<p>My parents and I were wondering it the meal plan is part of the 24-25k COA for UVA, or is it an additional 4k a year making UVA cost 28-29k/year.</p>
<p>I've been looking for the answer on the UVA site and google but could not find it.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>[Tuition</a> & Fees, Facts at a Glance, University of Virginia](<a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/Facts/Glance_Tuition.html]Tuition”>http://www.virginia.edu/Facts/Glance_Tuition.html)
[U.Va</a>. Financial Aid - Estimated Cost of Attendance](<a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/financialaid/estimated.php]U.Va”>http://www.virginia.edu/financialaid/estimated.php)
board = meal plan</p>
<p>I don’t remember what type of meal plan you’re required to get first semester, but I’d definitely recommend downgrading to one of the cheaper plans as soon as possible. You don’t really need 15 meals a week, instead just get 80 or 100 meals a semester and a good amount of plus dollars and you’ll be set with a significantly cheaper meal plan to boot.</p>
<p>First years can only chose the unlimited, 15 or 13 for 1st semester. For second semester they can chose any of the latter or the 10. All of these meal plans cost the same. Also, you can upgrade at anytime, but you cannot downgrade until a semester changes. </p>
<p>UVa Campus Dish has all the info you need on meal plans.
<a href=“http://www.campusdish.com/enUS/CSMA/Virginia/DiningPlans/FrequentlyAskedQuestions.htm[/url]”>http://www.campusdish.com/enUS/CSMA/Virginia/DiningPlans/FrequentlyAskedQuestions.htm</a></p>
<p>So, when it says Athletic Plus 15 or Athletic Plus 13, is that just 15 meals or 13 meals a week? What do students do for food the remaining meals? And, what if there is money left at the end of the semester? Do you lose it? </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Yes, 15 means 15 meals per week, etc. Most students who eat more than that would get the unlimited. Which if you find you need more than 15 or 13 per week then you can upgrade at anytime to the unlimited. However, you cannot downgrade. Give it a week or so to see how many meals and plus dollars you actually use. Also, students should try different dining halls, O’Hill, Runk and Newcomb for various meals. It all works itself out and it is truly an individual decision. You mentioned the athlete plans so I assume your child is one so you may want to ask about their places to eat and options. I believe, those that are non-athletes cannot sign up for those plans-don’t hold me to this, but that is what I was told by campus dining. </p>
<p>As far as the plus dollars, whatever you do not use you lose at the end of the semester. There are places around campus that you can use your plus dollars and my sons always use all theirs and then some. </p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>dude none of the plans are “cheaper”.</p>
<p>don’t get a meal plan. just cook.</p>
<p>unless you’re a first year. </p>
<p>Honestly ARAMARK’s continued monopoly (and I used to work for them!) outrages me so much. But I guess everyone here is too rich to really complain. Do you know how price-gouging their practices really get?</p>
<p>Students and organisations are not allowed to permanently establish their own stands or stalls on Grounds because that would cause competition to ARAMARK. Even West Range Cafe is owned by ARAMARK.</p>
<p>the proof is in the pudding.</p>
<p>of course UVA is not unique to this – this happens in about every reputable school in the country. how these major corporations with unfair business practices have pulled a major coup on all of us – and the lack of backlash against them – has astounded me.</p>
<p>woosah, that does help.<br>
My son is what one would call a “recruited walk-on.” He was accepted to UVA based on academics and invited onto the team because of his athletic achievements. Does the unlimited only include regular meals or does it include “snacks”? He says he will eat a lot (which I believe), but he will also be travelling with the team. I am thinking the 15 plan may be the way to go.</p>
<p>We are local, and he can always come home for food, though I am guessing that may only happen on laundry day:).</p>
<p>^ Unlimited means just that - at any time when the dining hall is open, he can swipe in and eat. I had unlimited first semester and often just went in for cookies, or an apple or whatever. The only drawback to the unlimited plan is that you get hardly any plus dollars, so you can hardly ever choose to eat in the Pav, or Crossroads, which can be tough for social stuff particularly if you have lots of upperclass friends (they usually have smaller meal plans). I moved down to the 15/week plan this semester, because my schedule means it’s tough to get to the dining halls in time for breakfast, so I’ve been using my Plus $$ to buy cereal and milk to eat in my room :)</p>
<p>oldUVAgrad…Depending on his sport, he might be eligible to eat in the athlete’s dining hall. Rumor has it, they have the best food on grounds. Our D is an athlete, but her sport doesn’t qualify (only certain ones). Before you sign him up for the athlete plan, check with his coach to see if he qualifies. </p>
<p>D had the mandatory 15 her first semester and dropped to 10 second. Like Woosah’s sons, she uses the Plus Dollars like crazy. She’s always grabbing lattes at Wilsdorf, and they add up. She seldom eats at the dining hall and has tons of meals left (did first semester too).</p>