Meal Plans
The Dining Portal Is Open
Students can now log in to select a meal plan or add Dining Dollars for Summer and Fall.
Whether you’re here for a few weeks or the whole semester, there are flexible options to meet your needs.
Log in anytime to make your selections and get set for the term ahead.
Term Meal Plan Info
Summer Meal Plans & Dining Dollars
You can use your summer dining plan from Monday, June 2 through Thursday, August 14.
Keep in mind:
- Unused balances won’t carry over to Fall
- Refunds aren’t available, so plan accordingly
Before you head out to eat, be sure to check the summer hours of operation to see which locations are open.
Fall 2025 Meal Plan Info
Moving in early?
If you need meals before the semester starts, Early Arrival Meal Plans will be available in the portal starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 8. These plans cover meals from August 15–19 only.
Heads up:
If you don’t have an Early Arrival Meal Plan, you won’t be able to pay cash at the door—so be sure to plan ahead.
Fall Meal Plans are valid from Wednesday, August 20 through Friday, December 12.
Need to make a change?
You can adjust your meal plan in the portal until 5 p.m. on the Drop Deadline each semester.
Manage Your Meal Plan in the Dining Portal
Registered Student
- You can use the Dining Portal to add a meal plan or Dining Dollars at any point during the semester.
Portal Opening Dates
You’ll be able to access the portal starting at 10 a.m. on:
- Summer 2025 – Thursday, May 1
- Fall 2025 – Tuesday, July 29
- Spring 2026 – Tuesday, December 2
Make Changes by the Deadline
All dining contract changes must be made by 5 p.m. on:
- Fall 2025 – Monday, September 8
- Spring 2026 – Monday, January 26
Ready to get started?
Log in to the Dining Portal to manage your dining contract.
Meal Plan Options
Meal Plans Made for Your Busy Life
No matter where you live or what year you’re in—first-year, transfer, grad, or returning—having a meal plan or Dining Dollars on your account just makes life easier.
With flexible options to fit your schedule, you can skip the shopping, cooking, and dishes and focus on what matters most—class, work, and campus life.
Check out the meal plans available to you based on where you live and your student type. There’s something for everyone!
How do meal plans work?
Every meal plan comes with two types of spending power:
- Meal Swipes – Use these to eat in the dining rooms. They’re good for one semester only.
- Dining Dollars – Use these like cash at any campus dining location. They’re valid for the full academic year.
If you have Dining Dollars left in December, no worries—they’ll roll over to Spring. Just remember, all Dining Dollars expire at the end of Spring semester.
Meal Plan FAQs
It depends on where you live and your student status. Here’s how it works:
If You Live On Campus
- All on-campus students are required to have an On Campus Meal Plan as part of your Housing and Dining contract.
- First-year students can choose from two On Campus Meal Plans.
- If you’re a sophomore or above (20+ years old or 20+ earned credits by the Drop Deadline), you can choose from two additional On Campus Meal Plans.
Exceptions for Upper-Level Students
If you’re a sophomore or above and live in:
- Lawrenson Hall
- Arlington Park Apartments
- UNC-owned houses
You’re not required to have a meal plan. You can:
- Choose any meal plan
- Choose Dining Dollars only
- Or skip a meal plan entirely
If You Live Off Campus
You’re welcome to choose:
- Any On Campus Meal Plan
- An Off Campus Bear Plan
- Dining Dollars only
- Or no plan at all
- Pro tip: Keep a few Dining Dollars on your account—perfect for a snack or drink while you’re on campus.
Bonus: Dining Dollars Save You Money
When you use Dining Dollars, you don’t pay sales tax—that’s like getting a 7% discount every time you use them on campus.
It’s super easy!
- The Dining Portal opens about 30 days before the semester starts. (You’ll usually see the exact date in the blue box at the top of the page.)
- Once the portal opens and you’re registered for classes, just log in and make your selection.
- Not sure which plan to choose? No problem—you can make changes in the portal until 5 p.m. on the Drop Deadline (the 10th day of classes).
Just need more Dining Dollars?
You can add them anytime in the Dining Portal—no need to change your meal plan.
Log in to the Dining Portal—that’s your go-to spot to check:
- Meal Swipes
- Dining Dollars
- Meal Exchange usage
Want to let a parent or support person help out?
