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Meal Plans & FAQS

 

2026/27 Meal Plans

UChicago Dining offers a variety of meal plans designed to meet the needs of the campus community. As part of the University housing contract, students living in University‑owned housing are required to have a meal plan and are assigned a default meal plan. A student’s year in housing and room type, rather than academic class year, determine the default meal plan for those living on campus.

Unlimited Meal Plan

Designed for students who want full access to the dining commons throughout the day. This plan provides unlimited entry along with meal exchanges, guest and to‑go swipes, and a stable Dining Dollar allotment that supports flexible dining across cafés and retail locations.

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Phoenix Meal Plan

Designed for students who want structure with flexibility. This plan offers 125 swipes per quarter, supported by meal exchanges, guest and to‑go swipes, and Dining Dollars that expand options across campus cafés, markets, and retail venues.

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Apartment Meal Plan

Designed for students living in an apartment on or off campus who prefer a lighter swipe structure. This plan provides 80 quarterly swipes along with meal exchanges, guest and to‑go swipes, and a larger Dining Dollar balance for flexible dining across cafés, markets, and retail locations.

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Gothic Meal Plan

The Gothic Meal Plan is an optional plan for students in their second through fourth year living in University on‑campus housing, offering 100 dining commons swipes and Dining Dollars for flexible campus dining.

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Off-Campus Meal Options

Designed for off-campus students who want convenient access to dining across campus. These plans offer a range of swipe and Dining Dollar options, allowing students to choose the mix of access and flexibility that fits their daily routines.

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Summer Meal Plan Options

Summer Scholars and Summer Day meal plans are new offerings designed for students, faculty, staff, and non‑residential summer groups. Enjoy convenient, flexible dining with access to campus dining locations throughout the summer.

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Eligibility Matrix

Year in Housing Room Type Unlimited Meal Plan Phoenix Meal Plan Apartment Meal Plan Gothic Meal Plan Off-Campus Plans
First Year Any Default Not Eligible Not Eligible Not Eligible Not Eligible
Second, Third or Fourth Year  Single or Double Default Eligible Not Eligible Eligible Not Eligible
Second, Third or Fourth Year  Apartment Eligible Eligible Default Eligible Not Eligible

Meal Plan Enrollment Windows & Meal Plan Dates

Quarter Enrollment/Change Period Start Date Enrollment/Change Period End Date Meal Plan Start Date Meal Plan End Date
Autumn Monday, September 7, 2026 Monday, October 5, 2026 Friday, September 25, 2026 Friday, December 11, 2026
Winter Monday, December 14, 2026 Monday, January 11, 2027 Sunday, January 3, 2027 Friday, March 12, 2027
Spring Monday, March 1, 2027 Monday, March 29, 2027 Sunday, March 21, 2027 Friday, June 4, 2027

General FAQ

Q: Who can dine in the Dining Commons?
Q: What are the door rates for meals and what are the accepted payment methods?
Q: Are there any policies regarding solicitation in dining centers?
Q: I believe I left a personal belonging in a dining commons, but it was not there when I returned. Who can I contact?
Q: Can my group that is visiting campus eat in the Dining Commons?
Q: Can I take food out of the dining commons?
Q: Can I bring outside food and beverages into the dining facilities?
Q: What should I do if I have food allergies?
Q: What should I do if I forget my ID or have lost it and need to enter the dining commons?

View the Dining and Allergen Guide