Most college students experience a 9-5 school routine, possibly including work and various extracurricular activities. On top of all this, they have to consider when and where to eat. This is made exponentially more difficult if they don’t have a meal plan or are out of dining punches for the week.

A solution? Meal-prepping.

Campus too crowded this weekend? Looking to explore Harrisonburg while you’re here? We asked students about their favorite restaurants in the city via Instagram to help guide you to a good spot, and based this list off of 28 responses.

After noticing an absence of gluten-free food options in Harrisonburg, JMU alumna Sarah Baker-McEvily ('19) began planning to open her own allergy-friendly bakery. BMC Bakes, Baker-McEvily's bakery, is set to open in October on North Main Street near The Golden Pony.

Coming off of the one year anniversary of its Harrisonburg location, Texas Inn owner Dave Saunders discusses poor experiences opening and operating in the "Friendly City." Owner of Dart Resale and Trade Mary Yoder says differently. 

Harrisonburg resident Amanda Friss is set to open up Parentheses Books at the end of September. The independent bookstore will be located in Liberty Street Mercantile and hopes to sell textbooks for JMU students.

Drifters Cafe, a cafe originally opened in Wardensville, West Virginia, opened it's second location on South Liberty Street in Harrisonburg on Aug. 29. The cafe, which offers an extensive menu, is also offering student employment opportunities and spaces for both studying and family-style dining.

With Carrier Library under renovation and the Starbucks within it closed, students may find themselves in search of a new location to get their caffeine fix. Contributor Grace Reed writes about coffee spots both across campus and in the Friendly City that students can visit instead.

Over the summer Harrisonburg gained six new and improved attractions. The city gained new locations of already existing restaurants, along with new eateries and art installations.

Aristocat Cafe, a cat cafe that just opened in Harrisonburg, serves coffee, tea and pastries while allowing patrons to play with and adopt in-house cats, as well as providing them the resources for the cats through the Humane Society of Shenandoah County.

After shutting down last September, local restaurant The Little Grill reopened its doors. The restaurant, which has served customers for 80 years, was the meeting place of its owner and his wife as well as a staple for many Harrisonburg locals.

JMU alumna Rosie Grant started her now-famous TikTok account as part of a class on social media algorithms but didn't expect to go viral overnight. Since discovering a gravestone with a cookie recipe in Brooklyn, New York, Grant has now recreated 20 recipes from around the world.

To celebrate the opening of Merge Coffee Company's new location on JMU's campus, the University Program Board (UPB) hosted its Java Jam event. Live music and free hot cocoa for attendees paired well for a successful welcome to a local business.

In this in-depth piece on JMU Dining services, Morgan Vuknic spoke with staff and students on issues pertaining to food insecurity, food waste, recycling, composting and restricted diet options. The Pantry, located in Taylor Down Under, is one organization that's tried to combat food insecurity by allowing students to anonymously get free food, no questions asked. 

As Homecoming Weekend is finally here, Luke Freisner spoke with the assistant  athletics directer and general mangers of Hotel Madison and Jimmy Madison's to see how these major local businesses prepare for the busy weekend ahead.  

The Three Notch'd Valley Collab House, located on East Market Street, serves as a community hub hosting many events for locals to enjoy. Nick Branson, head brewer, said Harrisonburg's college town status serves well to keep business booming.

Contributing writer Grayson Banning presents a list of scenic vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley region that are great options for students to visit with their family's during parent's weekend, especially as the Valley changes from it's summer to fall colors.  

As the academic year begins, Culture Editor Avery Goodstine recaps the variety of new dining options in D-Hall, Dukes Dining and Festival Food Court. Many locations offer Duke Deals for a punch and include gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.

After a lengthy journey, Tequila Taco Bar opened in February in the space formerly occupied by Brickhouse Tavern, just next to the Forbes Center. Tequila Taco Bar offers original food and drinks authentic to Mexico and a welcoming atmosphere for students and Harrisonburg residents alike.

A new student-run coffee shop is here: Brewbike. The cafe, founded by students at Northwestern University, is located on the first floor of The Union after making its way to JMU.

In this week's edition of "A Wealth of Health," columnist Grant Johnson explores ways to eat healthier during the holidays. He said it's important for eaters to properly savor the food they're eating by enjoying the company that goes along with it.

As Halloween approaches quickly, a great way to get into the spirit is to get creative in the kitchen. Staff writer Lauren Kuhno compiled her list of go-to spooky snacks that are sure to please.

