What if I don’t like the meals?

What if I don’t like the meals?

This is a very fair and common question. Everyone has different tastes, dietary preferences, and comfort levels when it comes to food—especially when studying abroad in a different country.

At 3D ACADEMY, we provide three meals a day, seven days a week, and we work hard to ensure that the food is:

• Balanced and nutritious

• Supervised by a Japanese chef

• Designed to suit the tastes of Japanese and international students alike

• Includes Halal options and some international variety

Still, we understand that some students may find that the meals don’t perfectly match their personal preferences.

First, let’s be honest: food preference is personal

Even with a well-designed menu, it’s impossible to please every individual, every day.

Some students say:

“The meals were great—just like Japanese home cooking.”
While others say:
“I missed spicy food / raw fish / vegan options.”

That’s totally normal. Your background, habits, and expectations will affect how you perceive the food.

At 3D, we strive for variety and consistency, but we also know that personal preference plays a huge role.

If you’re a picky eater or have specific food preferences…

If you already know that you:

• Are a very picky eater

• Have strong food preferences (e.g., spicy only, raw food only, vegan/vegetarian)

• Want to cook your own meals every day

• Often skip meals or prefer eating out regularly

Then we recommend considering the Walk-in course instead of the dormitory-based plans.

Why Walk-in course might be a better fit

Students enrolled in the Walk-in course do not stay in school dormitories and only attend classes. However, we still provide:

• Free weekday lunch (included as a bonus)

• No additional meal charges

This means:

• You can eat whatever you want for breakfast and dinner

• You can skip lunch if you don’t like the day’s menu

• You have complete freedom in choosing restaurants, home-cooked meals, or delivery

Since the weekday lunch is a complimentary benefit—not a paid item—you won’t feel like you’re “wasting money” if you skip a meal or eat outside.

If food is a big part of your daily happiness and you’re worried that school meals might not meet your expectations, the commuter course may offer greater satisfaction and peace of mind.

For dormitory students: what are the options?

If you’re living in a dormitory (on-campus or hotel-type), meals are included in your plan. But that doesn’t mean you’re “locked in” forever.

1. Buffet or bento—choose what fits best

Buffet allows you to pick and choose what you eat. If you dislike a certain dish, you simply avoid it.
Bento (lunch box) meals are set, but you can always supplement them with outside food.

2. Eat out freely anytime

There’s no restriction against eating out. Many students enjoy local restaurants, cafés, and fast food places nearby—even on weekdays.

3. Bring your own supplements

Some students bring miso soup packets, furikake, or other condiments from home to make the meals feel more familiar. Others keep snacks or cup noodles in their dorm room for comfort.

4. Switch to commuter course (with advance request)

Depending on room availability and schedule, it may be possible to change from dormitory to commuter if you find that dorm life or the food doesn’t suit you.

Common concerns and how to manage them

“I miss my home food.”

That’s completely normal. Most students go through a short period of food adjustment in the first 1–2 weeks. After that, many adapt or find a personal balance between school meals and outside food.

“I don’t eat much in the morning / I skip meals.”

No problem! You’re not obligated to eat every meal. Skipping breakfast or dinner occasionally is totally okay.

“The taste isn’t bad, but I get bored.”

We offer a rotating menu, but if you stay long-term (3–6 months), some repetition is inevitable. In that case:

• Try upgrading from bento to buffet

• Eat out 1–2 times per week

• Join friends for meals in nearby restaurants

A little flexibility goes a long way.

How does this affect your tuition?

It’s important to note that meals are bundled into your tuition and accommodation fees. There is no per-meal refund system. This is standard for most English schools in Cebu.

But here’s the key point:

If you are a commuting student, your weekday lunch is:

• Provided free of charge

• Optional

• No problem if you skip it

So if you’re someone who values food freedom or already knows you’ll be eating out a lot, you might be more comfortable with the commuter plan.

So, what’s the bottom line?

Final thoughts

At 3D ACADEMY, we work hard to provide meals that are:

• Familiar to Japanese students

• Balanced and satisfying

• Varied enough for long-term stays

But we also recognize that no meal plan is perfect for everyone. If food is an important factor for your happiness, we encourage you to think carefully about your plan.

And remember—there’s no shame in not liking something. Everyone has different preferences, and our job is to help you find a study environment that works best for you.

Whether that means enjoying every school meal, supplementing with outside food, or joining as a commuting student who cooks at home—we’re here to support your choice.

About 3D ACADEMY – Flexible Options for Every Student

3D ACADEMY is one of Cebu’s most established English schools, known for its practical and student-friendly learning environment. Whether you’re looking for a short-term boost or a long-term academic journey, we offer flexible course and lifestyle options that match your goals, preferences, and daily routine.

Choose your study style — dormitory or walk-in

Unlike many traditional English schools, 3D ACADEMY allows you to choose between:

• Staying in a school dormitory or partner hotel, with 3 meals per day included, or

• Enrolling in the Walk-in Course, where you attend classes but live and eat independently

This flexibility means you can design your study abroad experience in the way that fits you best.

What is the Walk-in Course?

The Walk-in Course is perfect for students who:

• Want to live in a private apartment or with family

• Prefer to eat out, cook at home, or follow a specific diet

• Already reside in Cebu or want to arrange their own accommodation

As a Walk-in student, you’ll still have access to all classes, campus facilities, and school events. Plus, we provide weekday lunch free of charge—but you’re under no obligation to eat it. You’re free to skip lunch, eat out, or bring your own food.

For students who value freedom

The Walk-in Course is especially popular among:

• Picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions

• Long-term learners seeking a more local lifestyle

• Adults or digital nomads who want full control over their day

• Returning students who already know their way around Cebu

At 3D ACADEMY, we believe that language learning should fit your life—not the other way around. That’s why we give you options—not only in class formats and schedules, but in how you live, eat, and experience Cebu.

Whether you’re a structured learner who prefers on-campus life, or someone who values maximum independence, 3D ACADEMY has a plan that works for you.