Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to purchase a meal plan and what are my meal plan options?
All students living on campus in the residence hall are required to be on one of the two residential meal plans. Based on your eating habits or class schedules, you may choose from the Unlimited Plan or 14 Plan. Any students living off-campus may also purchase a residential meal plan, or they may choose from a variety of meal plans available for the students living off-campus. Dining Points can be used at any dining location on campus. The blocks of meal swipes can be used at any meal period in the Dining Commons.
When is my meal plan effective? When can I use my meal plan?
Meal plans are effective beginning on Move-In Day (Fall) or the day before classes start (Spring) until the last day of Final Exams in each semester. Meals are not provided in the Dining Commons in the Residence Halls during Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break and Spring Break. During the academic year the Dining Commons is open Monday-Friday for Breakfast, Continental Breakfast and Light Snacks, Lunch and Dinner. On the weekends it is open for Brunch and Dinner. Today's Hours..
Where on campus can I eat?
Explore your options here or view our map of on campus dining locations.
How do I use my meal plan?
Meal swipes and dining points are placed on your Student ID card. The cashier in any of the dining locations will accept your card for swipe or payment. Your Student ID card is required to enter the Dining Commons.
What is the Everyday App and How Do I Use it? (Mobile Ordering)
New this fall! Say bye, bye to bite, and hello Everyday! Check out upcoming menus and mobile order your meal from your phone using the Everyday App. How to Guide for Everyday.
What are Dining Points?
Dining Points are money included with the purchase of your meal plan to be used at any retail dining location (The Food Court, Beacon Café, ISC Café, Dunkin’, and UMarket). The money is purchased as part of your meal plan and is a declining balance. To check your Dining Points balance, go to Beacon Card website and login using your UMass Boston student login information. Click Account Activity under "Account Management" tab on the top left to view your current balance.
What are Beacon Bucks?
Beacon Bucks are funds you add directly to your Student ID. Beacon Bucks is the university-wide cashless payment system to be used at any dining location, the book store, and other locations. Beacon Bucks do not expire.Add Beacon Bucks on the Beacon Card Website.
May I add Dining Points if I am running low?
No, but you can add Beacon Bucks to your account at any point in time.
Add Beacon Bucks on the Beacon Card Website.
Do my Dining Points carry over from semester to semester?
Dining Points carry over from fall to spring semester, provided that you remain on a meal plan. At the close of the Dining Commons for the academic year any Dining Points not used will be forfeited.
Can I take food items upon exiting the Dining Commons?
Food is not permitted to leave the Dining Commons unless you are a part of our Green To Go Program. Learn more here. All those who purchased a meal plan for the FAll 2022 semester will get a Green to Go Container FREE upon move in. Our all-you-care-to-eat, dine-in facility encourages patrons to enjoy their meals within the Dining Commons seating area. One piece of hand fruit, an ice cream cone, or a cookie is permitted upon exit per person.
What is a Guest Meal?
Guest meals can be used to swipe in a friend or family member when they visit you on campus. When using your guest meal you must accompany your guest into the Dining Commons.
Can I use my Dining Points to pay the door rate for a guest at the Dining Commons?
Yes. You may choose to pay the door rate for a guest or yourself using cash, credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Dining Points or Beacon Bucks.
Can I use a friend's meal plan?
Meal plans are not transferable but you may use a friend's Guest Meal swipe to eat in the Dining Commons. A friend may also use their Dining Points or Beacon Bucks to pay for your meal.
How do I change my meal plan?
Meal plan changes are processed through the campus card office. Login here to update your meal plan. You can also use this portal to check the balance of your current Dining Points, view remaining meal swipes for the week and add Beacon Bucks.
Can dining services accommodate food allergies and special diets?
Yes! We accommodate all students who choose to attend UMass Boston. We are prepared to work with students who have any of the eight major food allergies, and students that require any other dietary needs because of a documented medical condition. The Simple Servings and Simple Zone stations in the Dining Commons are available daily as allergen-friendly dining spaces. The Dining Commons also serves a broad range of dishes at every meal to accommodate vegans, vegetarians, and any other students who pursue a personal diet regime.
We strongly encourage you to contact our Campus Dietitian Gabrielle Mele, RD, LDN to connect over your specific dietary needs. Connect with Gabrielle.
You can also learn more here.
Where do I go if I have other questions?
For meal plan administrative questions, please e-mail: mealplan@umb.edu
For general dining questions, please feel free to use any of the following methods to contact us:
- Call us at (617) 287-5082
- Fill out our Feedback Form
- Text "UMBDining" to 82257. A manager will text you back within 48 hours during weekdays.
- Message us on Facebook,Instagram, or Twitter.
Which company manages the UMass Boston Dining program?
Sodexo Campus Services. Sodexo is the leading provider of Food and Facilities management in North America, and has continuously operated UMass Boston Dining Services since 1996. To learn more about Sodexo Campus Services please visit this page.