<p>Since sophomores live in apartments rather than dorms, does the COA factor in the apartment meal plan or the Cardinal meal plan? I'm curious as to how this affects the returning aid package. Thanks.</p>
<p>Sophomores are now guaranteed on-campus housing if they want it. Buildings such as Cardinal Gardens are considered on campus. When you fill out the financial aid forms as a rising sophomore, indicate whether you will live on or off campus. USC will allow for expenses for rent and food. I am not sure of the exact formula but from what I can tell (student is a current junior), the expected expenses are figured to be about the same as for campus housing. They will know that if you are on the apartment meal plan that you still need to purchase other meals.</p>
<p>Check the costs of rentals in the area before you decide. The new and close buildings can be quite a bit more expensive than USC housing.</p>
<p>I’m definitely living on USC housing. The thing is, my parents want me to keep the Cardinal meal plan cause, as they say, I shouldn’t “waste time on cooking” while I’m still “adjusting to living on my own.” Basically they’re concerned about my time management, cooking in between classes/studying/etc. I can cover housing with non-USC awards, but I’d need to take out the direct loan for the meal plan. I’m trying to decide if it’s worth it & if it’s even allowed (as in, if the COA would let me take it out). </p>
<p>This is probably a silly thread, and to many the answer would be obvious, but I’m kinda concerned/what if they’re right/etc. :/</p>
It’s not going to make any difference to your aid amount. You can decide on a meal plan after you see your aid package.
@snowdog Ahh okay. I hope I’m not being nosy, but would you mind posting the amount they estimated for meals for your kid’s COA last yr?
I don’t know many (any actually) sophomores that want to be on the big meal plans for another year. You should be able to handle going to school and feeding yourself - there are lots of ways to get around cooking. Might be good to get some life skills at college anyway.
I really would like to cook, but I’m concerned that I’ll end up eating out too often to save time & thus, combined w/some grocery expenses & the required apartment plan, spend the same as the Cardinal plan. 
I suspect this happens to many students. Most probably enjoy eating out a lot, but I prefer homemade food. Dining hall meals might not appeal to a lot of students, but they offer some resemblance to homemade ones. If I’m gonna spend the same without the Cardinal, might as well get it, right?
@Lilliana330 - I’m afraid I don’t know. You don’t get to see all of the FA office’s calculations - you see what they tell you your grant will be for the coming year. My daughter lives off campus and she cooks, some, but it takes time. Not the cooking per se but the shopping - like getting to Ralph’s or Superior, getting what you need, getting it home. You have to figure that in. If your time is tight (my D has a work/study job plus a second off campus job as well), it’s going to be a lot easier to stop at Seeds or wherever to get lunch.