Option 1
Join an eating club
What you get
When you join a club, you receive membership benefits of 20 meals per week, members-only social events such as the annual Winter Formals and Houseparties and the option of living in upperclass housing.
What it costs
Each club's cost differs slightly, but the University set the average board rate of the clubs at $6,300, which does not include social fees.
How things changed
The University raised the board rate to $6,300, a $2,000 increase which financial aid students can use towards the cost of a club.
Option 2
Stick with the dining hall
What you get
You can live in one of the four-year residential colleges, eat at least 95 meals a semester in the dining halls and enjoy all of the benefits of residential college life, such as social events and study breaks.
What it costs
To live in the residential colleges, you must purchase at least the minimum 95-meals-a-semester plan for $2,925 but you can buy the full meal plan for about $4,315.
How things changed
If you are on financial aid and choose to live in the residential colleges, you will have your meal plan covered and possibly extra funds since the set board rate is about $2,000 higher than the cost of a University meal plan.
Option 3
Split the difference
What you get
If you choose the shared option, you get the benefits of being in an eating club, but split your meals between the club and the dining halls, with a minimum of 95 meals a semester in the residential colleges.
What it costs
By choosing this plan, you pay membership fees to the eating clubs, which include the stipend for a 95-meals-a-semester plan in the residential colleges.
How things changed
You will now have the opportunity to live in a residential college and join an eating club for the same price as eating all of your meals in the club.
Option 4
Go independent
What you get
As an independent student, you receive the option of living in upperclass housing (some with kitchens), cooking or buying food for yourself, or joining one of the two co-ops on campus.
What it costs
Independents pay the cost of their own food or the cost of a co-op, which runs between $500 and $600 per semester.
How things changed
If you are on full financial aid and choose to be independent, you will now have $6,300 to use toward food.
