-fridges and microwaves in our residence hall room?”

That’s what John Biernbaum, head of the school’s housing and dining services, recently told the Associated Press.

Seems today’s students are showing an increasing interest in preparing their own food – and not just any food.

Popcorn and instant soup may have been the favorite choice for dorm room eating in years past. But nowadays – whether it’s because students are traveling more or watching celebrity chefs on TV – their tastes are far more sophisticated. (For Sodexo’s list of today’s top campus foods compared to 20 years ago, click here.)

As part of this trend toward students’ more refined palates, traditional campus meals may soon become a thing of the past. Here’s what some schools are already doing:

• Sarah Lawrence College (NY): Students on the meal plan have the option of getting groceries – rather than prepared foods – from the cafeteria.
• Ohio Wesleyan University (OH): Students can pick up microwaveable meals or cook their own through the school’s “My Pantry” program.
• Gustavius Adolphus College (MN): The dining hall provides takeout containers that are recyclable.

Have there been any changes in students’ meal options at your school? Let us know in the comments section below.

Tags: Gustavius Adolphus College, John Biernbaum, Ohio Wesleyan University, Sarah Lawrence College, Western Illinois University