Meal Plan FAQ
General
What is the difference between a UCI Housing Meal Plan and an Anteater Meal Plan?
UCI Housing Meal Plans are mandatory for residents living in Middle Earth and Mesa Commons as part of their overall UCI Housing contract.
Anteater Meal Plans are voluntary meal plans that can be purchased by anyone not currently on a UCI Housing Meal Plan, including faculty and staff.
How do I use my Meal Plan?
All Meal Plans (Meals & FlexDine) are loaded to your ID card, making it even easier to dine on campus. This includes both physical and virtual ID cards for students, faculty, and staff.
What happens if I lose my ID card?
Your UCI ID is required for all transactions and entries into the dining halls. Please visit The Hill as soon as possible to obtain a replacement ID card. In the meantime, we can accept your Virtual ID card found on the Atrium Campus Connect App.
Housing Meal Plans
How much does a UCI Housing Meal Plan cost?
UCI Housing Meal Plans are included as part of the housing contract and there are three options to choose from.
Individual meal plan pricing can be found here: UCI Student Housing - Rates
Can I change my UCI Housing Meal Plan?
Yes. Students may ‘upgrade’ their meal plan (change from a lower-cost to a higher-cost plan) during the week of October 9-16, 2023, and upgrades will become effective no later than October 20, 2023. (Please Note: Changing from a 135 Meal or 5-Weekday meal plan to the 7-Day meal plan will reduce your quarterly FlexDine Dollars allowance from $75 to $50.)
Note: Any cancellation or non-payment of your housing contract will result in suspension of your meal plan until your account status is updated. If your housing contract is canceled and you still desire to eat in the dining halls, you are able to purchase an Anteater meal plan at UCI Dining Meal Plans or pay the door rate for the corresponding meal period.
Do UCI Housing Meal Plans roll over between quarters?
Meals are only available on a quarterly basis and do not roll over to the following quarter. However, unused guest meals and FlexDine do roll over to the next quarter but expire on June 14, 2024.
Can I swipe in a guest with my Housing Meal Plan?
Yes, students on UCI Housing Meal Plans have 10 Guest Meals included with their meal plan each quarter.
Anteater Meal Plans
Do Anteater Meal Plans carry over between quarters?
All Anteater plans (excluding the 7-Day All Access) carry over between quarters and expire on June 14, 2024. The meals on the 7-Day All Access plans expire at the end of each quarter and do not rollover to the following quarter.
Can I swipe in a guest with my Anteater Meal Plan?
Anteater Meal Plans do not include guest meals, so students would either need to use an additional meal swipe or their FlexDine to pay the door rate for their guest.
If you wish to treat a friend or family member with one of your meals, you must be present and dine with your guests.
Note: Additional meal swipes are not allowed with the Anteater 7-Day Meal Plan as this is an all-access plan intended for the purchaser only. These meal plan holders can use their FlexDine to pay the door rate for their guest.
Can I request a refund on my meal plan if I change my mind?
Meal plans are non-refundable and non-transferable. Only UCI Housing meal plans may be changed, and only during the dates listed above.
FlexDine
How do I check my FlexDine balance?
Meal Plan holders can check their account balances anytime on their UCI StudentLink.
If you do not have a StudentLink account, you will need to create an account to be able to gain access to the site.
Can I add more FlexDine?
Yes, additional FlexDine can be purchased anytime online or by visiting the UCI Dining office located at G318 Student Center (3rd floor).
Where can I use FlexDine on campus?
FlexDine can be used at the Anteatery and Brandywine Commons as well as most of our cafés, food courts and convenience stores across campus. FlexDine dollars are valid through June 14, 2024.
Note: FlexDine is not accepted at UClub or Café Espresso.
Dietary Accommodations
What accommodations are available for those with food allergies and other special dietary needs?
The Executive Chefs at both the Anteatery and Brandywine are always available and willing to assist students with dietary restrictions. We also have a True Balance station (Compass) at Brandywine Commons serving options that are made without the top nine allergens.
Please email dining@uci.edu for more information and to schedule a meeting to discuss your individual needs.
Note: No additional meal plan changes can be made during the Winter and Spring Quarters. Prior to the change window you will receive an email from UCI Housing with directions on how to make changes. Meal plan changes can only be made online from the UCI Housing homepage during the meal plan change window.
