For those with experience or a point of view, I’m interested in how to budget the cost of off campus meals. Son will be moving off campus for first time in Fall. We want to have a mix of Stevens Dining plans + some self cooked / purchased meals.
I’m approaching it from the strategy of 16 week semesters ( athlete ). 16 x 21 = 336 meals per semester
For first fall semester, we’d like to bias towards more on campus than off campus ( for simplicity and nutrition initially ).
Let’s say ~ 60% or about 200 meals.
The on campus dining options are not cheap. https://www.stevens.edu/campus-life/residence-life/room-board-rates
Anyone with experience or advice to be shared ?
It really depends on your son. My two sons live off campus and have never had a meal plan.
Will your son be living near Shop-Rite?
Personally, I would get the minimum meal plan, if you really want to have a meal plan in place. $550 for 50 meals, according to the website. I did that when my other son was at another college in an apartment and he never used all 50 meals (and there was much less access to takeout).
If your son is off-campus, he is not going to get out of bed and walk to Pierce and get breakfast, I can assure you. How many meals does he really eat during the week? Pierce is convenient when you are on campus, not so much if you are across town.
There is A LOT of takeout available in Hoboken. Italian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Mediterranean, deli, chicken, etc etc etc. Plus there are small convenience stores and produce shops. Even if he eats ALL of his meals as takeout, I am guessing that it will still be cheaper than one of the expensive meal plans. The most expensive plan is Platinum @ $3100 per semester, and I am guessing he could eat fine on his own for half that amount.
Have a talk with your son and see what he thinks. Even if you get the cheapest plan and decide it’s not enough, I am pretty sure you can upgrade later (ask about this). I can’t see him benefitting from the meal plan unless he eats 3 meals a day, is on campus a lot, and enjoys the dining hall very much.
My kid was off campus last year for the first time. I was worried for nothing. All the upperclassmen at Stevens are in the same boat. They make meals with their roommates, eat takeout and bring leftovers from home when possible. It will be fine, your son will have tons of options. You can always switch to the meal plan later if things don’t work out. You can’t drop it once you sign up.