Meal plans in college can vary significantly depending on the institution, but here's a general overview of how they usually work:
- Pre-Paid System: Most meal plans are prepaid at the beginning of the semester. This means you pay upfront for a certain number of meals or dining dollars.
- Meal Swipes: Some colleges use "meal swipes". Each swipe gives you access to the dining hall where you can eat as much as you want in one sitting. The number of swipes you get per week or semester depends on your meal plan.
- Dining Dollars: Alternatively, or sometimes in addition to meal swipes, you might have dining dollars. These work like a debit card and can be used at various food outlets on campus. Each item costs a certain amount, which is deducted from your balance.
- Tiers/Plans: Colleges usually offer different tiers of meal plans. For instance, there might be an option for three meals a day, two meals a day, or just one. There may also be options for weekdays only or including weekends too.
- Unused Meals: Policies regarding unused meals differ. Some colleges allow these to roll over to the next week or semester, while others operate on a "use it or lose it" basis.
- Changing Meal Plans: Usually, you can change your meal plan within the first few weeks of the semester if you find that it's too much or not enough.
- Off-Campus Use: Some colleges partner with local restaurants or grocery stores, allowing students to use their meal plan or dining dollars off-campus.
Consider your eating habits when choosing a meal plan. If you're not a big eater or prefer to cook your own meals, a smaller plan may suffice. On the other hand, if you know you'll be eating on campus a lot, a larger plan might be better.