Students who are too busy to cook or are not interested in what the dining hall has to offer frequently opt for another alternative -- ordering from one of State College's 15 pizza parlors.

"Pizza is very popular among college students because it is a quick and easy food that is somewhat nutritious," said Brenda Foster, a shift superindendent at Pizza Hut, 244 W. College Ave.

"I don't think there could be too many pizza places. It could be worse if there wasn't enough, especially for people who live off campus and may not have access to a pizza place," said Steve Cappella (junior-administration of justice).

But Bill McFadden, owner of Hofbrau Pizza, 1316 W. College Ave., said he thinks State College is overcrowded with pizza parlors.

"So many pizza businesses are not making as much business as they expected. That's why you see so many pizza parlors offering a large pizza for four dollars," McFadden said.

Pizza Hut offers an all-you-can-eat special Monday and Wednesday from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., which includes pizza, pasta-salad bar and a small drink for $4.99.

"About 50 pizzas are prepared for Monday and Wednesday night. A lot of people come in large groups, but these nights aren't really crowded because a lot people don't know about it,'' said Eddie Wentz, a cook at Pizza Hut.

"It's a good deal. You come in hungry and you leave full," said Nikki Van Dornick (senior-finance).

However, not everyone is satisfied with this special.

"I think they have a hard time keeping pizza out. The most popular selections like plain and pepperoni go so fast that sometimes you don't get enough," said Kristy Bain (senior-art education).

Greg Ritter, assistant manager of The Original Italian Pizza Restaurant, 222 W. Beaver Ave., said he believes pizza parlors thrive in the area because of the number of students living here.

"There is a high population of students who want something quick," said Dave Dettinburn (junior-history), a delivery driver for Original Italian Pizza.

Some students like pizza because it is convenient and does not consume a lot of their time.

"We order pizza when we don't feel like cooking, especially on Friday nights. We don't have to clean, we can just throw the box away," said Patti Bommer (senior-hotel, restaurant and institutional management).

While delivering pizza may just be a job to some people, it can have its surprises.

"One of our female pizza deliverers arrived at the door of the person who had order a pizza. The guy arrived at the door with a robe wrapped around his body. When he went to pay her, the robe opened and he flashed her," Ritter said.

And sometimes it can be dangerous.

"When we did deliver, the Bell of Pennsylvania phone book put a $7 off coupon for pizza when it was supposed to be $1 off," McFadden said. "A couple of guys wanted to buy a pizza, but when they were told it was a dollar off and not seven they beat up the delivery driver and held him hostage until they got $7 dollars off on their pizza."