As Dukes return to Harrisonburg, many may want to make changes for their health in the start of the new semester. Eating out can be difficult, but the Friendly City holds a wide variety of restaurants with plant-based alternatives.

The Harrisonburg Farmers Market is a cornerstone of the Friendly City's downtown community. With everything from fresh produce to colorful crafts, the Market has something for everyone.

Looking to spice up a Fourth of July party this weekend? Here are six tips for dining and decorating this Sunday — including fruit kabobs and patriotic pretzel sticks.

There's a lot of misinformation, confusion and opinions surrounding nutrition. In this week's "A Wealth of Health," Grant Johnson interviews JMU professors and lays out their perspectives on the subject. Stay tuned for another nutrition-based article next week.

To celebrate the 2021 International No Diet Day — a day to indulge and toss aside beauty norms and diet culture — students should try making these four decadent desserts this May 6.

Bowl & Spoon is a local bibimbap restaurant with one owner and one employee, and the two of them take pride in serving authentic Korean meals to their community.

For cheese lovers celebrating National Grilled Cheese Day on April 12, here are a few different recipes and local restaurants to check out. From vegetarian options to meat lovers' dreams, there's a grilled cheese for everyone.

Jose Thompson and JMU alumnus David Frazier (’08) are the owners of Chestnut Ridge, a specialty coffee roaster in downtown Harrisonburg. Thompson and Frazier take part in the coffee bean's full life cycle, roasting the beans in a commercial-sized drum roaster before brewing them into coffee.

For those looking to celebrate The Friendly City, there are many local eateries being celebrated this Harrisonburg Restaurant Month. Here are five of the best, guaranteed to please.

Celebrate Women's History Month in the Valley, shopping at these women-owned local businesses that promote empowerment and individuality. 

As the temperature outside rises, students in the Harrisonburg area may want to try out these food trucks around the city and enjoy the range of flavors in the warm sun.

Looking to go on a gluten-free diet? Here are some easy and delicious recipes for college students to try, with breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snack ideas. From nutritious breakfast wraps to sweet s'mores bars, one will fall in love with these gluten-free recipes.

Here are the best places in Harrisonburg, Virginia, to enjoy brunch with one’s partner this Valentine’s Day. If one has never tried one of these restaurants, one should check them out when they can, no matter if for Valentine’s Day or not. 

Here are some of the Harrisonburg small businesses that survived and thrived in 2020. From Magpie Diner to Island Wing Co., which is opening this year, these businesses are trying to successfully navigate COVID-19 restrictions.

The holiday season is the perfect time to try festive and delicious drinks at the world's favorite coffee shop, Starbucks. Here are some of the best options from someone with extra Starbucks experience.

Everyone loves Thanksgiving and the holidays, but we don’t always love the cost and energy it takes to prepare. These ALDI options are great for anyone on a budget or anyone who’s just looking to try something new.

With a big Thanksgiving dinner to look forward to, some may forget about snacks throughout the day. This charcuterie board makes the perfect midday appetizer.

While COVID-19 may stop friends from gathering in person for Thanksgiving, that doesn't mean friendsgiving is off the table this year. Here are some easy ways to get in the holiday spirit virtually.

Here are the best and worst pumpkin-flavored drinks and treats in Harrisonburg this fall. Writer Sarah Connor ranked products from Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks and Kline's Dairy Bar based on pumpkin taste and overall aesthetic.

If you're following a vegan diet or interested in pursuing a meatless diet, here are five fall-themed vegan recipes to make this season. These delicious gluten-free vegan meals can be a healthy addition to one’s traditional fall menu. 

Broad Porch Coffee Co. in Agora Downtown Market is expanding to a bigger location in Luray, Virginia. The founders and owners Phil Duntemann and Jill McMullan look forward to reaching more customers and roasting in a larger space.

Did someone say "pumpkin?" As the leaves fall and the weather gets cooler, the pumpkin cravings get bigger. Here are five must-try pumpkin recipes that'll quickly become a seasonal favorite. 

Downtown Harrisonburg if one of the hottest spots in Virginia as a booming restaurant district. Many places are offering outdoor patio seating to implement safer measures amid COVID-19.

Even with COVID-19 cases rising in Harrisonburg, Merge Coffee Company was able to expand to a second location downtown. It's a new cafe for JMU students to study and grab their daily cup of joe. 

Magpie, a new dinner downtown, is keeping business up despite COVID-19. Its staff is working to make their restaurant a place where people feel comfortable to dine in during these times.

