I've always been a picky eater, and in high school I started cooking most of my own meals. I don't know how I'll survive on college cafeteria food next year. Is it possible to cook some meals at college, or is there anything I can do (besides eat out all the time) to make sure I can find something I want to eat?

I have good news and bad news for you. First, the bad news: You might be required to purchase a meal plan for a year or two, or maybe as long as you live on campus. You might be able to drop down to fewer cafeteria meals per week in subsequent semesters, but at least at the beginning of your freshman year, plan on hitting the dining hall three times a day.

The good news is that most college food services now offer options at each meal. There's almost always salad, cereal, or bread and peanut butter available for those times when none of the entree choices appeals to you. Some schools even have pasta, pizza, potato or sandwich bars stocked for every lunch and dinner. And if you don't see a particular food you'd really like, talk to the food service director. He or she might be able to add your request to the menu.

Some students keep cereal, crackers, bagels and other munchies in their rooms for those late-night hunger attacks or, as in your case, as a substitute meal now and then. Some schools allow certain small appliances, such as microwaves or hot plates, in dorm rooms, which means you can stock up on stuff like macaroni and cheese, Ramen noodles and popcorn. Be sure to check with the housing department before purchasing any appliance, since some buildings can't handle the electrical overload.

These options should help you get through cafeteria lulls, but don't give up on the dining hall just yet. College is a great time to learn to eat new foods. Mom and Dad aren't around to act shocked when you try the brussel sprouts—or to be disappointed if you don't finish them. And you might accidentally stumble onto some new dietary favorites. I know a student who learned to eat tossed salad because the girl he liked was always in line for the salad bar!

Even if you don't make a dining hall love connection, the environment there is essential for building community. Meal times are great for socializing and talking about what you're learning and doing. Many students also schedule special meals to catch up with old friends, study the Bible or maintain accountability. You might not always love the food, but I guarantee you'll miss out on valuable relationship experiences if you skip the cafeteria.

I'm a sophomore in college, and I still can't get used to studying. Even when I have every intention of starting early, I always procrastinate until I have no choice but to cram it all in one night. What's your advice?

You already know what you need to do—spread your studying out over more days (and maybe a few nights). Of course, actually doing that is a huge challenge for many students. It's tough to find the motivation to change.

Start by changing your patterns in small ways. First, take 15 minutes after each class period to review or even rewrite your notes. Try to recall the main themes from the lecture or lab that day, and record them in your brain as well as in your notes.

When it comes time to work on big assignments, help yourself by breaking up the tasks into smaller pieces. Set aside 30 minutes each day of the week before a major exam to reread the chapters and review your notes. (This assumes, of course, that you've already read the chapters!)

That brings us to another change you could make. Stay caught up. Read assigned chapters for the class period for which they are assigned. The class presentations will make more sense to you, and you won't be as likely to faint if the professor calls on you to answer a question. (For more on the importance of staying caught up, see "Making the Grade".)

After an exam, take some time to think about what was on the test and what might be on the next one. Getting used to a professor's style will help you be more focused and successful in future study sessions.

When you win some battles against procrastination and minimize "cramming," reward yourself in some meaningful way. Time with friends can be a temptation to put off study time, or it can be a reward for managing your time and assignments well. Maybe one of your friends could even be your "study buddy," keeping you accountable and helping you celebrate success. Just be sure to find a friend who helps you concentrate—not one who's a ton of fun but a big distraction.

I get along OK with my roommate, but there's someone else I'd rather live with next year. How do I tell her I want to switch without hurting her feelings?

In Ephesians 4:15, we read that the best way to communicate is "speaking the truth in love." That's why a situation like this can be so challenging. It's always tough to give bad news to someone you care about. However, in this case, you need to share your feelings honestly—and do it soon, so your roommate will have plenty of time to find someone else to live with.

Before you approach your roommate, take time to sort out the reasons you think a change will be good. Pray for insight, and ask God to help you do the right thing in the right way. It might help to talk with someone you trust (residence hall staff are experts at this) and process your thoughts with him or her. This person could help you out later if the discussion with your roommate takes a turn for the worst. But if possible, approach your roommate on your own. That way, she won't feel like you're "ganging up" on her.

