UMass Amherst has been ranked as the top spot for Best Campus Food by The Princeton Review for seven consecutive years. UMass Amherst offers meal plans that include access to their four all-you-care-to-eat dining commons throughout the campus.
UMass Amherst has consistently been praised for its outstanding food services, being ranked first for Best Campus Food by Princeton Review for seven years in a row. Students at UMass Amherst can select from several meal plans that offer unlimited access to the campus's four all-you-care-to-eat dining commons.
Additionally, parents of students on a meal plan can eat in the dining commons for free when visiting their children on campus. While meals do not carry over between semesters, Dining Dollars carry forward from fall semester to spring semester. We will explore UMass Amherst's meal plans and answer any questions you may have about them.
Best Meal Plans At Umass Amherst
Umass Amherst offers a variety of award-winning meal plans, including all-you-care-to-eat dining commons located conveniently around campus. Dining dollars can be carried over from fall to spring semester, and parents can even eat for free with their student on a meal plan.
| Overview of meal plans at Umass Amherst |
| Umass Amherst offers a variety of meal plans, including Residential Meal Plans and the YCMP Plan. The Residential Meal Plans offer access to the 4 dining commons on campus while the YCMP Plan provides access to dining locations across campus. Both plans offer Dining Dollars which can be used at any on-campus dining location. |
| Benefits of having a meal plan |
| Having a meal plan at Umass Amherst can provide convenience for students and access to high-quality and award-winning campus food. Parents of students on a meal plan can also eat for free at dining commons with their students. Both Residential Meal Plans and the YCMP Plan offer Dining Dollars which can be used at any on-campus dining location. |
| Which meal plan to choose based on dietary needs |
| Students with special dietary needs should consider the Residential Meal Plan with the option to upgrade to the Anytime Plan which allows for unlimited access to dining commons. The YCMP Plan also offers many menu options that can accommodate dietary restrictions, but it might not be the most economical plan for students with such requirements. |
Credit: MassLive.com
Umass Amherst Meal Plan Costs
UMass Amherst offers several meal plans to its students with varying costs and benefits, allowing for flexibility and convenience. The university has consistently been recognized for having the best campus food, and parents of enrolled students can eat for free with their child's meal plan.
| UMass Amherst Meal Plan Costs: |
| Breakdown of costs for different meal plans: |
| A typical meal plan at UMass Amherst can cost anywhere between $2,000 to $3,500 per semester. The most expensive meal plan, the Unlimited Meal Plan, costs $3,496 per semester, while the cheapest meal plan, the 100 Swipe Block Plan, costs $1,999 per semester. The prices may vary depending on the plan’s duration, i.e., the fall or spring semester. It is recommended that students choose a meal plan based on their dietary needs, schedule, and budget. |
| Comparison of prices for dining on and off-campus: |
| Dining on campus can be cost-effective compared to eating outside, especially if you opt for meal plans that offer more swipes. However, the costs could vary based on the cuisine and the restaurant’s location. On average, eating off-campus could cost around $10 per meal, while the meal plans could cost between $8 to $16 per meal depending on the plan’s swipes. |
| How to pay for the meal plan: |
| Students can pay for the meal plan using different modes of payment, such as cash, check, or credit cards. In addition, students can also use their financial aid to pay for their meal plan if they do not have enough cash funds. You can easily sign up for your preferred meal plan via the UMass Dining website or by visiting the dining hall in person. |
Dining Options At Umass Amherst
UMass Amherst offers a variety of dining options for students on campus. The dining commons are the main dining halls on campus and offer all-you-care-to-eat meals featuring a variety of cuisines, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
There are four dining commons located conveniently across campus, and meal plans are available for purchase. Some of the meal plan options include the YCMP plan, which is ideal for students who want to eat on campus 1-2 times per day, and the Faculty, Staff, & Graduate plan, which is available to faculty and staff.
UMass Dining also offers Dining Dollars, which can be used to purchase food at any dining location on campus. If you have dietary restrictions, UMass Amherst has you covered, with a wide range of options available for students with food allergies or other dietary needs. Overall, UMass Amherst provides a variety of dining options to meet the needs of its diverse student body.
| Dining Commons | Cuisine Types | Meal Plan Options |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester | Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free | Residential meal plans, Dining Dollars |
| Hampshire | International, pizza, pasta bar, sandwich station, grill | Residential meal plans, Dining Dollars |
| Franklin | Soup and salad station, deli, grill, international cuisine | Residential meal plans, Dining Dollars |
| Berkshire | Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free | Residential meal plans, Dining Dollars |
Credit: www.amherst.edu
Managing Your Meal Plan
At Umass Amherst, meal plans are an essential part of student living on campus. You can choose from a variety of residential meal plans that grant you access to any of the four all-you-care-to-eat dining commons conveniently located across the campus.
