Meal Plans

Meal plans are convenient, flexible and loaded with options.

Students have access to dining locations across campus with a range of menus and offerings – all with just a tap of their Cougar Card. You’ll get guaranteed value, whether you eat on campus three times a week or three times a day! 

  • There's no need to cook or clean.
  • We compost at all our dining locations - eat sustainably!
  • Talk to our on-campus registered dietitian for any diet-related or wellness needs.
  • Use our reusable to-go box program at City Bistro and Liberty for a meal on the go or dining outside.
  • In a hurry? We offer mobile ordering at multiple locations for quick pickup.
Most importantly, having a meal plan is an important part of the college experience. We aim to create an environment where students feel welcome not only to eat, but to study, meet new friends and make memories.

Am I required to have a meal plan?

It depends.

If you live on campus and you are a first-year student (regardless of credit hours) or a transfer student classified as a first-year student by Admissions, you are required to purchase a First-Year Student Resident Meal Plan for the academic year.

Upperclass students and commuters have the option to purchase a meal plan from among eight Upperclass Student Resident and Commuter Meal Plans.

Definitions and Terms

Students must agree to the Terms and Conditions for Meal Plans when they sign up. Be sure to read through them - there's useful info there! You'll find definitions of meal plan types (ranging from All Access plans to Dining Dollars) as well as billing and cancellation details, among other important details.

How to add, change or cancel a meal plan

Read below for instructions, dates and deadlines.
  • Fall 2024

    Fall 2024 meal plans begin August 16 with dinner and end December 10 with lunch.

    February 1 – August 14: Students can add, change or cancel a meal plan for fall 2024 in the MyHousing/Dining portal. Log into MyPortal and click on the MyHousing/Dining tile and follow instructions there.

    August 15 – August 26: Students can add, change or cancel a meal plan by submitting the appropriate form below. (Forms will be available beginning August 15.)

    • On-Campus First-Year Student Meal Plan
    • Upperclass Student/Commuter Meal Plan form

    Students can also make the request in person at Campus Services HQ, 162 Calhoun St.

    August 26 at 5 p.m.: Deadline to change or cancel meal plans

    Students may add a meal plan at any time, but the plan can no longer be charged to the student eBill after August 26 and must be paid for in person at the time of purchase with cash, check or any major credit card.

  • Spring 2025

    Spring 2025 meal plans dates and deadlines will be published in October.

Accommodations

The Charleston Culinary Group can accommodate many food allergies and works hard to ensure dining options are as safe as possible. Students on campus with dietary restrictions should review our on-campus resources and contact our Registered Dietitian to discuss their needs.

Dining Updates

Any special notices will be posted here and on the Charleston Culinary Group website. 

Campus Services HQ provides this information as a general reference for planning purposes, but please also check the Charleston Culinary Group website for the most current information on location hours and menus.