When you do talk with your roommate, emphasize your desire to explore new friendships and have a different experience. If there's a specific reason why you'd like a new living arrangement, mentioning it might soften the blow. For example, you may want to live with Sally because you both have early morning clinicals for your nursing major, or with Alicia because you're in band together, or with someone on your athletic team who shares your evening practice schedule. But if your current roommate disagrees with your reasons for wanting a change, don't try to convince her—just move on to another part of the conversation.

Since you do get along with your roommate, communicate that you value her friendship and want to continue to spend time with her. Some friendships actually get stronger after the rooming is over. Whatever you do, don't promise to stay in touch and then forget all about her. Take the initiative to contact her after you no longer live together.

Now, it's possible your roommate will be more relieved than hurt by this conversation. Maybe she was hoping to switch roommates, too, and hadn't found the courage to tell you. But even if the news is an unpleasant surprise, the discussion doesn't have to be the end of your relationship. Your goal should be to keep her as a friend, even as you enlarge your circle to include new relationships.

I've heard that college students get sick a lot because they all live so close in the dorm. Is this true? How can I keep from getting sick?

Statistics support what you've heard about college students having more sickness because of tight quarters in the dorm. However, not all students get sick, even when their very own roommates come down with some "bug." The key is staying generally healthy, so your body is able to weather whatever's going around.

You can keep your immune system strong through adequate rest, proper nutrition and moderate exercise. This will help you manage your stress level too, which gives you a better chance of fighting off germs.

Another great tip for staying healthy is the same advice your mother always gave you: Wash your hands! Many organisms are carried on hands and transmitted via table surfaces, doorknobs, books or anything else you touch. Carrying one of those antibacterial lotions in your backpack would be a good idea, too.

As far as nutrition, load up on fruits and veggies. And while it's good to drink your OJ, don't share it or any other beverage with your friends. Passing your water bottle or glass around is a sure prescription for getting sick.

Ultimately, there's nothing you can do to guarantee perfect health. So if you start to feel bad, don't hesitate to head for the campus health center. I'm amazed at how many students would rather suffer than see a doctor, but really, they're only making their situations worse. Little problems, like a stuffy nose, can open the door to bigger problems, like sinus and ear infections. Yes, it might be tough to fit a doctor's appointment into your schedule, but nothing will slow you down like a full-blown illness.

My roommate is addicted to his computer. He's always online, sending e-mail, playing games or doing Internet research. He's even moved the computer into the closet so he can tune out the world and focus only on the screen. Should I try to do something about this or should I just live with it?

"Addicted" is probably the right word. Your roommate has become consumed by the temptations of being online. Even if he's staying away from the sexual temptations offered by the Internet, he's losing perspective on how to live well. Besides closing the closet door, he's closing himself off to healthy relationships and activities. His life needs balance.

Short of staging a power outage, there are some things you might try. Discussing your concerns with your roommate is always a good idea, no matter what the issue is. If you want to bring in outside support, invite him to join you and some friends to do something totally unrelated to computers. You could even try to get him involved with others by asking him to share his expertise with computer-challenged peers. Maybe he could get a job in the campus computer lab. Sitting at the "help desk" and providing service to other students would be so much better than shutting himself in the closet.

If your attempts to engage him in relationships or activities fail, share your concern with your residence assistant or a student life or faculty person you know. They'll be able to check up on his grades and his health, and they've definitely got more resources for dealing with this problem than you do on your own. True addictions—whether they involve alcohol, drugs, food, exercise, or anything else in life—should always be handled by professionals.

Whatever you determine to be the best course of action right now, don't "just live with" this situation. You're right to be concerned.

Judy Moseman is Vice President of Student Life at Bethel College (MN).

Questions you would like considered for this column should be sent to: Campus Q & A, Campus Life, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188. You can also reach Campus Q & A via fax (630-260-0114) or e-mail (CLmag@campuslife.net).

Copyright (c) 2000 by the author or Christianity Today, Inc./Campus Life magazine. Click here for reprint information on Campus Life.