<p>What is the best meal plan for a freshman, and why?</p>
<p>My son gets the "Plus 16" plan, for $3000/year, and he is not a really big eater. He has only about $350 left to spend (with a month left of school). The higher the $ amount of the plan, the greater discount you get, and you don't pay sales tax. There is a questionnaire on the "meal plan" page of the web site to help you calculate your needs. You can always add additional funds to whichever plan you choose, but the $$ expires at the end of the school year.</p>
<p>If you have a balance at the end of the year you can get a refund, minus a penalty that approximates the savings offered by the meal plan. It's best not to have a remaining balance, but the school will not just take your money at the end of the school year.</p>
<p>I'd go with the commuter plan, you can add money as you please and it never expires.</p>