UChicago Dining offers an extensive array of menu options tailored to a variety of dietary needs and lifestyles. Our chefs prioritize preparing meals from scratch, ensuring we have comprehensive knowledge of our ingredients and can provide detailed nutrition information.
For students who observe dietary practices based on religious beliefs, we offer kosher kitchens and complete halal stations at all four Dining Commons. Our kosher kitchens meet Chicago Rabbinical Council certification standards, while our halal stations are certified by IFANCA. Additionally, we are committed to working with students who have other religious dietary preferences or needs. We encourage these students to meet with us to discuss how we can best support their dietary requirements.
Vegetarian and vegan students can savor a diverse and delicious plant-based menu with daily rotating selections at our Rooted stations, as well as other stations throughout all four Dining Commons. Menus are conveniently posted at each station and can also be accessed online at Dine on Campus, making it easy to plan your meals
We are committed to food safety and inclusivity, which is why peanuts and tree nuts are not used in any of UChicago Dining’s kitchens. Additionally, we provide allergen-safe options and an Avoiding Gluten station, known as Pure Eats, at every dining commons, ensuring safe and enjoyable dining experiences for all our students.
Please browse the frequently asked questions on the topics below to learn more about our program and policies:
- Student’s living on-campus Meal Plan FAQ
- Student’s living off-campus Meal Plan FAQ
- Meal Plan FAQ
- General FAQ
- Maroon Dollar FAQ
Q: Are meal plans required for all students living on-campus?
A: Meal plans are required for students living in On-Campus Housing. The specific plan you are assigned depends on your academic year and room type.
- First-Year Students: Default to the Unlimited Meal Plan for the entire first year. Not eligible for any other plan.
- Second-Year Students in Single or Double Rooms: Default to the Unlimited Meal Plan, with an option to switch to the Phoenix Meal Plan no later than 7 days after the start of the current quarter. Not eligible for the Apartment Meal Plan.
- Second- Year Students in Apartments: Default to the Apartment Meal Plan, with an option to upgrade to the Unlimited or Phoenix meal plans no later than 7 days after the start of the current quarter.
- Third and Fourth-Year Students in Apartments: Default to the Apartment Meal Plan, with an option to upgrade to the Unlimited, Phoenix, Maroon or Quad meal plans no later than 7 days after the start of the current quarter.
- Third and Fourth-Year Students in Single or Double Rooms: Default to the Maroon Meal Plan, with an option to upgrade to the Unlimited, Phoenix, or Quad Meal Plan no later than 7 days after the start of the current quarter. Not eligible for the Apartment Meal Plan.
At our university, meal plans are mandatory for students living in on-campus housing to ensure that we can consistently provide high-quality dining services and a wide variety of food options every day. By requiring meal plans, we are committed to providing every student with access to a variety of delicious, nutritious, and culturally diverse meals in a communal setting. This not only supports individual well-being but also enriches the overall campus experience.
Q: Can I cancel my meal plan if I live on-campus?
A: No, meal plans cannot be canceled while you are living in On-Campus Housing.
Q: How are meal plan charges processed?
A: Students living on-campus will be charged for your default meal plan and will be visible on your first bill. Any changes to your meal plan will be billed in the month following. Please see the Monthly Billing Calendar for due dates.
Q: How can I make changes to my on-campus meal plan?
A: Meal plan changes can be requested by visiting your my.uchicago.edu account beginning 21 days before the start of the upcoming quarter through 11:59:59 PM seven days following the first day of the current quarter.
Once logged into the My.UChicago portal, navigate to Finances –> Account –> On-Campus Meal Plan Change.
Use the dropdown menu to select another meal plan.
The specific options you have depends on your academic year and room type.
- First-Year Students: Default to the Unlimited Meal Plan for the entire first year. Not eligible for any other plan.
- Second-Year Students in Single or Double Rooms: Default to the Unlimited Meal Plan, with an option to switch to the Phoenix Meal Plan no later than 7 days after the start of the current quarter. Not eligible for the Apartment Meal Plan.
- Second- Year Students in Apartments: Default to the Apartment Meal Plan, with an option to upgrade to the Unlimited or Phoenix meal plans no later than 7 days after the start of the current quarter.
