New Dining Plans

Is the dining plan mandatory?

• The only students required to have a dining plan are those residing on campus. First year residents are eligible for the Unlimited 600 and Unlimited 225 plans. Upperclass students residing on campus may choose from the upperclass dining plans or either of the Unlimited plans.

Why are all residents required to have a dining plan?

• To ensure that our students are eating, living, and learning in healthful way, Dining Services require all on-campus students to purchase a dining plan. Our dining centers are social and educational hubs that help build community, encourage wellbeing, and enrich the college experience. Oh, and the food is good!

Where do you select your dining plan?

• Students will select their dining plans by using StarRez. If you are living on campus, you will automatically be signed up for the Unlimited 225 plan. You can change your dining plan by using StarRez (link).

Can students change their dining plan at certain points of the year?

• Students can adjust their dining plan selection until 11:59 p.m. the day before they go into effect each semester. Students with a dining plan for the fall semester will automatically be assigned and billed for the same dining plan for the spring semester. Dining plan changes can be made in StarRez.

Where can I go to see my account balances/transaction history on-line?

• Students may make deposits, view balances, and view transaction history via Online Services on the Hokie Passport website.

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

• Our dining centers offer allergen-friendly foods, ingredient transparency, and staff trained in food safety protocols. Students can also meet with our registered dietitian for personalized guidance.

How do unlimited dining plans support students with non-traditional schedules and throughout the semester?

• Unlimited access means students can eat when it fits their day—whether it’s breakfast before classes or dinner after extracurricular activities. It’s designed for flexibility and guarantees that you will not miss a meal throughout the semester.

Where can Unlimited Plans be used?

• The unlimited plan will only be used in D2 at Dietrick Hall. An Unlimited swipe resets an hour after each use during operating hours to provide guests flexibility to come and go throughout the day.

I have purchased the Unlimited dining plan; can I share my dining swipes with guests or my friends?

• Meal swipes are to be used by the student who purchased the plan and cannot be used for friends or guests. Students are not allowed to use another resident’s Hokie Passport.

How do guest meals work?

• As part of the Unlimited plans, you will receive five guest meals per semester to use at D2 at Dietrick Dining Hall. These meals can be used for guests or friends at any time. Once guest meals are used up, you can use your Gobble Bucks or Dining Dollars to buy meals for others at the door price per meal.

Will the dining center offering unlimited access be open throughout the academic year?

• D2 at Dietrick Dining Center will be operating seven days a week except during break weeks. Hours of operations will be published and updated on the Dining Services website.

Can I take my meals to go from D2?

• It will be evaluated, but not at this time.

What are meal exchanges?

• A meal exchange is a meal a student can use from their Unlimited dining plan at designated locations: Owens Food Court at Owens Dining Center, Turner Place at Lavery Hall, Deet’s Place at Dietrick Hall, and West End at Cochrane Hall. Students have seven meal exchanges that can be redeemed at any time.

Can Meal Exchanges be used at D2 or for a guest?

• No, Meal Exchanges can only be used at specified dining locations.

Do meal exchanges rollover each week?

• No, these are a supplement to allow students on the unlimited dining plan to dine at other dining locations.

Can I use multiple meal exchanges in one day?

• Yes, as long as you stay within your seven-weekly allotment.

How do I use my meal exchanges?

• You can use Grubhub, Point of Sales, or Kiosks to place your order using your meal exchanges.

What day and time will meal exchanges get renewed each week?

• Our weeks run Monday through Sunday. Weekly meal balances renew for the week every Monday at 12:00 a.m.

What happens if I exceed my weekly Meal Exchange limit?

• You can still purchase meals at retail locations using Gobble Bucks, Dining Dollars, Hokie Passport, or Credit/Debit Cards.

Can I customize my meal using the Meal Exchange?

• Yes, within the parameters of the exchange menu allowing ingredient substitutions.

Where can Declining Balance Dollars be used on campus?

• Gobble Bucks are declining dollars that a student can use at any dining location on campus operated by Dining Services. Think of them like cash on a debit card.

What is the rollover policy for Declining Balance Dollars?

• Gobble Bucks will roll over from fall to spring semester. Gobble Bucks will need to be used up prior to the close of business on the last day of spring semester exams. They do not carry over to the next year.

Can I add additional Declining Balance Dollars to my account?

• Once you have used your Dining Balance Dollars plan allotment, then you will use an established Dining Dollars account.