Meal Plans FAQ
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.
Where can I get more information about UCI Housing Meal Plans?
UCI Student Housing - Dining Options
How much does a UCI Housing Meal Plan cost?
UCI Housing Meal Plans are included as part of your housing contract and there are 3 options to choose from.
Individual meal plan pricing can be found here: UCI Student Housing - Rates
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 to the following quarter?
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 16, 2023.
Can I change my UCI Housing Meal Plan?
Yes. Students may "upgrade" their meal plan (change from a lower cost meal plan to a higher cost meal plan) only during the following period during Fall quarter (October 3 to October 10, 2022). Meal plan "upgrades" will become effective no later than October 15, 2022. Thereafter, meal plans may only be changed during the following period in Fall quarter (November 14 to December 9, 2022). These meal plan changes will become effective January 8, 2023. 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.
Can I swipe in a guest even if they don't have a meal plan?
Yes. Students on Mandatory housing meal plans have 10 Guest Meals included with their meal plan each quarter.
Voluntary 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.
Note: Additional meal swipes are not allowed with the Voluntary 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.
If you wish to treat a friend or family member with one of your meals, you must be present and dine with your guests.
What accommodations are available for those with food allergies and other special dietary needs?
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 at Brandywine Commons serving options that are dedicated to avoiding the Top 8 allergens. Please email dining@uci.edu for more information and to schedule a meeting to discuss your individual needs.
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.
Do Voluntary Meal Plans carry over between quarters?
All Anteater plans (excluding the 7-Day All Access) carry over between quarters and expire on June 16, 2023. 7-Day All Access plans expire at the end of each quarter and do not rollover to the following quarter. Meal plans are not transferable, and your UCI ID is required for all transactions and entries into the dining halls.
How can I add FlexDine?
Please visit UCI StudentLink or stop by the UCI Dining office located at G318 Student Center (3rd floor) to purchase additional FlexDine.
If you don’t have a StudentLink account, you will need to create an account to be able to gain access to the site.
How do I check my FlexDine/Zot Bucks balance?
If you would like to check your account balances please visit UCI StudentLink
If you don’t have a StudentLink account, you will need to create an account to be able to gain access to the site.
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 16, 2023.
Flexdine is not accepted at the University Club or Café Espresso.
What happens if I lose my ID card?
Please visit The Hill as soon as possible to obtain a replacement ID card. An ID card is required to enter the dining halls.
