Skip to Content
logo

Meal Plans 101

Having a meal plan means more than just convenience - it's your key to enjoying craveable meals across campus. With chef-inspired menus, local ingredients, and sustainable practices, your dining experience is as dynamic as campus life.

What is a Meal Plan?

A Meal Plan unlocks delicious meals, coffee, snacks, and more, at 6 locations across campus. Your Meal Plan includes Meal Swipes and Dining Dollars, conveniently loaded onto your student ID. No need to carry additional cards or cash!

Requirements?

Meal plan requirements are based on class standing and residency. Please view the requirements based on residency and class standing. Please note: All first-year RESIDENT students are required to select either the Weekly 19 or Weekly 15 meal plan. The meal plan will be charged to your student account. First-year COMMUTER students (students that live in the Winchester area or 30 miles within campus) can choose from any of our 4 meal plans and can sign up through Etrieve 

Your Meal Plan Access

  • Meal Swipes

    Meal Swipes can be used at Allen Dining Hall. One swipe grants you access to our all-you-care-to-eat dining hall with multiple stations, making space on your plate for customization and creativity! *Meal Swipes and Meal Exchange have a swipe restriction of 1 hour. A meal plan holder must wait 1 hour before swiping again.

  • Flex Dollars

    Flex Dollars are a declining balance included in your meal plan that can be used at all dining locations. You can use Flex Dollars on items such as chips, beverages, coffee and espresso, and ice cream!

  • Meal Exchange

    All Meal Swipes can be used as Meal Exchange, allowing you to use the swipes on your meal plan at other dining locations besides the dining hall. Meal Exchange usually includes a main, side, and beverage. Blossom Coffee Bar, Brandt Food Hall, and Buzzin's accept Meal Exchange.

Hornet Dollars

Hornet Dollars are added by a student or Parent and can be used at ALL Flex locations AND the Bookstore!

You can add Hornet Dollars through Transact or by submitting the Hornet Dollars eTrieve form Hornet Dollars – Financial Aid Credit Purchase if using a Financial Aid Credit to purchase or Hornet Dollars – Personal Payment Purchase if using a personal payment to purchase.

Visit our locations page for location information, including dining hall menus and hours of operation.

How to sign up for a Meal Plan?


Fall 2025 
To Sign up for a Residential Meal plan 
- Sign up by June 15th, 2025, those who do not select will be automatically selected for the Weekly 19 Meal Plan.
- Signing up for a Residential Meal Plan is done during housing selection.
- Signing up for a Commuter Meal Plan can be done with the form on our Commuter Meal plan landing page which will redirect you to Etrieve.

Don't Miss These Dates

Mark your calendar! Each semester, important dates like the start of meal plan usage, when to make changes, and deadlines for billing and sign-ups keeps your plan running smoothly.

  • September 2nd: First Day of Classes

    Happy first day to our hornets!

  • September 9th: Add/Drop day Fall 2025

    Residential Meal plans can be added or increased at this time! Commuters & Village Residents may sign up after this day.

  • October 18th - October 21st: Fall Break

    Dining will be limited during these days, enjoy the much needed rest!

  • November 26th-November 30th: Thanksgiving Break

  • December 20th: Fall Term Ends

    End of the Term! Enjoy the winter break.

Hungry For More Info?

Find the perfect meal plan, explore flexible options, or get oriented with your campus dining experience.

  • Find Your Fit

    Use our recommendation tool to find the perfect meal plan that matches your campus needs.

    Find Your Perfect Plan

  • Meal Plan Options

    Choose from a variety of meal plans designed to provide flexibility and convenience for everyone. 

    Browse Meal Plans

  • Meal Plan Orientation

    Explore your campus dining experience with a guide to dining halls, featured locations, and more.

    Get Started

Dine With Confidence!

Manage your meal plan with ease. Learn how to check your balance and set alerts.

Meal Plan FAQs

Have questions about your Meal Plan? Our FAQs are here to help you learn everything you need to manage your plan and make the most of campus dining. From how to get started to maximizing your benefits, you’ll find the answers you need right here.