You can give them guest access, so they can log in and add Dining Dollars to your account by credit card.
Helpful tip:
The Meal Exchange balance is just a tracker. It shows how many you’ve used that week—it’s not connected to your total meal plan balance.
You’ve got options—whether you’re dining in, grabbing something to go, or swapping a swipe at a retail spot.
Dine-In Locations
Enjoy a full meal in our all-you-care-to-eat dining rooms:
- Holmes Dining Hall
- Full dining experience
- Includes Simple Servings (allergen-friendly station)
- Tobey-Kendel Dining Room
- Features “Meal Bundles” at various stations
To-Go Meals
On the move? Grab a Bear On The Run meal:
- Available at Holmes Dining Hall and Tobey-Kendel
Meal Exchange (Retail Dining)
Swap a swipe for a Meal Bundle at select University Center locations:
- Bowlful
- Burger & Co.
- Crisol Latin Kitchen
- Empire State Pizza
You can use up to 5 meal swipes per week at these retail locations.
Check Before You Go
Dining locations and hours may change—especially in the summer.
Be sure to check the Hours of Operation for the most current info.
In the University Center
These spots are right in the heart of campus:
- Bowlful (Meal Exchange available)
- Burger & Co. (Meal Exchange available)
- Crisol Latin Kitchen (Meal Exchange available)
- Einstein Bros® Bagels
- Empire State Pizza (Meal Exchange available)
- Hissho Sushi
- Munchy Mart™
- Subway®
At Holmes Hall
- Starbucks®
- Holmes Dining Hall (cash prices at the door or use your meal plan)
At the Michener Library
- Bears Coffee Shop
Across Campus
- Tobey-Kendel Dining
- Special pricing on Meal Bundles at each station
- Just Baked hot vending machine (available 24/7)
- Market area upstairs (available 24/7)
Other Campus Options
- Mobile food carts (rotating locations)
- Vending machines with snacks and beverages
- Concessions at most sporting events
Be sure to check the Hours of Operation for the most up-to-date info on what’s open and when.
Summer hours and locations are different, so make sure you’re viewing the correct schedule for your term.
Semester Meal Plan Pricing
Important Meal Plan Info for On-Campus Students
If you live on campus, you’re required to have an On Campus Meal Plan for the full academic year. This is part of your Housing and Dining contract.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Meals are only valid for the semester you purchase them.
- That means Fall meals won’t carry over to Spring—use them before the semester ends.
- There are no refunds for unused meals, so be sure to plan your usage.
Heads up:
- The averages listed for meals per week are based on a 16-week semester. Your experience may vary depending on how often you use your plan.
- All prices shown are for one semester only.
Early Arrival Meal Plans
Valid Friday, August 15 – Tuesday, August 19
Choose the plan that works for you:
- 15 meals – $210
- 10 meals – $140
- 5 meals – $70
You can also pay at the door using cash or credit if you prefer.
Summer meal plans and Dining Dollars expire on Thursday, August 14.
Fall meal plans begin on Wednesday, August 20.
If you’re moving in early, you’ll need a meal plan to cover the days in between.
Weekend Hours Reminder
Starting August 16, Holmes Dining Hall will operate on Fall weekend hours, offering Brunch and Dinner only on Saturdays and Sundays.
How to Sign Up
Early Arrival Meal Plans will be available in the Dining Portal starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 8.
Meal Plans for First-Year Students Living On Campus
If you’re a first-year student living on campus, you’re required to have a meal plan—and you’ve got two great options to choose from!
Both plans are designed to keep you fueled and focused, with plenty of meals and Dining Dollars for snacks, coffee, and late-night bites.
Your Meal Plan Options
| Plan Name | What You Get | Avg. Meals/Week | Cost (Per Semester) |
| 300 Meal Plan | 300 meals + 300 Dining Dollars | About 19 | $4,017 |
| 250 Meal Plan | 250 meals + 400 Dining Dollars | 15-16 | $3,663 |
Not sure which plan to pick?
Think about how often you eat on campus and whether you like flexibility for snacks or coffee between classes. And remember—Dining Dollars don’t expire until the end of the academic year, so anything left in Fall rolls into Spring!
Let us take care of the food, so you can focus on everything else.
