View and edit your Meal Plan options through the StarRez portal.
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Track your DB and University account balances.
Explore dining options around campus.
Meal Plan FAQs
Quick Links
Meal Plan Basics
Learn the basics about how meal plans work, which options are available, and whether first-year students are required to participate.
How does my meal plan work?
Sold by the semester, your meal plan is connected to your 49er ID Card, which automatically tracks both meals and Declining Balance (DB).
Meals: Meals allow students entrance into a dining hall when the dining locations are open. Meals expire at the end of the semester.
Declining Balance: Declining Balance funds may be used at any dining location on campus. These funds roll over from semester to semester and expire at the end of the academic year in which they were purchased.
To use your meal plan, simply tap your 49er Mobile ID at the dining hall entrance or at the register when making a purchase.
Which meal plan would be best for me?
When selecting a meal plan, consider:
- How many meals and snacks you eat weekly
- How often you’ll dine at all-you-care-to-eat locations
- Your class schedule and weekend plans
Daily Plans: Great for first-year students getting used to campus life, athletes who need consistent meals for training or anyone who wants unlimited meals during service hours.
Block Meal Plans: Perfect for residents who plan to cook occasionally and commuters who want to eat in the dining halls between classes.
Straight Declining Balance Plans: Ideal for students who usually eat at retail dining locations and want to pay at the beginning of the semester through their student account, instead of swiping a credit card every day.
First-year residents and residents in required housing are limited to specific meal plans. Refer to the meal plan page to see which options are available to you.
Are first-year students required to have a meal plan?
All first-year* resident students are required to purchase a Daily Plan. This plan maximizes the dining variety and value offered by the dining halls and campus retail dining.
Meal Plan options are based on student type as defined by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (not based on number of credit hours.)
How can I check to see which meal plan I have chosen?
Check your current meal plan online, using the Meal Plan Selection Form, accessible on the Housing website. Select the semester you wish to check, and look at the section titled, “Current Meal Plan.”
Any questions may be directed to the Meal Plans and ID Office, located in the Student Union, at 49ercard@charlotte.edu or 704-687-7337.
Meal Plan Billing & Payments
Find answers about payment methods, financial aid coverage, and policies related to meal plan cancellations.
Can my financial aid or students loans pay for my meal plan?
Financial aid can pay for your meal plan if you have enough to cover tuition and housing charges first. Financial aid will not prepay for Optional Dining Account (ODA) or 49er Account funds.
What if I run out of Declining Balance (DB) funds? May I add more DB?
You are not able to add more DB, but you can supplement your meal plan by depositing funds into the Optional Dining account (ODA). ODA has a minimum deposit of $5; funds carry forward and are available as long as the student is enrolled, from semester-to-semester and year-to-year.
You may request an ODA refund upon graduation or separation from the University.
Meal Plan Management
Get help managing your meal plan, including how to check your current plan and add funds if needed.
How do I cancel my meal plan?
All Meal Plan changes or cancellation requests must be submitted online, using the Meal Plan Selection Form, accessible on the Housing website. Select the semester you wish to cancel, and select “No Meal Plan” from available meal plan options. Any questions may be directed to the Meal Plans and ID Office, located in the Student Union, at 49ercard@charlotte.edu or 704-687-7337.
Meal Plan changes and cancellation requests are processed daily. Students may submit only one change or cancellation request per day. Changes will be posted the next day. Billing may take a couple of business days to reflect on Student Accounts.
Please view the deadlines regarding changing or canceling your meal plan.
Will my meal plan cancel automatically if I cancel my housing contract?
No, your meal plan will not cancel automatically. After you cancel your housing contract, you will receive a link to cancel your meal plan through StarRez.