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Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for food?
How much does a typical full meal cost?
Can I have food delivered and does it cost extra?
What kind of food can I expect to find?
Can I still get a good variety of foods considering my food allergy?
What else do I need to know from Dining and Culinary Services about dealing with a food allergy?
What help would a dietitian be able to offer me regarding allergies?
What plans are available?
We are non-traditional in that students are not required to purchase a set number of meals per week in advance. Instead, our dining rooms operate much more like restaurants with a la carte pricing for a wide selection of food. Among many options, students can choose from full meals, small breakfasts, quick snacks, and many treats throughout the day. Residents of University Housing can pay for their food from their Housing Food Account on their Wiscard. All customers can pay with their Wiscard Campus Cash account, as well as cash.
How much should I budget for food?
Most students spend an average of $500 per semester with their Housing Food Account. Lighter eaters, those who often eat meals off campus or those who go home often will probably spend less money. Likewise, heavier eaters or frequent snackers will probably spend more money. It all depends on your preferences and what you choose. Dining and Culinary Services recommends an initial deposit of $300 into your Housing Food Account at the time you pay your first quarter Housing bill. If you plan to pay your first quarter bill with financial aid and do not submit payment before you move into your room, we recommend that you deposit at least $50 into your account before moving to campus so you can purchase food right away.
How much does a typical full meal cost?
Here are some meal choices and what they cost a resident customer in the 2012 - 2013 academic year.
| Breakfast | |
| Bacon, egg and cheese English muffin | $1.45 |
| Breakfast potatoes | $.89 |
| 16 oz orange juice | $.60 |
| Lunch | |
| Delicious wrap sandwich comes with side salad or chips | $2.65 |
| Apple | $.45 |
| 8oz milk | $.60 |
| Dinner | |
| Chicken stirfry with rice | $2.55 |
| Smal salad from the salad bar | $1.25 |
| 16oz soda | $.60 |
| Late Night Snack | |
| Small dish of Babcock ice cream | $1.45 |
Where can I eat?
Customers may choose to eat in any of our convenient locations around campus. Our Bean & Creamery coffee shops are a fun place to meet friends, get a late night snack, or study, with locations at Four Lakes Market, Gordon Avenue Market, Rheta's, and Lower Holt Commons. Online Ordering service is also available throughout the lunch and evening, with pizza available for delivery right to your room.
Can I have food delivered and does it cost extra?
Pizzas can be delivered from our Capital City Pizza locations across campus. There is a $2.00 delivery fee per order regardless of the number of items. Our Capital City Pizza locations are quite convenient, so we think it is important that the people using delivery help support that service. Delivery staff is not allowed to accept tips.
What kind of food can I expect to find?
University Housing residents hail from all over the country and the world. For this reason, our food units try to offer many different cuisines and styles of food preparation. Several times a month, special menus are offered to highlight seasonal or ethnic foods along with decorations and music.
In addition, vegetarian selections are available at every meal. At lunch Monday through Friday, Elizabeth Waters Dining Room offers an additional Vegetarian Venue serving area. Made To Order and Make Your Own Stir Fry, Noodle Bowl and Waffles are also enjoyed by many customers. To complete your meal, try one of the delicious desserts prepared in our own pastry shop.
University Housing Dining and Culinary Services purchases only high quality food products and provides on-going chef training for staff members. We are committed to serving a wide variety of great foods and have a customer service oriented staff who enjoy working with resident customers. Please plan to join Dining and Culinary Services for a meal or snack!
Can I still get a good variety of foods considering my food allergy?
Dining and Culinary Services is very proud of the breadth of the food variety offered on a daily basis. We feel there are more than enough options for residents to make appropriate choices. We would be glad to arrange a visit with one of the dietitians we have on staff to help a resident navigate those choices.
What else do I need to know from Dining and Culinary Services about dealing with a food allergy?
We believe residents with food allergies are the best stewards of their food choices. Having lived with allergies a resident should be aware of the risks inherent in a “public” dining room. We will always take care to publicize allergens and avoid cross contamination whenever possible but this risk is never completely eliminated. Management in our units and dietitians on staff will be glad to answer questions.
What help would a dietitian be able to offer me regarding allergies?
They can go through our standard menus and talk about appropriate choices. There are some resources available to provide menu item information about some specific allergies.