Every college student shares one common need: food. For students living on campus at the University of Tennessee, there are several campus meal plans available to suit different dietary needs and lifestyles.
Meal Plan Options
All-Access Dining
- Unlimited access to all on-campus dining halls
- Includes all meals, snacks, and beverages (excluding alcohol)
- Cost: $2,670 per semester
Block Meal Plans
- A set number of meals per week, ranging from 5 to 21 meals
- Meals can be used at any on-campus dining hall
- Cost: $875 to $2,115 per semester
Flex Meal Plans
- A declining balance account that can be used at any on-campus dining location
- Meals, snacks, and beverages can be purchased on a pay-as-you-go basis
- Cost: $500 to $2,000 per semester
Dining Halls
The University of Tennessee offers a variety of dining halls to cater to students’ tastes:
- Commons (located in the Student Union): Offers a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, including vegan and gluten-free options
- Presby Commons (located near the Neyland Stadium): Features a buffet-style dining experience with a variety of American and international dishes
- Hodges Library Food Court (located in Hodges Library): Offers a variety of grab-and-go options, including sandwiches, sushi, and salads
- Market Square (located in the Student Union): Provides a mix of sit-down and grab-and-go options, including burgers, pizza, and wraps
- Smokey’s on the Strip (located on Cumberland Avenue): Offers a gourmet dining experience with dishes inspired by Southern cuisine
Pros and Cons of Meal Plans
All-Access Dining
- Pros: Unlimited access to food, no need to worry about budgeting or cooking
- Cons: Expensive, may not be utilized fully if students have irregular eating habits
Block Meal Plans
- Pros: More flexibility than All-Access Dining, allows for dining out occasionally
- Cons: May run out of meals if not managed carefully, may not be enough meals for students with a high appetite
Flex Meal Plans
- Pros: Most flexible option, allows students to purchase meals as needed
- Cons: Requires budgeting and may be more expensive in the long run
FAQs
1. Can I use my meal plan at restaurants off-campus?
No, meal plans are only valid at on-campus dining locations.
2. Can I use my block meal plan to purchase snacks and beverages?
Yes, block meals can be used for any food or beverage item at on-campus dining locations.
3. Can I share my meal plan with others?
No, meal plans are non-transferable and can only be used by the student who purchased them.
4. What happens if I run out of flex meal funds?
Students can add more funds to their flex meal account at any time through the university’s online portal.
5. Can I cancel my meal plan?
Meal plans can be canceled up to the 10th day of the semester for a full refund. After the 10th day, a partial refund may be available.
6. How do I know which meal plan is right for me?
Consider your eating habits, lifestyle, and budget when choosing a meal plan. If you eat frequently on campus and have unpredictable meal times, an All-Access Dining plan may be a good option. If you prefer more flexibility or have a limited food budget, a Block or Flex Meal Plan may be more suitable.
Table 1: Meal Plan Cost Comparison
| Meal Plan | Cost Per Semester |
|---|---|
| All-Access Dining | $2,670 |
| 21-Meal Block Plan | $2,115 |
| 15-Meal Block Plan | $1,550 |
| 10-Meal Block Plan | $1,095 |
| 5-Meal Block Plan | $875 |
| $2,000 Flex Meal Plan | $2,000 |
| $1,500 Flex Meal Plan | $1,500 |
| $1,000 Flex Meal Plan | $1,000 |
| $500 Flex Meal Plan | $500 |
Table 2: Dining Hall Locations and Hours
| Dining Hall | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Commons | Student Union | Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Presby Commons | Near Neyland Stadium | Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Hodges Library Food Court | Hodges Library | Monday-Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Market Square | Student Union | Monday-Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Smokey’s on the Strip | Cumberland Avenue | Monday-Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
Table 3: Sample Menu Items
| Dining Hall | Menu Item |
|---|---|
| Commons | Grilled salmon with roasted vegetables |
| Presby Commons | Chicken stir-fry with brown rice |
| Hodges Library Food Court | Turkey and Swiss sandwich on wheat bread |
| Market Square | Margherita pizza |
| Smokey’s on the Strip | Shrimp and grits |
Table 4: Special Dietary Considerations
| Dietary Restriction | Dining Hall Accommodations |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Vegetarian options available at all dining halls |
| Vegan | Vegan options available at Commons and Presby Commons |
| Gluten-free | Gluten-free options available at all dining halls |
| Halal | Halal options available at Commons and Presby Commons |
| Kosher | Kosher options available by request at Commons and Presby Commons |
Conclusion
Choosing the right meal plan for your individual needs is essential for ensuring a nutritious and convenient dining experience while attending the University of Tennessee. Consider your eating habits, lifestyle, and budget when selecting a plan that fits your needs. With a variety of meal plan options and dining hall choices, UT students have access to a wide range of dining experiences to keep them fueled throughout their academic journey.
