Key Takeaways
- Most students who live on campus—and even some who don’t—choose to get a college meal plan because of the convenience and wide range of food options available.
- When choosing a meal plan, you can expect to see the following: traditional (a set number of weekly meals), unlimited (access to dining halls at any time), flex (a set number of meal swipes and dining dollars), commuter (a smaller plan suitable for those living off campus), and block plans (a set number of meals for the entire semester or year).
- Before choosing a meal plan, take some time to compare your options and what would make the most sense for your lifestyle and budget.
If you plan to live in a dorm—especially as a first-year student—your college may require you to get a college meal plan. This means you get easy access to all of the food options on campus, which can help make your transition to college life more convenient (and keep you from living off instant ramen 24/7).
But with all the options available to you, how do you know which college meal plan is the best fit? In this guide, we’ll break down the types of meal plans you can expect to see and answer some questions to help you pick the right one for your lifestyle, schedule, and appetite.
What Is a College Meal Plan?
A college meal plan is a prepaid plan that covers most, if not all, of your meals for the year. This means less worrying about grocery runs, cooking, or budgeting for food for the month. Instead, you’ll just swipe your card at various dining spots around campus and enjoy!
The food options will vary depending on the school you are at and the plan you choose. For instance, smaller campuses might have more limited options with rotating menus, where larger schools might have multiple dining halls, coffee shops, food courts, and even well-known restaurant chains right on campus. Ultimately, regardless of the food options, the goal at every campus is to make eating convenient and one less thing to stress about.
Types of Meal Plans
The exact meal plans offered will depend on your college, but many schools follow a similar structure when it comes to options. Note that the meal plans may have different names, but these structures are similar to what you can expect:
1. Traditional Meal Plans
These plans typically give you a set number of meals per week (i.e., 10, 15, 20). These often apply only in the main dining hall(s). However, some schools will also allow you to use a meal swipe as a dollar equivalent at certain campus coffee shops or restaurants. This can be a great option if you plan to eat most of your meals on campus.
2. Unlimited Meal Plans
If you live on campus, have a big appetite, or prefer not to have to track your meals, this could be a top option for you. You will have unlimited swipes to the dining halls so you can come and grab a meal or snack anytime you want. Want to grab a quick late-night snack or just swing by for some fruit? Go for it!
3. Flex Meal Plans
Flex plans combine several meal swipes with a certain amount of “flex dollars” or “dining dollars” that you can use throughout the year. This is typically a more affordable meal plan that covers a majority of meals, beverages, and snacks.
4. Commuter Meal Plans
Living off campus but still want access to campus dining? You can choose a commuter plan that offers fewer meals and is more flexible. This is especially convenient for those who are on campus all day and don’t have time to drive back home to make meals.
5. Block Meal Plans
Instead of weekly meals, block meal plans give you a set amount of meals for the semester or year. You can typically choose a number that makes sense for you (200, 250, 300). This is great for anyone who has a varying schedule, or if you don’t always want to eat on campus. At some colleges, such as North Carolina State University, you can combine a block plan with dining dollars that can be used at other on-campus dining spots.
Meal Plan FAQs
What are the benefits of having a meal plan?
One of the top benefits of having a college meal plan is the convenience it offers. Because you pay for it upfront, you don’t have to worry about budgeting for meals or finding innovative ways to cook in your dorm room. You’ll have less stress about your meals and more access to a variety of food options.
How do I sign up for a meal plan?
Most colleges allow you to sign up for a meal plan as soon as you get your welcome packet. However, if you need to wait, there is typically a window of time at the start of the semester. Just make sure to look at the requirements and deadlines on your school’s website.
Does financial aid cover my meal plan?
In some cases, yes! Grants, loans, and some scholarships can be used towards your meal plan, as long as you charge it to your student account so that it is billed through the school.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
No worries. Many colleges these days are very accommodating to those with dietary restrictions. All you have to do is let the dining staff know.
What if I have leftover meals on my plan?
In some cases, you may have meals or money left over to use. Unfortunately, a lot of campuses do not allow meals to be carried over from week to week. It’s important to plan meals ahead of time so that you aren’t letting meals go to waste.
Can I cancel a meal plan?
This will be dependent on your school’s rules. In many cases, schools allow you to modify or change your meal plan for a certain allotted time at the start of each semester. Just make sure you are aware of the deadlines.
Is a College Meal Plan Worth It?
Ultimately, this decision will be up to you. Take time to review the meal plan options your college offers and think about how much you’ll use the plan. Just remember, most colleges require first-year students to have a meal plan when living on campus, so choose the one that will make the most sense for you and your eating habits.
Curious how your college costs—including meal plans—fit into your financial aid package? Use College Raptor’s free Financial Aid Offer Comparison tool to compare your college offers and see which school is giving you the best offer!
