Figuring out dining plans can be stressful for everyone on campus, especially first-year students.
The best way for new students to begin is with the basics. All first-year, first-time students are enrolled in an “orange” meal plan. They can choose between four “orange” options: five meals per week with $450 dining dollars, 10 meals per week with $500 dining dollars, unlimited meals with $150 dining dollars or unlimited meals with $425 dining dollars.
Students can use their meal swipes at The Edge, Village Tiger Zone, the Wellness Kitchen or Foy on the Fly. They can use dining dollars at any retail location on campus, including vending machines and War Eagle Supply Co.
Those who live off-campus won’t need as many meal swipes since they can cook and meal-prep at home, so they are better off with the default plan. For students living on-campus, the decision to upgrade their meal plan mainly depends on whether they live and if they can cook at their dorm. Those who live next to a dining hall and don’t plan to cook should consider upgrading to 10 meals per week, while those who live further from dining halls ought to save some money and stick to the default plan.
Cooking your own food is cheaper than eating out and allows you to meal prep for the week, so students should make their own food when possible. For cheap groceries, students should try shopping at Walmart or Aldi. If you live on or near campus but don’t have access to a car, Publix is within walking distance of campus and has good deals and a decent clearance section.
In terms of meals, pasta and rice are filling, easy to make and take up little space in cabinets. Students should also remember to regularly eat vegetables and fruit to stay healthy and fight off the fall funk. Adding a few greens to your spaghetti can go a long way for your well-being.
Students facing food insecurity can access the Campus Kitchen at Lupton Hall. They provide a variety of services, including Auburn Family Meals at Lupton on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. According to Janette Douglass, Campus Kitchen’s vice president of Community Outreach, the food from Campus Kitchen is free and easy to pick up.
“It’s open to all students, and some days we have leftover meals,” Douglass said. “We get a bunch of stuff donated, so it’s definitely a good option for people who need additional support and some extra meals.”
For all the students thinking about food and meal plans, remember that it’s better to be overestimate your needs and to never be afraid to ask for help. Good luck, and happy dining.
This article is featured in The Auburn Plainsman's Summer 2026 print edition.
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Sydney Gallardo, junior in journalism, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since Fall 2025. Gallardo previously served as a News Writer, News Reporter and Assistant News Editor. He is currently serving as the Newsletter Editor.
