Do I have to have a meal plan?

Students living in traditional university residential halls on DePaul's campus must have a meal plan. The minimum plan required for all residential students is the Lite Plan, while all first year resident students are required to have the DePaul plan. Traditional residential units include Belden-Racine, Clifton-Fullerton, Corcoran, Munroe, Seton, and University Hall. If you live in the McCabe apartments, Sanctuary, or the Sanctuary Town homes, you still must participate in a meal plan option. The minimum required meal plan for those students living in the above mentioned apartment units is the Apartment plan. Details are available through the Student Center Administration Office. If you are in University Apartments, you may choose to participate in a meal plan. University Apartments include Belden Apartments, Centennial, Courtside, Kenmore Apartments, Persky, Racine Apartments, and Sheffield Square.

How do I sign up for a meal plan?

Residential Students

Students renewing for next year's housing will be asked to select a meal plan option as a part of the room reservation process with Housing Services. New students sign up for a meal plan when they complete their first housing agreement with Housing Services.

Commuter Students

Commuters sign up through the Student Centers administration office located at 2250 N Sheffield, suite 303, during regular office hours, 9:00 A.M. - 5 P.M. Monday through Friday.

What happens to the money I do not use at the end of each quarter?

Your balance rolls over from quarter to quarter during the academic year. We encourage you to use your meal plan regularly, because any balance remaining at the end of finals week in June, 2009 is forfeited.

Can I change my meal plan?

Yes! You can change your meal plan, but there are some restrictions. You may change to a lower plan (as long as you stay at the minimum plan required for your status/housing type) no later than the first two weeks of an academic quarter.

Can I use my meal plan at the vending machines?

Your meal plan can be used at the Loop and Lincoln Park Student Center dining locations. Your meal plan will not work at the vending machines.

How can I check the balance on my meal plan?

Easy! Just ask a cashier at any dining platform to do a "balance inquiry."

What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?

Contact ID card services immediately to report your card as lost or stolen. ID card services can be contacted at the Loop (312) 362-5959 or at the Lincoln Park campus (773) 325-7466.

What do I do if my card runs out of money?

Money can be added to your meal card at the Student Center Office or, alternatively, you can add money to your meal card on-line by visiting Meal Plan Form and completing a meal plan change form.

Am I able to buy meals for my friends or family?

Yes- but you must be there. Cashiers are unable to allow a purchase to be made on a meal card unless the meal card owner is present.

Where can I use my meal plan?

On the Loop Campus - DePaul Center 11th floor Cafeteria
On the Lincoln Park Campus - Student Center 2nd floor Cafeteria as well as the Bean Caffe located in Schmitt Academic Center (SAC) and the Ray Meyer Fitness & Recreation Center.

Can I have my meal plan waived for the quarter?

In very rare cases meal plans can be waived. Please note that the waiver of the meal plan is only possible for medical reasons and when students are leaving for a study abroad program. Study abroad waivers are only valid for the term length that the student is abroad. Documentation is required. To discuss a medical condition or study abroad waiver, please contact the Business Manager of the Student Center at 773-325-7346.

If I leave DePaul at the end of the quarter, can I get a refund on my unused balance?

Refunds of meal plan balances at the end of a quarter are not possible.

How do I choose the right meal plan for my student?

The 'right' meal plan choice is dependent on the student and their eating habits. We recommend selecting the lowest required plan for the student's residence hall. This is because you can always add value to the plan, but decreasing the plan is only allowed for the first two weeks of the academic term. Adding value is easy. Simply fill out the Online Form or visit us at Suite 303 of the Lincoln Park Student Center.

If I have questions regarding my meal plan who do I contact?

The Meal Plan office is located in the Student Center, Suite 303 and is available by phone at 773-325-7346 as well as by email at studentcenters@depaul.edu.

Can I use my meal plan at the University Center of Chicago (UCC)?

Meal plans cannot be used at the UCC. Meal plans can be used at the following locations:
Loop Campus - DePaul Center 11th floor Cafeteria
Lincoln Park Campus - Student Center 2nd floor Cafeteria, and the Bean Caffe located in both the Schmitt Academic Center (SAC) and the Ray Meyer Fitness & Recreation Center.

Can I use my University Center of Chicago (UCC) meal plan at DePaul's Loop and Lincoln Park Cafeteria's or Bean Caffes?

No, because the University Center of Chicago has a different food service provider, a UCC meal plan can only be used exclusively at the UCC.

Can I have a meal plan at the University Center of Chicago (UCC) as well as at DePaul?

Yes, you can participate in both programs and carry two meal plans. Please be aware that you will get two separate charges on your student account.