Dining Plans

Columbia Dining Plans

Designed to provide options and flexibility to eat well at Columbia

We understand the dynamics of student life

One day you need to grab a quick bite on the way to class and the next you want to enjoy dinner with friends. We've create a variety of options to allow you to dine according to your lifestyle and schedule. The common thread, of course, is that you will always enjoy fresh, healthy and delicious food served in a welcoming environment.

A Plan for Everyone

There's a plan to suit almost every need, with dedicated options for First-Year, Upperclass, and Graduate students.

Students chatting in John Jay Dining Hall

Required for First-Year Students

To help our new students make a smooth and healthy transition to campus living, First-Year students are required to enroll in a Dining Plan.

A Great Value for Upperclass & Graduate Students

Dining plans are convenient and a great value for Upperclass, GS, and Graduate students, but are not required.

Meet Our Dining Plan Manager

Rosie Fernandez is responsible for managing the selection and changing of Dining Plans. She can answer questions or provide guidance and recommendations based on your individual needs.

Use the contact form to email Rosie or call her at 212-854-4076.

Choosing A Plan

Signing up for a Dining Plan is easy, but that doesn't mean you should rush through the process. Take a little time to think about your eating habits, your schedule for the upcoming semester, and any special dietary needs you may have so that you make the best choice for you.

Review + Compare

Review the Dining Plan options to see what's included and to compare various plans.

Consider Your Needs

Think about how you typically work meals into your day. Will you need to eat off-campus often? Do you have special dietary needs? Take notes to refer to during sign-up.

Sign Up for a Dining Plan

Once you're ready, Click the appropriate button below to begin comparing plans.

Dining Plan Highlights

Below are key features of all our Dining Plans, providing you with options to match your lifestyle and eating habits.

Meals

Each plan includes a certain number of meals per week or per term for use at our dining halls.

Dining Dollars and Flex

Most plans include Dining Dollars, which can be used at any of our on campus locations, and some include Flex, an account that you can add dollars to and access with your Columbia ID to purchase items from merchants on and off-campus.

Cauliflower steak with chimichurri sauce

Special Dietary Needs

We work hard to provide options for those with food allergies and other special dietary needs, including a selection of H alal and K osher meals, and vegan and gluten-free alternatives.

Dining Dollars and Flex

Dining Dollars and Flex are included in many of our Dining Plans, but did you know you can also purchase Dining Dollars and add money to Flex separately? Here's an overview of Dining Dollars and Flex that explains how they are different and their value to you. If you still have questions, check our FAQs page for everything related to Dining Plans!

Who can use it?
Dining Dollars: Any enrolled Columbia University student.
Flex: Any enrolled student, faculty, or staff of Columbia University.

How does it work?
Dining Dollars: A dollar-for-dollar, tax-free declining balance account accessed through Columbia University ID card.
Flex: A dollar-for-dollar declining balance account accessed through Columbia University ID card.

Where can I use it?
Dining Dollars: At all on-campus dining locations.
Flex: At all on-campus dining locations, as well as at the University Bookstore, campus copy machines, vending machines. Plus Flex can be used to pay for food delivery via Grubhub.

Is it required?
Dining Dollars: No, but it will make your life a lot easier!
Flex: No, but it will make your life a lot easier!