As a student at the University of Colorado Boulder, you have various meal plan options to choose from to meet your needs and preferences. Selecting the right meal plan is crucial in ensuring you have convenient and affordable access to nutritious meals throughout the academic year.
Meal Plan Options
CU Boulder offers a wide range of meal plans to cater to the unique needs of its student body. These plans vary in terms of the number of meals, flex dollars, and dining locations they provide.
Fresh Meal Plans:
- All Access Pass: Unlimited access to all Fresh Food Company dining halls, including unlimited meals, snacks, and beverages.
- 10 Meal Plan: 10 meals per week at the Fresh Food Company dining halls.
- 5 Meal Plan: 5 meals per week at the Fresh Food Company dining halls.
Flex Meal Plans:
- Flex 250: $250 worth of flex dollars to use at any on-campus dining location.
- Flex 150: $150 worth of flex dollars to use at any on-campus dining location.
- Flex 100: $100 worth of flex dollars to use at any on-campus dining location.
Meal Plan Pricing
The cost of a meal plan varies depending on the plan type, meal frequency, flex dollars, and housing status. The following table provides a summary of the current pricing for each meal plan option:
| Meal Plan | Cost (On-Campus Housing) | Cost (Off-Campus Housing) |
|---|---|---|
| All Access Pass | $2,285 | $2,635 |
| 10 Meal Plan | $1,080 | $1,260 |
| 5 Meal Plan | $640 | $720 |
| Flex 250 | $450 | $490 |
| Flex 150 | $270 | $290 |
| Flex 100 | $190 | $210 |
Dining Locations
CU Boulder has over 20 dining locations on campus, offering a diverse range of culinary options. Fresh Food Company dining halls provide all-you-care-to-eat meals, while other on-campus dining locations such as cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops offer a variety of food items, including:
- Burgers, fries, and pizza
- Salads, sandwiches, and wraps
- Ethnic cuisine (e.g., Asian, Mediterranean, Mexican)
- Coffee, tea, and pastries
- Grab-and-go items (e.g., snacks, drinks, sandwiches)
Meal Plan Benefits
Choosing a CU Boulder meal plan offers numerous benefits for students:
Convenience: Meal plans eliminate the need for daily meal planning and provide readily available dining options.
Affordability: Meal plans offer a cost-effective way to ensure regular and nutritious meals throughout the week.
Variety: With over 20 dining locations on campus, meal plans provide access to a wide range of culinary options.
Flexibility: Flex meal plans allow students to supplement their meals with purchases at any on-campus dining location.
Health and Wellness: Fresh Food Company dining halls offer healthy and balanced meal options, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Choosing the Right Meal Plan
Selecting the right meal plan for you depends on your individual dietary needs, schedule, and budget. Here are some factors to consider:
Meal Frequency: Estimate the number of meals you typically eat each week and choose a plan that aligns with your needs.
Dining Locations: Consider the dining locations you prefer and choose a plan that provides access to those locations.
Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on a meal plan and select a plan that aligns with your financial situation.
Dietary Needs: If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, check the Fresh Food Company dining menus to ensure they offer suitable options.
Meal Plan Management
Once you have purchased a meal plan, you can manage it through the CU Boulder Meal Plan app. The app allows you to:
- View your account balance and remaining meals
- Add flex dollars to your account
- Sign up for dining promotions
- Get notifications about dining hall specials and events
Conclusion
Selecting the right CU Boulder meal plan can significantly enhance your on-campus dining experience. With its range of meal plan options, diverse dining locations, and numerous benefits, you can find a plan that meets your unique preferences, budget, and dietary needs. By understanding the available options and making an informed decision, you can ensure you have convenient, affordable, and nutritious meals throughout your time at CU Boulder.
