How To Sign Up For A Dining Plan

First-year student residents are required to have a dining plan. Upperclassmen living on campus can select their dining plan during the housing contract process in the Housing Portal or by emailing the Dining Plan Request Form to diningmealplan@ucr.edu

How Much Are Dining Plans?

Dining Plan FAQ'S

• Do I have to purchase a dining plan?

  Yes, if you’re a first-year student living on campus, a dining plan is required as part of your housing contract. Upperclassmen and students in campus apartments or family housing may opt into a dining plan, but are not required.

• What’s the difference between Meal Swipes and Dining Dollars?

  Meal Swipes give you access to all-you-care-to-eat meals in residential restaurants like Glasgow and Lothian. As well as Meal Swipe Combos at Savor and Noods: The Noodle Bar located at The Market at Glen Mor. Dining Dollars can be used like cash at campus eateries, cafés, markets, and even for beverages or snacks.

• What are guest passes?

  Guest passes are included with certain dining plans and let you treat friends or family to a meal at the residential restaurants (Glasgow or Lothian). Just swipe your R’Card at the entrance, and the guest pass will be applied.

• When does my dining plan start and end?

  Your dining plan begins on Move-In Day and runs through the end of the quarter. Dining Dollars and unused meals reset each quarter.

• Do Dining Dollars roll over?

  Yes! Dining Dollars roll over from fall to winter and winter to spring. Any unused Dining Dollars expire at the end of the spring quarter.

• Can commuter students or staff buy a dining plan?

  Yes! Commuter students, staff, and faculty can purchase a Community Dining Plan for flexible access to campus dining locations.

• How do I sign up for a dining plan?
  1. Student residents can select their dining plan in the housing portal upon completing the housing contract process.
  2. If you wish to opt into a dining plan during the year, upperclassmen and apartment residents can email the Dining Plan Request Form to housinginfo@ucr.edu.
• Where can I find my Dining Plan?

  Your dining plan is automatically loaded onto your student ID card (R’Card) at the start of the academic year. Meal swipes and Dining Dollars are refreshed at the beginning of each quarter. Just swipe your R’Card at any dining location to use your plan—it’s that easy!

• How do I use my Dining Plan?
  1. Meal Swipes. Swipe your R’Card at the entrance of residential restaurants like Glasgow or Lothian to enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat meal. Meal swipes are also accepted at Savor and Noods: The Noodle Bar—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal to go. 
  2. Dining Dollars. Pay with your R’Card at any campus café, market, or eatery—just like using a debit card.
• Can I Request a Dining Plan Change?

  The Dining Plan selected is for the entire academic year. Residents are permitted to request a one-time upgrade of their Dining Plan at the mid-point of Fall Quarter, from October 28 to November 8, 2024. The requested changes will go into effect in the following Winter Quarter. Dining Plan change request forms can be obtained from and submitted to the Resident Services Office (RSO)

  The Dining Plan may not be transferred, canceled, carried forward, or refunded except as allowed for in the terms of this Contract.  A Dining Plan Change Request Form needs to be completed, and all instructions on documentation need to be followed. Submit a Dining Plan Change Request Form at your respective RSO. Residence Hall and Glen Mor residents must have a Dining Plan - please allow two weeks for your request to be processed. 

• How do I purchase Dining Dollars?

  You can buy Dining Dollars as you need them, and at a discount too! Purchase $115 Dining Dollars for $100 even (that’s 15% off). Dining Dollars roll over quarter-to-quarter and expire in June at the end of the academic year.

  Sign up for Dining Dollars by completing the form below and emailing housinginfo@ucr.edu or visiting your Resident Services Office. 

  PURCHASE DINING DOLLARS

• How much are meals at the Residential Restaurants?

  Door rate prices at residential restaurants (Glasgow & Lothian) are:

  • Breakfast:  $12.99

  • Lunch:  $16.99

  • Dinner $18.99

  • Brunch: $18.99

• What if I have special dietary restrictions?

  UCR Dining Services offers the expertise of a Nutrition Education Coordinator to answer questions regarding food allergies, vegetarian or vegan diets, general nutrition, or any nutrition-related topic. Please email nutritionist@ucr.edu for more information.