<p>As our second daughter is going to be in a dorm that now requires a meal plan, the question soon became which plan to buy her.</p>
<p>This decision will be based on your personal economics and eating preferences and habits. </p>
<p>For us though, we are opting for the $999 meal plan (the least expensive) and the provision of Garnet Bucks and some cash to cover any meal shortfalls. Here’s why this works for us, after a few years of having one daughter at FSU:</p>
<li> Kids tire of the cafeteria, despite the fact that it’s pretty good and offers variety.</li>
<li> Kids seldom get up early enough to make it to the cafeteria for breakfast; which means they tend to eat breakfast in the room, meaning they must go to the store for some food.</li>
<li> As parents, we will visit from time to time and take our daughters out to eat and buy food for them. This eliminates a few meals at the cafeteria.</li>
<li> Unlike Flex Bucks, Garnet Bucks do not expire at the end of the semester and can be used as needed during the four years.</li>
<li> Garnet Bucks offer a discount for meal purchases on campus, but do not take the place of cash. You need to have both available.</li>
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