<p>Some have been wondering which meal plan to choose.</p>
<p>Some have kids who like to eat frequently throughout the day, so they are considering the Unlimited plan. However, consider that your child may only be grabbing a small snack in between meals, and paying for those purchases outright (or with Dining Dollars) may be cheaper than getting an Unlimited plan.</p>
<p>The Unlimited plan is $1757 plus 300 for Dining Dollars a semester. That’s over $4100 for FOOD for one person! However, that doesn’t count the food that kids buy off-campus on weekends when out with friends…which they do! </p>
<p>You might consider buying a smaller plan and then give the difference for “retail dining purchase,” snacks, and off-campus eating. </p>
<p>Students do not eat all their meals on campus. Typically, on the weekends, they’re eating off campus. </p>
<p>You may get frustrated if you buy the Unlimited Plan only to have your child spend an additional few hundred a semester off campus. (Voice of experience here. My older son had the Unlimited the first year…big waste. Within a very short time he was eating off-campus with friends a couple of nights a week and on weekends. </p>
<p>The difference between the Unlimited and the Silver plan is almost $500 a semester. That buys a lot of off campus eating for a semester. </p>
<p>(Add $300 per semester for Dining Dollars)</p>
<p>Bama Unlimited - $1757 per semester*
Unlimited meals; please note that this does not include the required $300 Dining Dollars.</p>
<p>Bama Gold - $1579 per semester*
220 meals per semester; please note that this does not include the required $300 Dining Dollars.</p>
<p>Bama Silver - $1272 per semester*
160 meals per semester; please note that this does not include the required $300 Dining Dollars.</p>
<p>FYI…There are about 16 weeks in a semester.</p>