First year away at college, and Mom and Dad are not around to cater to nutritional hunger needs anymore. Penn State Food Services has value and variety to offer famished freshmen.

With locations in each of the five residential areas of campus, the dining commons run on an "all you care to eat" concept. Students under the Ala Board meal plan receive 70 percent off breakfast, lunch and dinner, Associate Director of Food Services Lisa Wandel said.

Students can also receive 70 percent off at other campus eateries such as Louie's in South Halls and RigaTony's in Pollock Halls during regular hours.

This year, one addition will be made to Waring Commons in West Halls. The West Wing will be an eat-in or grab-and-go café.

Wandel said Penn State Food Services offers vegetarian options. In the dining commons, one of the three entrées served is always meatless. One vegan soup is offered each day.

Food Services runs a Vegetarian Advisory Board that meets monthly to provide input on vegetarian meals.

"They take a very active role in the vegetarian menu," Wandel said.

For students looking to maintain a healthy diet, the dining commons and the other dining services located in the commons provide what are called entrée cards. The cards highlight nutritional information using a five-star system. Carbohydrates, protein, low-sodium, calcium and iron are each represented by a star if the appropriate amounts are present in the food item.

Wandel said the focus is not on fat but on a balanced and nutritional diet.

But for those with a hankering sweetooth, many of the commons offer six flavors of University Creamery ice cream, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and other desserts each day.

For a change of pace, the dining commons holds theme dinners each semester. Some of this year's themes include Circus Circus, Halloween at Hogwarts, and How the Grinch Stole the Holiday.

The commons will also feature dinners with upscale menu items for additional points, including Porterhouse steak, shrimp and crab legs.

Ala Board meal plans may be adjusted online this year anytime throughout the semester.

When students tire of eating at the dining commons meal after meal, there are alternative options. Located at the HUB-Robeson Center, Union St. is a popular dining and studying facility.

Students with the Ala Board meal plan receive 10 percent off all Union St. food purchases.

"My favorite place to eat is Union St.," Kay Rosen (senior-advertising) said. "I like the burgers because they are so cheap."

Coaly's Cafe, a buffet-style restaurant in the HUB, has been closed but will eventually be converted into something more affordable for students, said Dave Gingher, assistant director of Food Services.

"It's a great space that wasn't being fully utilized," he said.

The newly renovated Otto's Café in Kern Building has soup, salads, made-to-order sandwiches, burgers, pasta and more. A Starbuck's coffee shop can also be found in the Kern Building.

Café Laura, located in north campus, serves meals with a gourmet touch. The café is run by students of the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Recreation Management. With a gourmet menu, prices at Café Laura run considerably higher than the dining commons and Union St., but to Gail Zittle (junior-aerospace engineering), it is worth it.

"I've only eaten there twice but Café Laura has the best food," Zittle said.