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 is a pre-paid dining membership that unlocks delicious meals, coffee, snacks, and more, at over 20 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!

Your Meal Plan Access

Meal Swipes
Meal Swipes give you access to both of our all-you-care-to-eat dining halls, Brandywine and The Anteatery.
FlexDine
FlexDine may be used at any UC Irvine Dining location. Visit our locations page for location information, including dining hall menus and hours of operation. 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.

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 keeps your plan running smoothly.

Sept. 22nd: 2025-2026 Meal Plans Begin

Start using your 2025-2026 Housing or Anteater Meal Plan.

June 12th: 2025-2026 Meal Plans End

Be sure to use up your plan! Meals AND FlexDine expire at end of service for Housing and 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