Food at the U Housing & Dining Programs

How can I purchase a dining plan?

All matriculated University of Utah students, and faculty and staff members with an active student ID number are eligible to purchase dining plans, whether they live on campus or not.

Residents select their dining plan as part of the room selection process in the Housing U Portal. For students living off campus follow these steps:

1. Log into the University of Utah CIS with your uNID and password
2. Under the “Student” section, select “Student Homepage”
3. Click on “Student Housing”
4. Select “Housing and Dining Programs” from the left-hand menu
5. Click on “Housing U Portal”
6. Click on the “Campus Dining Plan” tab from the top menu
7. Select the term and dining plan you want to purchase!

U of U faculty and staff members can choose between two options via payroll deduction, with up to 14 payments made throughout the academic year.

Interested employees must fill in a form in CIS, under the “Faculty” or “Staff” section, by selecting the “Dining Plans Payroll Deduction” tile.

Which dining plan is right for me?

Choosing the right dining plan depends on your lifestyle. Consider how often you eat on campus, where your classes are located, whether you will be on campus during weekends, and whether you live on campus. Considering these factors can help you determine which plan best fits your needs.

How do I use my dining plan?

Dining plans and Flex/Dining Dollars are stored on your mobile UCard. Simply present your UCard at checkout to use your dining tap or pay with Flex or Dining Dollars.

Where can I use my dining plan?

Dining plans can be used for all-you-care-to-eat meals at:

• United Table @ Peterson Heritage Center or PHC
• Urban Bytes @ Kalhert Village or KV

Plans also include swaps or meal exchanges, which can be used at select campus dining locations. Flex Dollars and Dining Dollars can be used at any Dining Services location on campus.

If I don’t use all my taps in a week, do they carry over?

No. Residential dining plans reset weekly. Any unused taps expire at the end of the week and do not carry over. Taps reset Friday at 1:00 AM.

What happens if I run out of taps?

If you are on a dining plan and run out of taps, you can use your Flex Dollars.

Can I change my dining plan?

Dining plan holders can upgrade their dining plan at any point in the semester. However, they cannot remove or downgrade after the dining plan change date of August 24, 2026, for the fall semester and January 11, 2027, for the spring semester of the 2025-2026 Academic Year.

Failure to use the dining plan does not cancel the financial responsibility of paying for the dining plan.

On Campus Residents

Dining plans are required for all students living in Housing & Dining Programs residence halls (Chapel Glen, Gateway Heights, Officers Circle, Kahlert Village, Sage Point, Impact & Prosperity Epicenter, and Lassonde Studios residents in singles and doubles). Dining plans for residents of these residence halls CANNOT BE CANCELED.

For students in apartments, Lassonde lofts and pods, Epicenter apartments, and end-cap units, meal plans are optional and can be canceled.

How do I upgrade my dining plan?

1. Log into the University of Utah CIS with your uNID and password
2. Under the “Student” section, select “Student Homepage”
3. Click on “Student Housing”
4. Select “Housing and Dining Programs” from the left-hand menu
5. Click on “Housing U Portal”
6. Click on the “Housing Forms” tab from the top menu
7. Click on the "26-27 Academic Year" option
8. Select “Meal Plan Upgrade Request”

If I don’t have a dining plan, can I still eat in the dining halls?

Yes. Dining halls are open to anyone visiting campus.

Are dining halls open during holidays or breaks?

Yes. At least one dining hall will be open every break.

Do I get a separate card for my dining plan?

No. Your dining plan and any Flex or Dining Dollars are stored on your UCard.

Can someone else use my dining plan?

No. Dining plans are for the dining plan holder only and cannot be shared.

How can I check my balance?

You can check your balance by:

• Asking a cashier at any Dining Services location
• Viewing it on your receipt
• Checking the Utah 360 app

What are guest meals?

Guest meals allow students to treat a guest to a meal at:

• United Table @ Peterson Heritage Center or PHC
• Urban Bytes @ Kalhert Village or KV

Most plans include up to 3 guest meals per semester.

What are to-go meals?

To-go meals allow students with busy schedules to take their meals with them. Use a tap to fill a provided container and take the food with you.

Students may not eat inside the dining hall and take a to-go meal during the same visit unless two taps are used.

Do I have to be a student to eat on campus?

All our dining locations welcome everyone—guests, visitors, faculty, staff, and the public.

How much does it cost to eat in the dining halls?

Door Rates:

• Breakfast: $17
• Lunch/Dinner: $19.50

All payment methods are accepted except for cash.

Where can I eat on campus?

Guests have several campus dining options, including halls, cafés, and quick-service spots, each with unique menus and hours.

How do I pay for my meal?

All dining locations accept a wide range of major credit and debit cards.

Can guests eat in the dining halls?

Guests are invited to dine in our halls and may purchase a meal at the entrance. Prices differ based on whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

How do I order in a dining hall?

Scan the QR code to view the menu and place your order. You'll get a text when your meal is ready for pickup.

What is the process for placing an order at a dining location?

Just scan a QR code to check out the menu, order your food, and pay from your phone. You’ll receive a text when your meal is ready to pick up.

Do you offer options for dietary restrictions?

Yes, we offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly options.

Do I need a reservation?

Most dining spots require no reservation; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Are there takeout options available?

Yes. All retail locations offer grab-and-go meals or takeout options for added convenience.

What are your hours of operation?

Operating hours differ depending on location and day of the week. It’s best to look online for the latest schedule before you go.

Is parking available near dining locations?

Visitor parking can be found throughout campus, though spaces may differ depending on location. Please adhere to the campus parking rules.

Can I bring a group or host an event?

Absolutely! We provide catering services and group dining options. For further details, please reach out to our dining team ahead of time.

Who can I contact if I have questions during my visit?

Our staff at every location is available to assist you, and Dining Services are also accessible for further support. If you have inquiries while visiting a retail location, please contact us via text at 801-441-3640. For questions within the dining halls, kindly text 801-441-3639.

What if I have dietary restrictions or food allergies?

Dining Services offers a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and made-without-gluten options across campus.

Students living on campus with food allergies or dietary needs for medical, religious, or personal reasons can meet with our team to discuss options and determine the best dining plan solution.

To begin the process, please complete the dietary needs form. Commuter students may also schedule a meeting with our team.

What are swaps or meal exchanges?

A swap or meal exchange is a transfer dining tap that lets you use your dining plan at retail locations across campus. Instead of using a meal at a dining hall, you can exchange it for a combo-style meal at participating retail spots. These can only be used on food items.

What are Flex Dollars?

Flex Dollars are included with all dining plans and work like a debit account at Dining Services locations.

Flex Dollars:

• Can be used at any Dining Services location
• Roll over from fall to spring semester
• Do not roll over to the next academic year
• Can be used on both food and non-food items.

Once exhausted, additional Flex Dollars cannot be purchased separately.

What are Dining Dollars?

Dining Dollars are funds that anyone can purchase and use at any Dining Services location.

Benefits include:

• Bonus: $15 added for every $150 purchased
• Available to anyone (students, staff, visitors)
• Expire only after 6 months of account inactivity

What is the difference between Flex Dollars and Dining Dollars?

Flex Dollars are included with dining plans and have some restrictions. Dining Dollars are purchased separately, can be used year-round, and expire only after six months of inactivity.

Dining Dollars can be purchased:

• Online using a credit/debit card
• In person at the Dining Services office (Union Building, Room 30)

Other accepted payment methods:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express
• Discover

Who can purchase Dining Dollars?

Anyone can purchase Dining Dollars, including students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors.

What is the difference between Dining Dollars and UCash?

UCash is the university’s general debit program that works at many locations across campus.