Meal Plans for Sophomores and Above Living On Campus
If you’re a sophomore or above (that means you’re at least 20 years old or have 20+ earned credits by the Drop Deadline), you have more flexibility when it comes to choosing your meal plan.
You can select from any of the On Campus Meal Plans listed below—choose the one that fits your schedule, appetite, and lifestyle.
Your Meal Plan Options
| Plan Name | What You Get | Avg. Meals/Week | Cost (Per Semester) |
| 300 Meal Plan | 300 meals + 300 Dining Dollars | About 19 | $4,017 |
| 250 Meal Plan | 250 meals + 400 Dining Dollars | 15-16 | $3,663 |
More meal plan options may also be available based on your housing assignment. Be sure to review all your choices in the Dining Portal when it opens.
Need a little help deciding?
Think about how often you plan to eat on campus and how much flexibility you want for snacks, coffee, or meals on the go. Dining Dollars give you extra freedom—and they roll over from Fall to Spring!”
Meal Plans for Off-Campus Students
Just because you live off campus doesn’t mean you have to worry about packing lunch or skipping meals between classes. With a Bear Plan, you’ll always have quick, easy access to food on campus—plus Dining Dollars for snacks, coffee, and more.
Off-campus students can choose from any meal plan offered, including the Bear Plans below, designed specifically with your flexibility in mind.
Live in Lawrenson, Arlington Park, or a UNC-owned house?
These Bear Plans are also available to sophomores or above living in those on-campus locations.
Off Campus Bear Plans
| Plan Name | What You Get | Avg. Meals/Week | Cost (Per Semester) |
| 75 Bear Plan | 75 meals + 400 Dining Dollars | 4-5 | $1,555 |
| 50 Bear Plan | 50 meals + 500 Dining Dollars | 3 | $1,298 |
| 25 Bear Plan | 25 meals + 600 Dining Dollars | 1-2 | $1,006 |
Why choose a Bear Plan?
- You’ll save time and money—no need to eat out or rush home.
- Dining Dollars never get taxed, so it’s like a 7% discount every time you use them.
- You can grab meals, snacks, coffee, or lunch between classes—without the hassle.
What Are Dining Dollars—and Where Can You Use Them?
Dining Dollars work like campus cash—use them to grab meals, snacks, coffee, or drinks at dining locations across campus. Best part? No tax is added, so it’s like getting a built-in discount every time you use them.
All meal plans come with Dining Dollars included, but you can also add more at any time through the Dining Portal.
Dining Dollars give you flexibility and convenience, especially when you’re in a rush or just need a snack between classes.
Why Dining Dollars Are a Great Option
- Easy to Use
- Dining Dollars are loaded right onto your student’s UNC ID card, which they can swipe to pay at most retail dining spots, vending machines, and more—no cash or cards needed.
- Sales Tax Free
- When your student uses Dining Dollars, they don’t pay sales tax—that’s a 7% savings on every purchase.
Carry Forward, Not Forever
- Fall balances roll into Spring, but all Dining Dollars expire at the end of Spring semester.
- Summer Dining Dollars are available only during summer session.
- No refunds are issued for unused Dining Dollars, so encourage your student to use them up.
Bear On The Run
- Students can even buy into the Bear On The Run reusable container program using Dining Dollars. It’s just $5 to join.
Lost Card? No Problem.
- If a student misplaces their UNC Card, Dining Dollars can be immediately deactivated by contacting Dining Services at 970-351-2652. Once they get a new card, their account can be reactivated quickly.
Where You Can Spend Dining Dollars
In the University Center
- Bowlful
- Burger & Co.
- Crisol Latin Kitchen
- Einstein Bros® Bagels
- Empire State Pizza
- Hissho Sushi
- Munchy Mart™
- Subway®
Across Campus
- Bears Coffee Shop (Michener Library)
Holmes Dining Hall
(cash prices at the door)
- Starbucks® (Holmes Hall)
Tobey-Kendel Dining
- Vending machines (snacks and beverages)
Concessions at most sporting events.
Guests and Visitors: Join Us for a Meal!
Rates for Adults and Children
Adults
(13 years old and above)
- Breakfast: $11.25
- Brunch/Lunch: $16.50
- Dinner: $16.50
Children
(4 years old – 12 years old)
- Breakfast: $8.00
- Brunch/Lunch: $11.25
- Dinner: $11.25