Some meal plans include both meals and dining dollars, which carry forward from the fall to spring semester. As for parents, they can always eat for free with their students on the meal plan.
| Checking Your Meal Plan Balance: | Login to your SPIRE account and click on the “Main Menu” tab. From there, click “Meal Plan Balance” to view your remaining balance. |
| Adding Dining Dollars to Your Account: | Login to your SPIRE account and click on the “Main Menu” tab. From there, click “Add Dining Dollars” and follow the prompts to add funds to your account. |
| Making Changes to Your Meal Plan: | Contact the UMass Dining Services Office to make adjustments to your meal plan. Changes can be made at the beginning of each semester. |
Note: Meal plan options and policies may vary, be sure to check with your university for details specific to your meal plan.
Meal Plan Hacks & Savings
Saving money on your Umass Amherst meal plan is easier than you might think. With a few meal plan hacks, you can stretch your dollars further and still enjoy delicious and nutritious dining options on campus. Consider cutting back on expensive snacks and opting for more affordable meals, or taking advantage of meal deals and promotions to get the most bang for your buck.
| How to Make the Most of Your Meal Plan at Umass Amherst: Current students at Umass Amherst recommend using meal swipes for breakfast, as it is the best value for the amount of food you receive. Make sure to take advantage of the variety of options available, such as vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Another hack is to use Dining Dollars for late-night snacks or when grabbing food on-the-go, as they are accepted at all on-campus dining locations. Additionally, attend dining hall events, sample new foods, and stay informed about meal plan changes. |
| How to Save Money on Dining at Umass Amherst: One way to save money is to opt for a lower tier meal plan if you do not eat a lot or plan to eat off campus often. Another tip is to cook meals in your dorm room using a hot plate, microwave, or mini-fridge. Check out local discounts offered by businesses around campus, and consider splitting a larger meal with a friend for more value. Lastly, avoid wasting Dining Dollars by planning out how much you will realistically spend each week. |
| Meal Plan Tips from Current Students: Some advice from current students at Umass Amherst is to avoid overusing meal swipes on simple dishes that you can easily make on your own, such as cereal or toast. Another suggestion is to get a group of friends together and cook a meal together in your dorm or communal kitchen. Take advantage of Dining Dollars and grab a coffee or snack when you have a gap in your schedule. Lastly, keep track of your meal plan usage and balances using the online portal to avoid running out of meals before the semester ends. |
Non-residential Student Meal Plan Options
Non-residential students have the option to purchase meal plans which allows them access to several dining locations on campus. There are three non-residential student meal plan options - the YCMP Plan, Faculty/Staff/GA Plan, and Meal Plan Orders.
Overview Of Non-residential Student Meal Plans
The YCMP Plan allows students access to any of the four all-you-care-to-eat dining commons on campus. The Faculty/Staff/GA Plan gives access to any of the retail dining locations on campus. Meal Plan Orders provide the flexibility of purchasing a set number of meals that can be used at any dining location.
Comparison Of Options And Costs
| Meal Plan Option | Access | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| YCMP Plan | All-you-care-to-eat dining commons | $2,725/Semester |
| Faculty/Staff/GA Plan | Retail dining locations | $500/debit plan |
| Meal Plan Orders | Flexibility to use at any dining location | $120/10 meals, $225/20 meals, $330/30 meals |
How To Purchase A Non-residential Student Meal Plan
Students can purchase a non-residential meal plan by visiting https://umassdining.com/meal-plans and selecting the desired plan. Meal plans can also be purchased by visiting the UCard Office or the Dining Services Administrative Office.
