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.
Your Meal Plan Access
Meals
Meals, which are conveniently located on your student ID, give you access to all three of our all-you-care-to-eat dining halls: Brandywine, The Anteatery, and our newest location: The Oasis!
FlexDine
FlexDine may be used at any UC Irvine Dining location, except Cafe Espresso at Health Sciences. FlexDine can be linked to your Starbucks and GrubHub apps for easy mobile ordering on campus. FlexDine rolls over between quarters and expires at the end of the academic year.
Guest Meals
Each Housing Meal Plan comes with 10 guest meals to use for family and friends. Guest meals roll over each quarter until the end of the academic school year.
What is a Meal Plan?
A Meal Plan is a pre-paid dining membership that unlocks delicious meals, coffee, snacks, and more, at over 24 locations across campus. Both Housing and Anteater Meal Plans include Meal Swipes and FlexDine, conveniently loaded onto your UC Irvine ID. No need to carry additional cards or cash!
Don't Miss These Dates
Mark your calendar! Each quarter, important dates like the start of meal plan usage, when to make changes, and deadlines for billing and sign-ups keep your plan running smoothly.
July 1st: 2026-2027 Anteater Meal Plans Are Available To Purchase
Start purchasing your 2026-2027 Anteater Meal Plans.
Aug. 28th: Last Day To Purchase 2026 Summer Meal Plans
Don't miss out on your chance to purchase a summer meal plan this year!
Sept. 9th: Last Day of Summer Service
Last day to use your meal swipes for the summer quarter! Please note that select retail locations will be open for limited hours.
Sept. 21st: 2026-2027 Meal Plans Begin
Start using your 2026-2027 Housing or Anteater Meal Plan.
Oct. 5th: Reusable ToGo Program Begins
Start using our Reusable ToGo Program, available with every meal plan purchase.
Oct. 16th: Last Day To Purchase a Fall Anteater 7-Day All Access Meal Plan
Don't miss out on your chance to purchase a fall Anteater 7-Day All Access Meal Plan!
Nov. 23rd - Jan. 15th: Winter 7-Day All Access
The Winter Anteater 7-Day All Access is available to purchase from Nov. 23rd - Jan 15th. Don't miss your chance to snag our most convenient plan!
Dec. 11th: Last Day of Fall Service
Last day to use your meal swipes for the fall quarter! Please note that late night will not be available, and we will close at 8 PM. Select retail locations will be open for limited hours.
Jan. 3rd: First Day of Winter Service
Welcome back, Anteaters! We will resume service at the dining halls at 5 PM for dinner.
Mar. 1st - Apr. 9th: Spring 7-Day All Access
The Spring Anteater 7-Day All Access is available to purchase from Mar. 1st - Apr. 9th. Don't miss your chance to snag our most convenient plan!
Mar. 19th: Last Day of Winter Service
Last day to use your meal swipes for the winter quarter! Please note that late night will not be available, and we will close at 8 PM. Select retail locations will be open for limited hours.
Mar. 28th: First Day of Spring Service
Welcome back, Anteaters! We will resume service at the dining halls at 5 PM for dinner.
May 28th: Last Day To Purchase 2026-2027 Anteater Meal Plans
Don't miss out on your chance to purchase a 2026-2027 Anteater Meal Plan this year!
June 11th: 2026-2027 Meal Plans End
Be sure to use up your plan! Meals AND FlexDine expire at the end of service for Housing and Anteater Meal Plans.
General FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about our meal plan options.
Housing Meal Plan FAQs
Quick answers for common questions about Housing Meal Plans.
Anteater Meal Plan FAQs
Quick answers for common questions about Anteater Meal Plans.
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 Plan
Meal Plan Options
Choose from a variety of meal plans designed to provide flexibility and convenience for everyone.
Browse Meal Plans
Meal 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.