meal plan faq

learn about your plan

There’s plenty to learn about your meal plan, and we are hear to help! Check out some of the most commonly asked questions below, and if you have questions that are not answered here you can always visit our Contact Us page to ask any question you may have.

What meal plans are available?

We have a variety of meal plans designed to accommodate a variety of different eating schedules, habits, and Brandeis University residents. Campus residents, commuting students, and graduate students can select their meal plans through the Department of Community Living (DCL) portal. Faculty/staff can purchase a plan here on the dining website.

On-Campus Traditional Residents

  • 19 Weekly Meals + $250 Points + 5 guest meals per semester
  • 15 Weekly Meals + $600 Points + 5 guest meals per semester
  • 12 Weekly Meals + $850 Points + 5 guest meals per semester
  • 10 Weekly Meals + $650 Points + 5 guest meals per semester

On-Campus Apartment Residents (Available to students living in Charles River Apartments, Ridgewood, 567 South St. and Foster Mods)

  • 120 Block Meals + $400 Points
  • 80 Block Meals + $300 Points

Commuter Students (Available to students living off campus)

  • 90 Block Meals + $100 Points
  • 60 Block Meals + $60 Points
  • $250 Points

Graduate Students

  • 30 Block Meals
  • 15 Block Meals

Faculty & Staff

  • 30 Block Meals
  • 15 Block Meals
Do Faculty members have access to meal plans?

Absolutely! Our Faculty/Staff Plans come at a discounted rate, giving you a great reason to stay on campus for lunch. Join us around the table for campus dining done differently. Sign up here. Please allow 1 business day for the plan to show up on your ID card.

What are Block Meals, Weekly Meals, Meal Exchange (ME) & Points?
Block swipes are sets of meals per semester that can be budgeted freely offering ultimate flexibility. Block meals may be redeemed as an all-you-care-to-eat, or to-go meal at The Table at Sherman, The Kosher Table at Sherman, and Usdan Kitchen or for a pre-set meal combo at applicable Meal Exchange (ME) campus restaurants.
Weekly swipes are sets of meals that reset each week making budgeting a breeze! Weekly meals may be redeemed as an all-you-care-to-eat, to-go meal at The Table at Sherman, The Kosher Table at Sherman, and Usdan Kitchen or for a pre-set meal combo at applicable Meal Exchange (ME) campus restaurants. One weekly swipe per meal period is permitted.

Meal Periods:

Breakfast 7:00 am – 9:59 am

Continental Breakfast 10:00 am – 10:59 am

Lunch 11:00 am – 2:30 pm

Mid-Day Lunch 2:31 pm – 4:59 pm

Dinner 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Late Night 9:00 pm – 2:00 am

Dining Points are included in most meal plans. Points can be used at any Brandeis Hospitality restaurant working on the same principle as a debit card. Points renew at the beginning of every semester and do not replenish each week. Points associated with any meal plan will roll over from fall to spring semester if the membership is continued for spring semester. If membership is cancelled any remaining Points from fall semester will expire.
A Meal Exchange (ME) is a set retail combo that can be used at select on-campus retail locations. You can typically get an entrée, side, and drink for a meal swipe. ME is offered at Greens & Grains, Nakiri, La Sabrosa, Louis’ Deli, The Hoot Market and The Stein, so variety abounds!
Do Block Meals & Points renew weekly?

For On-Campus Traditional Residents, Block Meals and Points will renew at the beginning of each semester.

For Commuters, Graduate Students or Faculty/Staff, Block Meals & Points do not auto-renew. You may choose to purchase a new plan for spring semester to replenish.

Where can I sign up for a meal plan?

Campus residents, commuting students, and graduate students can purchase their meal plans through the Department of Community Living (DCL) portal.

Faculty/staff can purchase a plan here on the dining website. Please allow 1 business day for the plan to show up on your ID card.

Is Mobile Ordering included with my meal plan?

Yes, students who purchase a meal plan can utilize our new & convenient mobile ordering system. Download the “Starship – Food Delivery” app today on the Apple Store or Google Play to get started.

I live off-campus, is it worth it for me to have a meal plan?

Students who live off-campus can participate in our meal plans that allow students access to our dining locations and mobile ordering system. Our meal plans are designed to fit your busy schedule, whether you are on your way to or from class and need a hot and fresh meal, need a quick cup of coffee or bagel to start your day, or if you want to pick up some snacks or home essentials in a safe & convenient location.

To purchase a meal plan, please click here. Please allow 1 business day for the plan to show up on your ID card.