Faculty & Staff Meal Plans
Faculty and staff at Umass Amherst can enjoy a variety of meal plans offered by Umass Dining Services. With options for residential and non-residential plans, faculty and staff can conveniently access award-winning dining facilities across campus.
| Overview of Faculty & Staff Meal Plans |
| Faculty & Staff at UMass Amherst have the option to purchase a meal plan that gives them access to the four all-you-care-to-eat dining commons on campus. |
| Types of Meal Plans Available |
| There are three types of meal plans available for Faculty & Staff: the 50 Block Plan, the 25 Block Plan, and the Basic Plan. The 50 Block Plan provides 50 meals per semester, while the 25 Block Plan provides 25 meals per semester. The Basic Plan allows Faculty & Staff to purchase dining dollars at a discounted rate. |
| How to Purchase a Faculty & Staff Meal Plan |
| Faculty & Staff can purchase their meal plan online through the UMass Dining website. They can also purchase their plan in person at the UMass ID Office or the UMass Bursar's Office. |
Credit: www.umass.edu
Faqs About Umass Amherst Meal Plans
Umass Amherst offers various meal plans to its students with unlimited dining hall access, dining dollars to spend at on-campus eateries, and guest passes. Parents can eat for free with their students on the meal plan at the dining commons, and dining dollars carry over only from the Fall to Spring semesters.
| UMass Amherst earns top spot for Best Campus Food | The Princeton Review has ranked UMass Amherst as the best campus food for seven consecutive times. The university’s dining services offer healthy and diverse food options that suit different dietary needs, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal food. The menu items are made using fresh and locally sourced ingredients, making the dining experience at UMass Amherst exceptional. |
| Meal plans are required for students | UMass Amherst requires students to have a meal plan as part of their accommodation and meals package. There are different meal plan options that students can choose from depending on their preferences and budget. Meal plans provide students with access to different dining options on campus, including four all-you-care-to-eat dining commons. The university encourages students to choose a meal plan that suits their lifestyle and dietary needs. |
| Parents eat free in the dining commons | Parents can eat for free with their students in the dining commons when they have a meal plan. The university recognizes that eating together can provide an opportunity for families to connect and bond. Parents can enjoy a variety of menu items from different dining locations on campus. The goal is to provide a welcoming and inclusive dining experience for students and their families. |
| Meal plans come with Dining Dollars | Dining Dollars are part of the meal plan and they can be used to purchase food and beverages at any dining location on campus. These dollars carry over from the fall to spring semester only. However, meals do not carry forward from one semester to another. It’s important for students to keep track of their Dining Dollars balance to ensure they have enough to last them until the end of the semester. |
| Resources for further meal plan questions and support | UMass Dining’s website has a section dedicated to meal plans, FAQs, and resources. Students and parents can explore different meal plan options available to them, place meal plan orders, and find detailed information on the university’s dining services. There are also resources available for students with specific dietary needs or allergies. The UCard Office also provides information on meal plans, including how to manage Dining Dollars and other frequently asked questions. |
Frequently Asked Questions On Umass Amherst Meal Plan
Is Umass Amherst Food Good?
UMass Amherst has been ranked as the top spot for Best Campus Food by The Princeton Review seven times in a row. The university offers meal plans for students, faculty, staff, and graduate students, and parents are allowed to eat for free in the dining commons with their students on the meal plan.
Dining Dollars carry forward from Fall to Spring semesters only.
Are Meal Plans Required At Umass Amherst?
Yes, meal plans are required at UMass Amherst as part of their residential living experience. Students are provided with various meal plan options to choose from, giving them access to the award-winning UMass dining facilities located across campus. Meal plans offer flexibility for students to choose according to their needs, preferences, and budget.
Dining Dollars can also carry forward from Fall to Spring semesters, but meals do not carry forward from one semester to another.
Do Parents Eat Free At Umass Amherst?
Parents can eat for free if their child is on a meal plan at UMass Amherst. Dining on campus provides a social environment designed with students in mind while also giving parents a chance to take a break and enjoy a meal with their child.
Do Dining Dollars Carry Over Umass Amherst?
Dining Dollars carry forward from the fall to spring semester only at UMass Amherst. However, meals do not carry over from one semester to another.
Conclusion
Overall, the UMass Amherst meal plan is an excellent option for students, faculty, and staff who want to enjoy delicious meals on campus. With award-winning dining facilities and a variety of meal plan options to choose from, there is something for everyone.
Whether you are a parent looking to dine with your student, or a graduate student looking for a convenient meal plan, UMass Amherst has you covered. Additionally, with dining dollars that carry forward from the fall to spring semesters, this meal plan offers flexibility and convenience.
Overall, UMass Amherst provides a top-notch meal plan that is definitely worth considering.