Look for ease of access to classes, safety , and little things like laundry facilities. As for meal plans - some schools require them, others don't. Food varies greatly on college campuses - anything from survival quality to gourmet chef model. At some schools, a meal plan means a cafeteria style service at posted times. Others have debit cards where meals are deducted from a deposited balance and more places to eat than a food court at a big mall.
Laundries can be coin operated, card operated, or, in rare instances, free.
Housing acceptance usually requires a deposit also.