What-to-Know Wednesday : Everything You Need to Know About Alliot

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Hello all!

In the wake of last night's parent Knightchat, I decided it would be a great time to dedicate an entire post towards covering one of our most popular questions from parents and students alike... so, how's the food...really?

As a student, you'll be spending a lot of time at the dining hall, so it's a valid question, and one that I certainly asked often as a prospective student. So without further ado, here are a few key things you need to know about Alliot!


1.) Swipes

Yay freshman me!!!

 Your student ID (a.k.a. Knightcard) is your admittance into Alliot, and will be swiped at the door. The majority of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors have unlimited meal plans with unlimited swipes, however, a few juniors are lucky enough to get into a townhouse with their own kitchens and are on limited meal plans with a limited amount of swipes per semester. The same applies to seniors with townhouses.


2.) Hours

Alliot is open at 7:15 AM and closes at 8 PM on weekdays, and you can swipe in however many times you want/need to in that time! Weekends are a little more complicated, with an early breakfast from 8:30-9:30 AM, brunch from 11 AM to 1 PM, and dinner from 4:45 to 6:30 PM.


3.) Options

In addition to their regular menu (which changes day-to-day), Alliot is newly equipped with a gluten-free area! Additionally, various vegan and vegetarian options are offered every day. I know a handful of people with the aforementioned restrictions, and even they agree that Alliot is very accommodating to their individual needs.


4.) Holiday Dinners

Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are arguably the best nights at Alliot all year. Get there as early as possible to secure a seat, because I can assure you that you'll never see Alliot as packed as you will on Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner nights!

Throughout the rest of the year, Alliot has a few other special menus from time to time, including Local Foods night and guest chef nights. Be there for those as well!


5.) KEY TIP: Make the Best of Your Options

When it comes down to it, your dining hall experience will be no more and no less than exactly what you make of it! So the most important thing to remember when eating at the same place every day, which can become monotonous wherever that is, is to pay attention to your individual needs and preferences, explore your options, and be inventive! While a cheeseburger might seem like the easiest option before your afternoon class, you're going to find yourself hating Alliot if you don't branch out a little. Take advantage of the stir fry station, salad bar, meat carving station, and of course, don't be afraid to mix and match! You'll be glad you did.


Happy dining, and be sure to stay tuned for the next Sum-It-Up Sunday on the 1st!


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Instagram: @claire_cavanaugh
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E-mail: ccavanaugh2@mail.smcvt.edu