Suite-style Residence Meal Plans

What's in it for me?

Our Suite-Style Meal Plans work on a declining balance system, just like a debit card, so you only pay for what you eat and have full control over your spending on campus. With exciting chef-inspired meals, snacks, and your favourite franchises just steps away, you can focus on studying while we handle the cooking and dishes!

At UW Food Services, sustainability is a priority, we’re committed to reducing waste, sourcing responsibly, and offering eco-friendly dining options.

With our Advantage meal plans, you’ll enjoy built-in savings all term long. Plus, any unused funds stay on your WatCard and can be used as long as you're a student - so you never lose out!

Remember: You can buy a meal plan at any time during the term, but the earlier you purchase one, the more time you’ll save, and the sooner you can enjoy our amazing food!

SAVE MONEY

Enjoy tax savings and discounts at the register with most meal plans. The sooner you get a meal plan, the more you'll save!

FLEXIBILITY

You're never far from a great meal with over 25+ UW Food Services locations across campus, convenience and variety are at your fingertips!

SAVE TIME

No cooking, no dishes—just good food when you need it. Focus on studying, socializing, and everything else that matters!
Suite-style Meal Plan For students living off-campus or in suite-style residences including Columbia Lake Village (CLV), Minota Hagey (MH), Mackenzie King Village (MKV) and UW Place (UWP)
Meal Plan Name What you pay per each 4-month term Meal Plan Funds Breakdown Flex Dollar Funds Breakdown Overhead Deduction Breakdown Administrative Fee Breakdown
Advantage A $4600 $2190 $100 $2190 $120
Advantage B $4020 $1900 $100 $1900 $120
Advantage C $3440 $1610 $100 $1610 $120
Advantage D $2750 $1265 $100 $1265 $120
Advantage E $2220 $1000 $100 $1000 $120

 All meal plans are tax exempt saving you 13% on HST at the register!
*Students with a Meal Plan will receive a 50% reduction at the register, reflecting the adjustment for the overhead deduction.

Advantage A: Designed for students who are on campus all week and on weekends with large appetites.

Advantage B: A well-rounded option for those who enjoy most meals on campus and have larger appetites.

Advantage C: Designed for students who are on campus some weekends and have average appetites.

Advantage D: Best for students who are on campus some weekends and have lighter appetites.

Advantage E:  Perfect for students who are off campus most weekends and have lighter appetites.

Students with food in trays
vegetables
sauce being drizzled onto shawarma plate
students speaking while holding sushi tray and fruit cup in the eatery
Sushi

How can I purchase a Meal Plan?

  1. Add funds to your Watcard through the online portal for the amount needed for your chosen optional meal plan.

  2. Email watcard@uwaterloo.ca with your full name and Watcard number and indicate which type of meal plan you would like to purchase.  If you do not contact them, your funds will be allocated to flex dollars and will not recieve the corresponding savings.

  3. Enjoy your meal plan and the discounts it offers!

Meal Plan Breakdown

Meal Plan Funds

This portion is reserved for meal purchases at all UW Food Services locations. For Traditional and Advantage A meal plan holders, enjoy tax-exempt savings and 50% off the set price every time you purchase food with your meal plan—helping to balance the overhead deduction!

Flex Dollar Funds

Flex dollars can be used at non-Food Services locations such as laundry, vending machines, W Print and W Store. They can also be used at various off-campus partner restaurants.

Overhead Deduction

This is an upfront deduction to help cover the cost of providing a top-notch meal plan program. It is taken at the start of the term, and in return, you receive a 50% price reduction on purchases at UW Food Services locations, ensuring full purchasing power throughout the term.

Capital Improvement Allotment

A non-refundable charge that goes towards UW Food Services' dining environments, facilities and equipment. It is deducted from the meal plan cost and cannot be used to make food purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I use my meal plan dollars?

At any one of our 25+ locations, including residence dining halls, cafés, and eateries across campus, your meal plan makes dining easy and convenient. This plan helps you save time and build community as you eat with your peers. Plus, your meal plan dollars are accepted at on-campus franchises, giving you even more variety in your daily meals.

What are flex dollars?

Flex dollars are used for additional on-campus services such as vending, laundry, buying textbooks, goods from W Store, and even for buying food at participating off-campus Flex Partners. That means you can use your Flex Dollars towards a meal at restaurants like Score Pizza or Williams Fresh Café!

I have a dietary restriction, will my meal plan provide enough options?

Food services can accommodate most common dietary needs and priority food allergens including vegan, vegetarian, halal, gluten and dairy. Our key message to students coming to Waterloo with food allergies or serious dietary restrictions is to self-identify! If you have a food allergy or dietary restriction, please contact Food Services before you move in. We will set up a meeting with your residence Chef and our Registered Dietitian to review available options and make sure you feel comfortable dining at Waterloo.

Please also complete the Accessible Housing Verification Form to ensure housing accommodations. First-year students must register by June 1 to be a part of the Residence Guarantee application. Please be sure to check off that you are registered with AccessAbility Services when you fill out your Residence Community Ranking Form.

What happens if I have money left on my WatCard at the end of the term?

Any remaining balance on your WatCard carries forward each term while you are a student at the University of Waterloo.

Your meal plan reducation applies only during the term in which you purchase the plan. If you purchase a meal plan in a later term within the same academic year, any funds carried forward from a previous term will receive the current applicable reduction and HST exemption.

Funds from a residence meal plan transfer to your Transfer Meal Plan (MP) account. These funds can be used only at University of Waterloo Food Services locations and do not convert to Flex Dollars. Purchases made with Flex Dollars at Food Services locations are subject to HST.

Meal Plan Terms and Conditions