As a student at the University at Buffalo (UB), you have access to a wide variety of meal plans that can help you stay fueled and focused throughout your academic journey. Whether you’re a freshman looking for a convenient way to eat on campus or a senior looking to save money on groceries, there’s a meal plan that’s right for you.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the different UB meal plans available, including their costs, benefits, and restrictions. We’ll also offer some tips on how to choose the right meal plan for your needs.
Types of UB Meal Plans
UB offers three main types of meal plans:
- Bronze Plan: This plan includes 10 meals per week and $200 in FlexPoints that can be used at any on-campus dining location.
- Silver Plan: This plan includes 14 meals per week and $250 in FlexPoints.
- Gold Plan: This plan includes unlimited meals per week and $300 in FlexPoints.
All meal plans also include access to the following benefits:
- Meal swipes: Meal swipes can be used at any on-campus dining location.
- FlexPoints: FlexPoints can be used to purchase food and beverages at any on-campus dining location, as well as at some off-campus locations.
- Dining Dollars: Dining Dollars can be used to purchase food and beverages at any on-campus dining location.
Costs of UB Meal Plans
The cost of a UB meal plan varies depending on the plan you choose and whether you live on or off campus. The following table shows the cost of each meal plan for the 2022-2023 academic year:
| Meal Plan | On-Campus | Off-Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze Plan | $2,200 | $2,000 |
| Silver Plan | $2,400 | $2,200 |
| Gold Plan | $2,600 | $2,400 |
Benefits of UB Meal Plans
There are many benefits to choosing a UB meal plan, including:
- Convenience: Meal plans make it easy to eat on campus, which can save you time and money.
- Variety: UB’s dining halls offer a wide variety of food options, so you’re sure to find something you like.
- Flexibility: Meal plans offer a variety of options to fit your needs, including meal swipes, FlexPoints, and Dining Dollars.
- Savings: Meal plans can actually save you money compared to eating off campus.
How to Choose the Right UB Meal Plan
The best way to choose the right UB meal plan is to consider your individual needs and preferences. If you’re a freshman who lives on campus, you may want to choose the Bronze Plan, which provides you with a convenient and affordable way to eat on campus. If you’re a senior who lives off campus, you may want to choose the Silver Plan, which provides you with more flexibility and savings.
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing a meal plan:
- Your eating habits: How often do you eat on campus? What types of food do you like to eat?
- Your budget: How much money can you afford to spend on a meal plan?
- Your lifestyle: Do you have a lot of time to cook? Do you have any dietary restrictions?
Once you’ve considered your needs and preferences, you can use the following table to compare the different UB meal plans:
| Meal Plan | Meals Per Week | FlexPoints | Dining Dollars | Cost (On-Campus) | Cost (Off-Campus) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Plan | 10 | $200 | $0 | $2,200 | $2,000 |
| Silver Plan | 14 | $250 | $0 | $2,400 | $2,200 |
| Gold Plan | Unlimited | $300 | $0 | $2,600 | $2,400 |
Tips for Saving Money on UB Meal Plans
Here are a few tips for saving money on your UB meal plan:
- Take advantage of discounts: UB offers discounts on meal plans for students who purchase them in advance or who live on campus.
- Use your FlexPoints wisely: FlexPoints can be used to purchase a variety of food and beverages, so be sure to use them strategically.
- Eat off campus occasionally: Eating off campus can be a good way to save money on food.
- Cook your own meals: Cooking your own meals is the most affordable way to eat on campus.
Conclusion
UB meal plans offer a convenient and affordable way to eat on campus. By choosing the right meal plan for your needs, you can save money, eat healthy, and make the most of your time at UB.