The best healthy food options near the University of Maryland include Sweetgreen, Chopt Creative Salad Co., Playa Bowls and UMD Dining Services, all of which give students access to salads, bowls, fruit, vegetables, plant-based options and protein-focused meals near campus. For students living at Rambler College Park, these options are especially convenient because Rambler is located at 8145 Baltimore Ave., right along Route 1 and close to campus dining, coffee, restaurants and student life.
When you’re balancing classes, studying, clubs, internships, game days and a social life, eating well can easily become a lower priority. At Rambler College Park, we know wellness is not just about having a fitness center or a place to sleep. It is also about making daily choices, like grabbing a balanced meal, moving your body, getting outside and finding routines that help you feel your best.
That’s one reason Rambler College Park is pursuing Fitwel certification: to support a healthier living environment for UMD students through thoughtful design, wellness-focused amenities and access to healthy choices nearby.
In this article, we’ll explain:
Read Next: Where UMD Students Shop for Groceries in College Park
What is Fitwel Certification?
Fitwel is a certification that looks at how well a building supports the health and well-being of the people who live there. It basically asks, Does this building make it easier for you to build healthy routines?
Fitwel’s certification is based on public health research, but it focuses on everyday things that actually affect your routine, like access to fitness spaces, healthy food nearby, indoor air quality, shared community spaces and ways to stay active.
For UMD students, this matters because your apartment is more than just a place to sleep. It is where you study for exams, make meals, work out, hang out with friends, recover after a long day of classes and build habits that can shape your college experience.
At Rambler College Park, pursuing Fitwel certification is one way we are working to create a student living environment that supports your health, wellness and daily routine.
Why does healthy food access matter?
Healthy food access matters because students are more likely to make balanced choices when those choices are easy, close and realistic for their schedule.
Most UMD students are not planning every meal days in advance. You might be grabbing lunch between lectures, ordering dinner after a late study session, or looking for something quick before heading to McKeldin, Eppley or SECU Stadium.
That is why location matters. A healthy living environment is not only about what is inside your apartment community. It is also about what is nearby.
UMD Dining Services already provide a wide range of campus dining resources, including dining halls, menus, nutrition information, allergy and special diet resources, and dining locations across campus. Living near additional off-campus food options can give you even more flexibility, especially when you want something quick, customizable or close to home.
Where can I find healthy options in College Park?
Below are several nearby options that may help UMD students build healthier meals into their weekly routine.
1. Sweetgreen
Location: 8300 Baltimore Avenue
Distance from Rambler: 4-minute drive
Best for: Salads, warm bowls, customizable meals, vegetables, lean proteins
Sweetgreen’s College Park location is close to the University of Maryland campus and student life, offering salads and warm bowls for different dietary preferences.
This is a strong option if you want something filling but still fresh. You can build a meal around greens, grains, roasted vegetables, chicken, tofu, legumes and different dressings depending on your preferences.
Why UMD students may like it: It works well for quick lunches, easy takeout and customizable meals when you want control over what goes into your bowl.
2. CAVA
Location: 7350 Baltimore Avenue
Distance from Rambler: 2-minute walk
Best for: Mediterranean bowls, grains, greens, vegetables, hummus, chicken, falafel
CAVA can be a practical option when you want a meal that includes vegetables, grains, protein and flavorful toppings without needing to cook. You can build a bowl with greens, rice, lentils, dips, vegetables, grilled chicken, falafel or other Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
Why UMD students may like it: It is customizable, filling and easy to make vegetarian, plant-forward or protein-heavy depending on your routine.
3. Chopt Creative Salad Co.
Location: 4386 Knox Road
Distance from Rambler: 2-minute walk
Best for: Custom salads, warm bowls, wraps, vegetables, grains and protein-focused meals
Chopt Creative Salad Co. is a convenient option for UMD students looking for a quick, customizable meal near campus. Chopt offers salads, warm bowls and wraps that students can build around greens, grains, vegetables and protein options.
This makes it a strong option to consider to reach your healthy eating goals because you can choose meals with fresh vegetables, plant-based ingredients and proteins like grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, tofu and other add-ons.
Why UMD students may like it: Chopt is easy to customize based on your schedule, appetite and dietary preferences. You can grab something lighter between classes, build a more filling bowl after a workout or choose a wrap when you need something quick before heading back to campus.
4. Playa Bowls
Location: 4507 College Avenue
Distance from Rambler: 3-minute walk
Best for: Açaí bowls, smoothies, fruit, breakfast, snacks
Playa Bowls offers açaí bowls, smoothies, juices, cold brew and fruit-forward menu items. Its menu includes ingredients such as açaí, pitaya, banana, berries, mango, chia seeds, coconut, granola and protein add-ons.
This can be a helpful option for breakfast, a snack between classes or something refreshing after a workout.
Why UMD students may like it: It is convenient when you want fruit, smoothies or a lighter meal that still feels energizing.
What about beyond food?
Healthy food access is one piece of a larger wellness picture. Rambler College Park is also designed with amenities that support movement, recovery, focus and community.
Wellness-focused amenities such as cardio equipment, weights, a stretching space, sauna, cold plunges, red light therapy, study rooms and social spaces target a variety of student needs. For UMD students, that combination matters.
Your health routine may look different depending on the week. Some days, wellness might mean cooking dinner with roommates. Other days, it might mean grabbing a bowl from CAVA, taking a walk to campus, doing a quick workout or using a quiet study room before an exam.
The goal isn’t to do the same thing every day: it’s to have enough convenient options around you that healthier choices feel easier to make.
Read Next: How to Create the Perfect Study Space in Your Apartment
Finding healthy food near UMD is easier when you know where to look. Between Sweetgreen, CAVA, Chopt and Playa Bowls, students have access to salads, bowls, fruit, vegetables, plant-based meals and protein-focused options close to campus.
At Rambler College Park, we are pursuing Fitwel certification because we believe student housing should support more than where you sleep. It should help you build routines that support your health, focus and college experience.
Your next step is to explore Rambler College Park’s wellness amenities and neighborhood resources so you can better understand how your future home can support your life at UMD. Have any questions? Contact our leasing team! We’re here to help you find the perfect fit for all of your lifestyle goals.
Allison
Allison is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler College Park. She's a student at the University of Maryland, majoring in Marketing and Management. Her favorite drink to order is a vanilla iced latte!
Published On: June 11, 2026
Last Updated On: June 12, 2026