- Third and Fourth-Year Students in Apartments: Default to the Apartment Meal Plan, with an option to upgrade to the Unlimited, Phoenix, Maroon or Quad meal plans no later than 7 days after the start of the current quarter.
- Third and Fourth-Year Students in Single or Double Rooms: Default to the Maroon Meal Plan, with an option to upgrade to the Unlimited, Phoenix, or Quad Meal Plan no later than 7 days after the start of the current quarter. Not eligible for the Apartment Meal Plan.
Q: What happens if my housing contract is canceled?
A: If your housing contract is canceled, your residential meal plan will be removed. If you will remain a registered student you can enroll in an off-campus meal plan through the GET App.
Q: Can off-campus students purchase meal plans?
A: Yes, off-campus students and Graduate Students can purchase meal plans but are not assigned one by default, and therefore your enrollment in a meal plan is voluntary. You can complete your meal plan purchase through the GET Platform beginning 21 days before the start of the upcoming quarter at 9:00 AM. Meal plans purchased through GET are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled.
Q: If I purchase a Voluntary Meal Plan through GET, when will my meal plan start and end?
A: Autumn Quarter Meal Plans begin on Friday, September 27th ay 11:00 am and will expire after dinner service on Friday, December 13th.
Q: Can I cancel or change my meal plan if I live off-campus?
A: Voluntary meal plans purchased through GET are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled. You can request a meal plan change beginning 9/16/2024 through 10/7/2024, the form will be posted on dining.uchicago.edu. If changes to your meal plan result in a balance owed by you or a credit from the university, these will be processed through your bursar bill.
Q: How are meal plan charges processed for off-campus students?
A: Students living off-campus will not be charged automatically for a meal plan. If you elect to purchase a meal plan through the GET Platform, you will be able to choose to pay with a credit card or you can charge it to your Bursar Account. Any meal plan purchases charged to your Bursar Account will be billed in the month following. Please see the Monthly Billing Calendar for due dates.
Q: How do I enroll in a meal plan?
A: New this year, beginning 21 days before the start of the quarter, meal plan enrollment will be streamlined based on your housing status. If you live on-campus, please visit my.uchicago.edu. If you live off-campus, please visit get.cbord.com/uchicago. The deadline to enroll or change to an Unlimited, Phoenix, or Apartment meal plan is seven days following the start of the quarter at 11:59:59 PM.
Q: When do Autumn Quarter Meal Plans start and end?
A: Autumn Quarter Meal Plans begin on Friday, September 27th ay 11:00 am and will expire after dinner service on Friday, December 13th.
Q: What should I do if I forget my ID or have lost it and need to enter the dining commons?
A: If you forget your ID or have lost your ID, ask for a manager at the dining commons. They can look up your account information and deduct a meal from your plan. If you have lost your ID, please report it immediately to the ID & Privileges Office to obtain a replacement.
Q: How long are meal plans valid?
A: Meal plans are only valid for the quarter in which they are purchased and expire after dinner service on the last Friday of the quarter. Unused meals do not roll over and are non-refundable. However, Maroon Dollar balances roll over to future quarters but expire at the end of the spring quarter on convocation. There are no exceptions.
Q: Can I share my meal plan with others?
A: No, meal plans and meals (except guest meals) are for the plan holder only and cannot be shared. You must present your University ID to a cashier before entering a dining hall.
Q: How are meal plans managed and accounted for?
A: Meal plan details are encoded on your University ID Card, which you must tap with a cashier before entering a dining hall. Additionally, you can view your meal plan and Maroon Dollar balances and transaction history by utilizing the GET App.
Q: What is "Fourth Meal"?
A: Fourth Meal is available Monday-Thursday from 9pm-12am for DINE-IN Only beginning in the third week of each quarter for students on a meal plan. To-go meals are not available during this meal period.
AU24: Baker Dining Commons WI25: Baker and Cathey Dining Commons SP25: Baker Dining Commons
Q: What should I do if I have food allergies?
A: Don’t be shy, self identify! If you have food allergies, please contact the campus dietitian for assistance. UChicago Dining follows a limited exposure peanut and tree nut policy.
