<p>NOLAMOM....as a freshman, my D's decision of the type of dorm didn't really have to do with the meal plan. She preferred the apartment style dorm. There were two bedrooms, two girls per bedroom, a common room (living/dining), kitchen and private bathroom....an apartment. She lived at Third North. As a freshman we bought the meal plan and also there was a dining hall in her building.</p>
<p>However, after freshman year, she didn't want the meal plan. She felt a lot of money was wasted because she didn't eat all the meals. She was at CAP three days per week and had to get lunch or bring lunch to have in that part of town, sometimes ate out or got pick me up meals, etc. She also felt that eating in the dining halls ultimately wasn't healthy eating for her and also just too much food. She asked to not have a meal plan this year (she is a soph) and also she again is in apt. style housing (which basically most housing at NYU is after freshman year anyway). We give her the money that the meal plan cost and she either cooks or picks up food. This is what works for her and I believe it is the same with her apartment roomies this year too. As a freshman, you could opt to not do the meal plan if in an apartment or do a meal plan that was less meals. However, the way they price the meal plans, sometimes the difference in price is not that great from plan to plan. Actually, now I recall that last year for the SECOND semester, we switched D's meal plan to a different one that had less "meals" but more "dining dollars" for a similar fee. The dining dollars are more flexible and they can use them in the convenience stores and such. She liked that plan better and it maybe included 10 meals. You don't have to get any plan though. I guess we were kinda "traditional" in getting a meal plan for our kid as a freshman but again, let her go off it this year. However, her choice of wanting an apartment style dorm was for its own sake, regardless of meal plan. Even if on a meal plan, the apartment is a cool thing as is having a kitchen and so on. Right now, my D lives in Carlyle Court right in Union Square, a really ideal location and in fact, can go home for lunch from CAP as it is so close by. Right in the Square is Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and others.</p>
<p>Soozie,
Thanks, this is just the information I was looking for. I remember that I did not fully use the meal plan when I was in college. I am trying to compare the cost of a traditional dorm with meal plan (knowing she may not use the meal plan) verses apt style that will allow her buy groceries. I agree with your d that dining hall meals are not always the healthiest or the most appetizing. I know that she prefers apt style dorms, and I do too, however, it will all come down to what works out better financially. I think that apt. style with a meal plan will be too much for us. So if she goes with the apt style then she will have to manage her money so that she can buy groceries. I guess that worries me some!</p>
<p>I totally understand. The thing with how they price the meal plans is that the ones with less meals are not that much less money as more meals. The more flexible dining dollars (get more of those with less meals) which can be used outside of the dining hall was preferable to my D after she got the feel of things after one semester when we had bought the full meal plan. Still, she much prefers no meal plan now but I would not have thought to do that when she entered as a freshman. Eating-wise, she likes it MUCH better. Financially, it costs the same for me as I give her the money each week that the meal plan would have cost us. Yes, she has to manage it. The other thing is that it takes time to go get the food and prepare it and these BFA kids have NO time. Most days, my D goes to school from early AM through to 10:30 (or later) PM. Meals are often on the go in a rush. However, when not on a meal plan and with all the options in NYC, it is easy to pick up a salad or some such on the go. Still, in terms of food shopping or preparing food, it is another thing to add to the schedule. My D felt the meal plan made her gain weight and she has since been in a health kick and would never eat that kind of food again. She is thin. You could try a meal plan for one semester and then not do it after that. You could get the minimum number of meals. If your D is happy to not be on it and knows that from the start, don't get one. She will have a full kitchen if in Third North or U Hall. By the same token, there is no guarantee she will get her preferred housing. My D got her first choice as ED freshman got first dibs and while she was admitted RD, her roomie was an ED admit (also in CAP) and so my D got her first choice dorm on roomie's coattails so to speak.</p>
<p>Soozie,
Thanks again! This information is so helpful! My d is used to eating on the run as she attends regular high school in the AM and an arts high school (one hour commute each way) after lunch and into the late evening. She always has a small jar of peanut butter and crackers in her dance bag. It sounds as if she will often be eating on the run and will have to pack lunch/dinner or pick something up, whether in traditional dorm or apt. We are really leaning toward apt, so I hope she gets one! If she gets in a traditional dorm, then the meal plan with the least meals will probably work out best for her.<br>
You are really so nice to take the time to answer my questions! Thanks!
Susan</p>
<p>No problem. Actually, your plan sounds like a good one. I try to help as a parent of a kid already in college because when I was at your stage of the game, parents on CC helped me. Hopefully, you will stay on and do the same next year. </p>
<p>Congratulations to your daughter. My D really loves it at this school. I hope your D will as well.</p>
<p>PS..."picking something up" in NYC is a breeze. There are places on EVERY street! :D</p>
<p>My Freshman daughter lives in Hayden - a traditional dorm - and they require Freshman in such a situation to have a basic meal plan. Not what she will do next year - she has gone Vegan - and doesn't find many healthy options. she will stay in University housing however - one of her Grandmother's requirements (and as she is footing the bill - granddaughter will comply!) I think she has applied to Alumni Hall for next year.</p>