Frequently Asked Questions about 2026-27 Meal Plans
What do the numbers in each meal plan option mean?
The first number represents Meal Swipes and the second number represents Dining Dollars. How those numbers break down depends on the type of plan you get.
Premium 19/200, Big Red 14/400, Platinum 12/600, Diamond 10/800, and Sapphire 8/1000 meal plans:
The swipes in these plans reset every Sunday, so the first number represents the number of Meal Swipes per week and the second number represents the amount of Dining Dollars per semester.
For example, the Premium 19/200 meal plan provides you with 19 Meal Swipes per week and 200 Dining Dollars per semester.
Gold 125/700, Silver 75/675, and Bronze 50/325 meal plans:
The swipes in these plans are provided in a "block" for the whole semester, so the first number represents the number of Meal Swipes per semester and the second number represents the amount of Dining Dollars per semester.
For example, the Gold 125/700 meal plan provides you with 125 Meal Swipes per semester and 700 Dining Dollars per semester.
What’s the difference between Meal Swipes and Dining Dollars?
Meal Swipes are used to enter All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Dining Centers (Cather, Harper, and Nebraska East Union). One swipe equals one meal. Meal Swipes can also be used as Swipe Equivalency (worth $11.25) at select locations like Selleck, Abel, and Husker Heroes.
Dining Dollars work like cash. 1 Dining Dollar = $1 -- and can be used at most campus dining locations, including Herbie’s Markets, Starbucks, and more. Dining Dollars are best for snacks and beverages.
Weekly and Block meal plans include both Meal Swipes and Dining Dollars. Unlimited plans include only Meal Swipes.
Where can I use my meal plan?
There are many locations where your meal plan is accepted. Check out the full list for 2026-27.
What are the meal periods and when do they occur?
A meal period is a set time frame during the day when your meal swipes can be used — and when they reset for the next period. The meal period is not the same as when dining service locations are open.
With a Weekly or Block Meal Plan, you can use up to two (2) swipes per meal period at any combination of participating restaurants. Students often use multiple swipes in a single meal period to:
- Place a mobile order for later (for example, lunch and dinner together).
- Treat a guest or grab an extra meal if they’re especially hungry.
With an Unlimited Meal Plan, you can enjoy multiple visits per meal period at All-You-Care-To-Enjoy (AYCTE) Dining Centers — perfect if you’d like to stop in for a quick bite before class and return again later.
Meal periods are as follows:
- Breakfast: 6:45AM to 10:30AM
- Lunch: 10:30AM to 4:30PM
- Dinner: 4:30PM to 8:30PM
- Late Night: 8:30PM to 2AM
View hours of service for various dining locations on the Dining Hours & Locations webpage.
Is there a meal plan requirement?
Residents of traditional and suite-style halls are required to have a meal plan. Apartment-style residents and students not living in the residence halls can purchase any available meal plan, but it is not required. Students must be enrolled in at least one (1) credit hour to be eligible for a meal plan.
Can I purchase a meal plan if I don’t live on campus?
Yes, you can purchase a meal-only plan via the Housing Portal on MyRED.
How can I check my Meal Swipe or Dining Dollar balance?
You can check your balance at any time on the Housing Portal or ask a Dining Cashier.
Can I reload my Dining Dollars or add Meal Swipes?
Yes, for students with a meal plan, you may reload your meal plan with additional Meal Swipes or Dining Dollars. Reloads may be purchased in the Housing Portal on MyRED.
How is using Dining Dollars different from charging purchases to my NCard?
Dining Dollars are part of your meal plan and act like cash -- 1 Dining Dollar = $1 -- for food and beverages at campus dining locations.
NCard Charges are separate and work like a credit account linked to your student bill. To use it, you must first set up an NCard Account. Purchases are then billed to your student account.
If you have both a meal plan and an NCard Account, be sure to tell the cashier which payment method you’d like to use when making a purchase.
Can I change my meal plan?
Yes, there is a meal plan change period at the start of each semester. Learn more about changing your meal plan. There is no fee to change your meal plan; however, there may be a difference in price associated with changing your meal plan, depending on your selection.
Can I cancel my meal plan?
Meal plans are required for students living on campus, unless the student is residing in an apartment-style unit. Students not required to have meal plans can cancel their meal plan through the Housing Portal or email housing@unl.edu for assistance. Learn more about the cancellation policy.