Meal Plans 101
Having a meal plan means more than just convenience - it's your key to enjoying craveable meals across campus. With chef-inspired menus, local ingredients, and sustainable practices, your dining experience is as dynamic as campus life.
What is a Meal Plan?
A meal plan unlocks delicious meals, coffee, snacks, and more, at 33 locations across campus. Your Meal Plan includes Meal Swipes and Dining Dollars, conveniently loaded onto your JACard. No need to carry additional cards or cash!
Your Meal Plan Access
Meal Swipes
Meal Swipes give you access to all-you-care-to-eat dining halls, offering variety of delicious and fresh options for every meal.
Dining Dollars
Dining Dollars are prepaid funds that can be used at any campus dining location to conveniently purchase food, snacks, and beverages.
Duke Deals
Meal Exchange lets you trade a Meal Swipe for select menu items at participating campus retail locations, giving you more flexibility on the go.
Don't Miss These Dates
Mark your calendar! Each semester, important dates like the start of meal plan usage, when to make changes, and deadlines for billing and sign-ups keeps your plan running smoothly.
January 2-February 6: Window to Change Meal Plan
There is a minimum $15 charge to change your meal plan.
January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Updated hours will be posted prior to 1/19. Dining dollars and swipes will be in full effect.
February 17-March 19: Ramadan
D-Hall and E-Hall will be open till 9 pm daily except for Spring Break.
March 16-20: Spring Break
Updated hours will be posted prior to March 16. Last day to use punches is 3/13. Most locations will be closed during spring break. Those that are open will not accept swipes. Punches resume at 4 pm on 3/22.
May 6: Last Day of Classes
Updated hours will be posted prior to May 6.
May 14-16: Commencement Ceremonies
Updated hours will be posted prior to May 14.
Hungry For More Info?
Find the perfect meal plan, explore flexible options, or get oriented with your campus dining experience.
Find Your Fit
Use our recommendation tool to find the perfect meal plan that matches your campus needs.
Find Your Perfect PlanMeal Plan Options
Choose from a variety of meal plans designed to provide flexibility and convenience for everyone.
Browse Meal PlansMeal Plan Orientation
Explore your campus dining experience with a guide to dining halls, featured locations, and more.
Get Started
Dine With Confidence!
Manage your meal plan with ease. Learn how to check your balance and set alerts.
Meal Plan FAQs
Have questions about your Meal Plan? Our FAQs are here to help you learn everything you need to manage your plan and make the most of campus dining. From how to get started to maximizing your benefits, you’ll find the answers you need right here.