Q: Can I bring outside food and beverages into the dining facilities?
A: No, outside food and beverages are not allowed in the dining facilities.
Q: Can I take food out of the dining commons?
A: Food other than a small item like an ice cream cone or cookie may not be removed from the dining commons unless you have used a “To-Go” swipe, which allows you to pack and remove a meal.
Q: How do "To-Go" meals work?
A: Use your ID to tap twice for “To-Go” meals, the first tap deducts a meal from your meal plan and the second tap adjusts your bucket of 10 “to-go swipes”. These meals replace the all-you-care-to-eat option and must be packed and removed from the dining commons. Please note that students are not allowed to dine-in if they have chosen a to-go meal. Additionally, “To-Go” meals are not available during 4th meal.
Q: What is the Meal Exchange Program?
A: The Meal Exchange Program allows you to use a select number of meal swipes at campus cafés, markets, or Hutchinson Commons. Meal exchanges can be used once per meal period and expire at the end of each quarter.
Q: Are meal plans available in the summer?
A: Meal plans are not offered in the summer, but select dining locations remain open with adjusted hours and accept Maroon Dollars.
Q: Where can I check my meal plan enrollment, available swipes, Maroon Dollars, and transaction history?
A: You can find your meal plan enrollment details, available swipes, Maroon Dollars, and transaction history by logging into get.cbord.com/uchicago with your CNET ID and password.
Q: Who can dine in the Dining Commons?
A: The Dining Commons are open to all faculty, students, staff, and visitors. Non-meal plan holders can pay at the door using Maroon Dollars or a credit card.
Q: What are the door rates for meals if I pay with credit or debit cards?
A: Door Rates Effective 9/27
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- Breakfast: $12.23 plus tax
- Lunch: $16.68 plus tax
- Dinner: $21.13 plus tax
Q: Are there any policies regarding solicitation in dining centers?
A: Yes, posting, sales, or solicitation in dining centers require written consent from UChicago Dining.
Q: I believe I left my personal belonging in a dining commons, and it was not there when I returned, who can I contact?
A: We recommend that you return to the location and immediately inform the manager on duty. Your item may have been placed in the manager’s office for safekeeping. However, if they do not have your item, please note that UChicago Dining assumes no responsibility for personal property in dining facilities.
Q: What payment methods are accepted at UChicago Dining locations?
A: UChicago Dining locations accept Maroon Dollars, Phoenix cASH, and debit/credit cards at all of our locations. Please note that all dining commons and some retail locations are cashless.
Q: Can my group that is visiting campus eat in the Dining Commons?
A: UChicago Dining will gladly work with groups to plan meals during visits to the campus. We offer reserved seating on a first-come, first-served basis to accommodate your group. For more information, please contact us at dining@uchicago.edu. We look forward to serving you!
Maroon Dollar FAQ
Q: Can I get a refund for unused meals or Maroon Dollars?
A: No, there are no refunds for unused meals or Maroon Dollars.
Q: What are Maroon Dollars and how do they work?
A: Maroon Dollars come with some meal plans and allow students, faculty, and staff to use their University IDs like a debit card at any dining hall and most cafés and markets on campus. Maroon Dollars are tax-exempt and each time you make a purchase with Maroon Dollars, money will be subtracted from your personal account. One Maroon Dollar is equivalent to $1.
Q: What is the difference between Maroon Dollars and Phoenix cASH?
A: Maroon Dollars come with some meal plans and expires at the end of each school year. Phoenix cASH is a reloadable account that is valid for your entire educational or professional career at UChicago. Both are accepted at our locations. Phoenix cASH is managed by the Bursar Department. To add Phoenix cASH to your account, please visit: Phoenix cASH Information | University of Chicago (uchicago.edu)
Q: How can I use my Maroon Dollars and Phoenix cASH?
A: Inform the cashier that you would like to use Maroon Dollars or Phoenix cASH. Tap the card reader when prompted. The register will first use your Maroon Dollars and then switch to your Phoenix cASH if needed.
Q: What if I don't have enough Maroon Dollars or Phoenix cASH to pay for my transaction?
A: Any remaining balance can be covered by another form of tender (i.e. credit/debit cards or cash, if accepted).