Freshman or not, food is an important part of students’ social life at Kansas University.

While many elements contribute to their restaurant selections, students said cost was the most important of these.

“For college students, I would say (cost) is a very big factor when deciding where to eat,” said Tara Bonin, Kansas City, Kan., senior.

Jeff Crick, Liberal junior, said perhaps that was why so many students love Yello Sub, 624 W. 12th St. and 1814 W. 23rd St.

“You get a lot of food for little money,” he said. “I have little money.”

And yet another student agreed that, when dining, money is the deciding factor.

“I like … King Buffet (1601 W. 23rd St.),” said James Tullis, a Lawrence junior. “When you’re a poor college student, buffets are always nice.”

But when students go out for romantic evenings, low prices sometimes lose their appeal. Fairfax, Okla., senior Eryn Minor said she liked to go to Don’s Steakhouse, 2176 E. 23rd St., on a date.

“The food is really, really good,” she said. “It’s not that expensive.”

Bambino’s, 1801 Mass., is another favorite restaurant for dates, said Karen Donnelly, a Cheverly, Md., senior.

“It can be a fun setting or a romantic setting,” she said. “You can relax, and the patio is great.”

Donnelly said Bambino’s worked well because it was inexpensive but lacked the cheap, fast-food feeling.

Fayetteville, Ark., sophomore Brett Thomas isn’t concerned about taking his dates to a place that is too inexpensive.

“I’d take them to Burrito King (900 Ill.),” he said. “It’s a classy joint.”

Other, of-age students prefer restaurants that also sell alcoholic beverages.

“I like Quinton’s (615 Mass.),” Minor said. “It’s really laid-back, and they have a bar in there, too.”

Donnelly said a major reason she loved Bambino’s was because of their drink specials. Mad Greek, 907 Mass., is another popular restaurant for students who want to have a drink with their meal.

“Mad Greek is pretty liked by a lot of people,” Bonin said. “It’s a good atmosphere.”

Emily Newcomer, WaKeeney junior, said atmosphere was one of the most important things students looked for in an eating establishment.

“Something affordable that tastes good with a trendy-type atmosphere,” she said.