Ask questions about Ithaca here!

I have to go look at Room info…my understanding is the R&B number, just like the Personal Expenses and Books lines, is estimated.

For food plans, most people like to have 3 meals a day, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, and x 7 days that is 21 meals a week. If you are selecting 10 or 14 meal plans, understand that means 2 meals a day (or less on 10), or no meals some days. A 10 meal plan at many schools is for commuters to have breakfast/lunch or lunch/dinner on campus. Unless your S is known to skip meals or only does coffee in the morning, I would recommend a 21 plan for at least the first semester when he can better gauge his habits.
I’m a little surprised at the sheer number of meal options and wonder they are all available for first years? At my son’s school first years (the term “Freshman” is discouraged these days) can only pick from a 21 plan with bonus dollars or a 21 plan with even more bonus dollars.
Also note I am refering to what I found online, which is for the current 2018-19 academic year. I have been following news that IC has not renewed their contract with Sodexo, a national university food service provider, and will be managing their own food service (as does Cornell and Tompkins County Community College).

Hope that helps or a current parent can weigh in.