2025-2026 Meal Plans
All full-time undergraduate students, whether living on or off campus, are required to purchase a meal plan. Default meal plan charges are automatically placed onto a student's account based on credit hours enrolled.
Spring 2026 Meal Plans will be assigned automatically in November 2025 to full-time undergraduate students based on previous semesters of on-campus residency. Students will see this charge on their bill for the semester.
Once billed, students may request an upgrade to any plan in a price level above their default level. Upperclassmen may also choose to downgrade one level from their default (see details in the chart below). To request a change, please visit our Forms page to complete the Meal Plan Change Request Form. Students may also request a meal plan exemption by selecting the Meal Plan Exemption Form.
Students who are not automatically assigned a meal plan (part-time students, graduate students, etc.) may use the Meal Plan Change Request Form to choose an optional meal plan. Meal Plan funds will be available in January 2026.
Students have until the end of the first two weeks of the Spring semester (January 21, 2026) to request any changes to their dining options. All change requests are processed manually.
| Meal Plan | Expense | Plan Details | Notes |
|---|
| Charger Blue VIP |
$2,485 |
All Access Plan with $400 Charger Bucks + 10 Meal Exchanges per week + 10 Guest Passes.
|
|
| Charger Blue |
$2,330 |
All Access Plan with $300 Charger Bucks + 1 Meal Exchange per day + 10 Guest Passes.
|
Default Plan for First & Second Year Residents
|
|
Block 230
|
$2,110 |
230 meal swipes/semester with $300 Charger Bucks includes 5 Meal Exchanges per week. |
|
|
Block 85
|
$1,088 |
85 meal swipes/semester with $300 Charger Bucks includes 3 Meal Exchanges per week. |
Default Plan for Upperclassmen Residents
|
|
Block 50
|
$775 |
50 meal swipes/semester with $300 Charger Bucks does not include Meal Exchanges. |
Optional Downgrade for Upperclassmen Residents
|
|
Commuter
|
$415 |
415 Dining Dollars to be used at ANY on campus dining location.
|
Default Plan for Commuters and Residents of Southeast or Greek Housing
|
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|
| All Access |
The All-Access plan allows students to eat at the Charger Café without a weekly or semesterly limit. Only one swipe is allowed every twenty minutes.
|
| Block |
Is a predetermined set of "meal swipes.” For example, Block 230 includes 230 meal swipes per semester. A meal swipe grants you one all-you-care-to-eat meal at the Charger Café or a meal at Burrito Bowl/The Den by using a meal exchange (see below).
|
| Charger Bucks vs Dining Dollars |
Charger Bucks and Dining Dollars can be spent dollar for dollar at any of our dining locations on campus. Charger Bucks expire at the end of each semester, but Dining Dollars remain until the end of the academic year.
|
| Commuter |
Undergraduate students who do not reside on campus. Note: undergraduate students residing in SCH or Greek housing are assigned the Commuter meal plan. |
| First Year Residents |
Undergraduate students who have resided on campus for two semesters or fewer (not including summer) . |
| Guest Passes |
One all-you-care-to-eat meal at the Charger Café that can be shared with friends, family, etc. There is no limit to how many can be used at once.
|
| Meal Exchange |
One of your allotted meal swipes that can be used for a meal at Burrito Bowl or The Den instead of the Charger Café. (Charger Blue VIP and Block plans are limited to three exchanges per day)
|
| Second Year Residents |
Undergraduate students who have resided on campus for three to four semesters (not including summer). |
| Upperclassmen Residents |
Undergraduate students who have resided on campus for more than four semesters (not including summer). |
Meal Plans FAQS
How do I choose a meal plan?
Meal plans are automatically assigned to full-time undergraduate students before the Fall and Spring terms based on semesters of on-campus residency. If you would like to change your assigned meal plan, please visit our Forms page to complete the Meal Plan Change Request Form. Students who are not automatically assigned a meal plan (part-time students, graduate students, etc.) may use the Meal Plan Change Request Form to choose an optional meal plan. All change requests are processed manually.
I have several dietary restrictions. Are there any meal options for me?
The Charger Café offers the Simple Services station which provides safe & appetizing food choices for our students with food allergies, gluten intolerance, and those who prefer simple food.
All foods offered at this station are naturally free of milk, eggs, wheat / gluten, soy, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts.
All the on-campus retail brands offer the same menu as other campus dining locations across the nation.
How can I receive information about Dining Service's hours and latest news?
Please visit Dining Services's website.
Why are students required to purchase meal plans?
The rationale for the program is to promote an atmosphere of belonging and participation. Numerous studies have indicated that the most engaged students are those who participate in on-campus activities including dining. These students experience substantial social and educational benefits. More information about our campus meal plan policy is located here.
Another primary reason for the campus meal plan policy is to assist our first year resident students who are transitioning from high school. Our meal plan policy allows for exemptions in certain cases. Please read the section below for more information.
Can I request an exemption from the meal plan requirement?
Yes, please visit our Forms page to fill out a Meal Plan Requirement Exemption Request.
If your student status has changed to less than 12 hours, you no longer have the requirement. However, you are responsible for notifying the Charger Card Office in writing within the two-week change deadline or you will have to keep the plan for the semester.
The current exemption reasons are:
- Older Than Traditional Aged Students (over 25)
- Married (A copy of your marriage license MUST be submitted)
- Parental Status (A copy of birth certificate MUST be submitted)
- Co-op Position / Student Teaching
- Online Classes Only
- No longer a full time student or withdraw from UAH
- Medical Condition (Proper documentation from medical personnel is required)
- Seeking Second Bachelor's degree / Graduate Student
What happens to my meal plan if I withdraw from the University? Do I get a refund?
If you are a Housing resident, please contact the Housing Office to complete the check-out process. For off-campus students, please notify the Charger Card Office that you have withdrawn from all classes and we will refund your unused meal plan.