Get ready Dukes. JMU Dining is opening four additional on-campus options, including Dukes Dining and the new Lakeside Cafe.

With a global pandemic ravaging the world, your idea to go vegan might be at the end of your priority list. But, it doesn't have to be. Try these five recipes; they're simple, nutritious and most importantly, easy to make.

Looking for easy desserts to create for your Fourth of July weekend? Here are five fun desserts that scream red, white and blue.

Support Black- and Brown-owned businesses here in the Valley. The Shenandoah Valley is a diverse area that's full of a variety of restaurants and stores that represent different cultures and have diverse owners.

Hot weather means popsicle season. Here are four sweet, refreshing recipes to kick off your summer.

Welcome to The Culture Kitchen where you'll find bi-weekly recipes and step-by-step tutorials to create some delicious meals and treats.

Exam week can be a stressful time. Consider baking one of these six delicious desserts to make studying a little sweeter.

Looking for creative ways to make something delicious with protein powder? Here are four simple recipes anyone can try that satisfy both a sweet tooth and hunger.

Pour and Connect sees its doors closed after only a month of business. But, it hopes to see the Harrisonburg community pouring together again soon.

Downtown Korean-inspired restaurant, Mashita, is taking donations from the community and turning them into hot meals for essential workers. 

A brand new cidery is coming to town. Sage Bird Ciderworks is a soon-to-be newcomer to the vastly growing downtown Harrisonburg.

Yes, you can "bake" your very own cake in a mug. Here are four delectable recipes to make while social distancing to satisfy that sweet tooth. Plus, they're all easy to make.

Thunderbird Cafe, located in McGaheysville, Virginia, offers fresh and local southern comfort food with its own original twist. Most meals are made from scratch, making this vibrant diner stand out among competitors.

What can one do with non-perishable foods and plain boredom? Make some easy quarantine recipes. These meals consist of mainly non-perishable items like beans and canned veggies. 

Lola’s Delicatessen — formerly known as Lola Mo’s — is undergoing some transformations in the next month that could make downtown’s best sandwich even better.

The Little Grille Collective has won the best brunch spot in Harrisonburg with plenty of dietary options and a small-town feel. Check out the top five best meals for brunch.

JMU on-campus dining has a variety of choices, but here's where you'll find the best meals.

O'Niell's Grill has won the best of the 'Burg for its cookie skillet dessert. Cookie lovers can find this sweet treat on University Boulevard.

Customers who enter the new Pour & Connect bar on Port Republic are greeted with self-serve drink stations and no bartender. This new drinking scene allows for a unique social atmosphere. 

Soup can be the best cure-all for any cold. These recipes are filling, healthy and hearty. Try them out for a great way to recover this winter from the JMFlu.

These three easy dessert recipes are simple to make on a college budget and will help create a fun and festive charcuterie board.

From beauty, to food, to decor, here are seven subscription boxes every college student should try out. 

Everyone loves Thanksgiving and the holidays, but we don’t always love the cost and energy it takes to prepare. These ALDI options are great for anyone on a budget or anyone who’s just looking to try something new.

With a big Thanksgiving dinner to look forward to, some may forget about snacks throughout the day. This charcuterie board makes the perfect midday appetizer.

While COVID-19 may stop friends from gathering in person for Thanksgiving, that doesn't mean friendsgiving is off the table this year. Here are some easy ways to get in the holiday spirit virtually.

Here are the best and worst pumpkin-flavored drinks and treats in Harrisonburg this fall. Writer Sarah Connor ranked products from Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks and Kline's Dairy Bar based on pumpkin taste and overall aesthetic.

If you're following a vegan diet or interested in pursuing a meatless diet, here are five fall-themed vegan recipes to make this season. These delicious gluten-free vegan meals can be a healthy addition to one’s traditional fall menu. 

Broad Porch Coffee Co. in Agora Downtown Market is expanding to a bigger location in Luray, Virginia. The founders and owners Phil Duntemann and Jill McMullan look forward to reaching more customers and roasting in a larger space.

Did someone say "pumpkin?" As the leaves fall and the weather gets cooler, the pumpkin cravings get bigger. Here are five must-try pumpkin recipes that'll quickly become a seasonal favorite. 

Downtown Harrisonburg if one of the hottest spots in Virginia as a booming restaurant district. Many places are offering outdoor patio seating to implement safer measures amid COVID-19.

Even with COVID-19 cases rising in Harrisonburg, Merge Coffee Company was able to expand to a second location downtown. It's a new cafe for JMU students to study and grab their daily cup of joe.