Navigating the Rutgers meal plan can be overwhelming for new students, but it doesn’t have to be. This detailed guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the different meal plan options, dining locations, and payment methods.
Meal Plan Options
Rutgers offers four main meal plan options for on-campus students:
| Plan Name | Weekly Meal Swipes | Dining Dollars | Scarlet Rewards Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue & Gold | 10 | $175 | 1,000 |
| Scarlet & Black | 12 | $220 | 1,200 |
| Emerald Knight | 14 | $275 | 1,400 |
| Platinum Premium | 19 | $370 | 1,900 |
Meal Swipes:
Each meal swipe allows you to enter a dining hall once during breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Dining Dollars:
Dining dollars can be used at various on-campus dining locations, including cafes, convenience stores, and food trucks.
Scarlet Rewards Points:
Scarlet Rewards points are earned when you use your meal plan and can be redeemed for discounts on food and merchandise at select locations.
Dining Locations
Rutgers has numerous dining locations spread across its campuses:
- Busch Campus: The Yard at College Avenue, Livingston Dining Commons, Busch Dining Hall
- College Avenue Campus: Neilson Dining Hall, Lucy Stone Hall Cafe, Hickman Cafe
- Cook/Douglass Campus: Cook Campus Dining Hall, Douglass Campus Dining Hall
- Livingston Campus: Livingston Dining Commons, Busch Dining Hall
- University Heights Campus: Hale Center Commons, Loree Cafeteria
Each dining hall offers a variety of cuisines, including American, Asian, Italian, and vegetarian options.
Meal Plan Cost and Payment
The cost of a Rutgers meal plan varies depending on the plan you choose. Prices for the 2023-2024 academic year are as follows:
| Plan Name | Semester Cost | Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Blue & Gold | $2,870 | $5,740 |
| Scarlet & Black | $3,350 | $6,700 |
| Emerald Knight | $4,230 | $8,460 |
| Platinum Premium | $5,810 | $11,620 |
Payment can be made through the Office of Student Accounts or online via the Rutgers Bursar’s website. Meal plans can be paid for in full or on a payment plan.
Tips for Maximizing Your Meal Plan
- Plan your meals: Check the dining hall menus in advance to see what’s available and plan your meals accordingly.
- Use your meal swipes wisely: Save your meal swipes for meals when you’re going to eat a lot, such as dinner.
- Take advantage of dining dollars: Use dining dollars for snacks, drinks, and other items that you can’t get in the dining halls.
- Earn Scarlet Rewards points: Use your meal plan card at on-campus locations to earn points that you can redeem for discounts.
- Get creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cuisines and dishes at the dining halls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t overspend: Keep track of your meal swipes and dining dollars to avoid running out prematurely.
- Don’t waste meal swipes: Use your meal swipes every day to get the most out of your plan.
- Don’t use dining dollars for everything: Save your dining dollars for items that you can’t get in the dining halls.
- Don’t miss out on special promotions: Pay attention to emails and announcements about special meal plan promotions throughout the year.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your Rutgers meal plan and enjoy a delicious and stress-free dining experience on campus.
Additional Meal Plan Features
In addition to the basic meal plan options, Rutgers offers several additional features that can enhance your dining experience:
- Block Meal Swipes: Students can purchase additional meal swipes in blocks of 10, 20, or 50.
- Guest Passes: Meal plan holders can purchase guest passes for $8 each, which allow non-meal plan holders to access the dining halls.
- Late Night Dining: Several dining halls offer late-night dining options for students who need to eat after regular hours.
- Catering: Rutgers Dining Services offers catering services for special events and parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I share my meal plan with others?
A: No, Rutgers meal plans are non-transferable.
Q: Can I use my meal plan at off-campus restaurants?
A: No, Rutgers meal plans can only be used at on-campus dining locations.
Q: What happens if I run out of meal swipes or dining dollars?
A: You can purchase additional meal swipes or dining dollars at the Office of Student Accounts.
Q: Can I cancel my meal plan?
A: Yes, meal plans can be canceled during the first five weeks of each semester, but a cancellation fee may apply.
