Traditional Residence Meal Plans

What's in it for me?

Our meal plans operate 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 chef-inspired meals, snacks, and your favourite franchises like Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Pizza Pizza, and more just steps away, you can focus on studying while we take care of 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 long eatery hours and access to 25+ UW Food Services locations, you’ll enjoy endless variety and flexibility. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack, a great meal is always within reach!

Plus, any unused meal plan dollars automatically carry over to the next term as long as you're a student at UWaterloo, so you never lose out!

SAVE MONEY

Enjoy tax savings or 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!

Traditional Meal Plan For students living in Claudette Millar Hall (CMH), Ron Edyt Village (REV) and Village 1 (V1)

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
Traditional A	$4600	$2190	$100	$2190	$120
Traditional B	$4020	$1900	$100	$1900	$120
Traditional C	$3440	$1610	$100	$1610	$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.

Traditional A: Ideal for students who eat most of their meals on campus and are on campus some weekends with larger appetites.

Traditional B: Our most popular plan! A balanced option for students who eat most meals on campus, with flexibility for weekends away.

Traditional C: Perfect for students who spend most weekends off campus. This plan provides flexibility while ensuring you have meals covered during the week.

Students grabbing a bite to eat at their residence dining hall in Claudette Millar Hall (CMH)

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.

Our Locations

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!

Our Flex Partners

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.

Housing Disability 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.