<p>Ok-now time to choose the meal plan for an incoming freshmen. Just curious on thoughts from those doing this for the first time and those who have done it.</p>
<p>We chose the Block O (450). It was either that or the Traditional, but that one seemed very restricted.</p>
<p>I had to look up the new meal plan under semesters, because it’s fairly different from how it was under quarters. </p>
<p>Your choice looks reasonable, especially if you are a girl who eats an average amount. A lot of freshmen choose the higher meal plan just to be safe, but then don’t use all of it. You may find that you want to buy some snack-type groceries too in addition to the meal plan. </p>
<p>Just of note, while the Traditional plan does seem restrictive, if your dorm is nearby one of the choices, you will probably eat there most of the time, just out of laziness and convenience. Kennedy, Morrill, and North also have the most variety of options, so you could easily eat all of your meals at these three and not be bored with your options.</p>
<p>As Maybell stated, don’t underestimate the power of the traditional plan–ESPECIALLY on North campus. I lived right next to the North campus meal facility (fresh, burritos, commons) and after a quarter of only eating there while being on a regular meal plan, switched to traditional. </p>
<p>I saved a TON of money and got more meals than most people. You get a lot of meals, it’s just a little more restrictive. While many don’t choose this for their first quarter/semester, I would definitely consider it for the second, especially if you live on North.</p>
<p>I’m confused about the block system and using blocks at non-traditional places like Berry Cafe. If an item costs $6, might that be 1 block, 2 blocks, 1 block + pay the additional amount in cash? How does that work?</p>
<p>I looked at some of the menus online, but that didn’t help much in figuring it out. </p>
<p>Do you somehow save money using blocks? save money using blocks at traditions? Why not use the 450 plan and then go to cash? </p>
<p>Second consideration is dorm. Does “traditional” make more sense for some dorms (location, quality of food, etc.)? </p>
<p>I guess finally the question is - for a male who eats fairly healthy and regularly, not too picky but resists fast food, will probably want to eat something before 10:30 on the weekend (who can wait until 10:30 to eat) and has no idea about class schedule or yet (but one of the honors dorms) - any suggestions? </p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Is it true North doesn’t serve breakfast on the weekdays? I was planning on living on North because it’s closest to the business school and having the traditional plan because I’m a guy who likes regular, hot, healthy, large meals. But it looks like North is only open for lunch and dinner. Am I wrong?</p>
<p>We chose the 450 specifically because we don’t know where my S classes will be or what his schedule will be like. He will be living on North and in the Sciences (which could be all over the place).</p>
<p>I wanted him to have options of eating anywhere in case he wasn’t close to the Traditional places. Now keep in mind-we may totally have a different frame of mind after the 1st semester. 
I do like that the Traditional places are all you can eat and he will be living very close to the North one. We could see it out the lounge window of his dorm on our last tour.</p>
<p>Adding onto Soccerdude12 question - things I’ve heard is -
Traditional can be used at other places (like Burrito’s). Is that true? Where can it be used? </p>
<p>I’ve also heard it can’t be used after 10pm - is that just a function of where it can/can’t be used?</p>
<p>Given the difference in cost (about $700/semester between Traditions and Block 600), I’m trying to figure out how much needed flexibility you get back by just using cash. That goes back a bit to the question of whether the block plan provides some “discount.” If it takes 2 blocks to get a meal at traditions, at $5/block (or $4.25 depending on your source), that doesn’t look like much of a discount.</p>
<p>Here’s an article from the school newspaper
[Ohio</a> State takes swipe at new student meal plan - Campus - The Lantern - Ohio State University](<a href=“http://www.thelantern.com/campus/ohio-state-takes-swipe-at-new-student-meal-plan-1.2790562]Ohio”>http://www.thelantern.com/campus/ohio-state-takes-swipe-at-new-student-meal-plan-1.2790562)</p>
<p>Doing the math, comparing block 600 and traditional:
If you use the blocks at traditional venues at 33 blocks per week, which I think is the most you can use (5/weekday, 4/weekend day) you use 561 blocks leaving you 39 blocks. </p>
<p>If you get the traditional, the $700 savings less the $150 (which you get in BuckID for the block plans), it is 110-130 left over blocks. </p>
<p>So the traditional plan is a better value. Cash is more flexible than blocks.</p>
<p>Ultimately it gets back to what your schedule looks like and food preference. I’m thinking about just going with Traditional or Block 450 and then changing it - I think you can change for the first 2 or 3 weeks after the semester starts - after knowing more.</p>