A Guide to Murray State University's Meal Plans
As a Murray State student, one of your biggest decisions is choosing the right meal plan. With options like unlimited dining access, weekly meal swipes and dining dollars, picking the plan that fits your needs and budget can be overwhelming.
In this comprehensive guide, well break down everything you need to know about Murray States meal plans. Youll learn the different plans available, pricing, where you can use them on campus, tips for getting the most value, and how to manage and upgrade your plan.
Available Meal Plans at Murray State
Murray State offers several different meal plans to meet the dining needs of both resident and commuter students. They include:
Unlimited Access Plans
With unlimited plans, you can enter the dining halls as often as you like without using swipes or dining dollars. Options include:
- Unlimited Access 7 Day - Get unlimited dining hall entries 7 days per week.
- Unlimited Access 5 Day - Unlimited dining hall entries Monday through Friday.
Meal Swipe Plans
Swipe plans come with a set number of meals per week. You use one swipe to enter the dining halls. Choices include:
- 225 Meal Swipe Plan - 15 meal swipes per week.
- 175 Meal Swipe Plan - 12 meal swipes per week.
Dining Dollar Plans
Dining dollar accounts act as prepaid debit cards you can use at campus dining locations. Options include:
- $700 Dining Dollars
- $500 Dining Dollars
Commuter Meal Plans
For students living off campus, Commuter 75 and Commuter 100 offer a combination of dining hall meal swipes and dining dollars:
- Commuter 100 - 100 dining dollars and 5 meal swipes per week.
- Commuter 75 - 75 dining dollars and 4 meal swipes per week.
Pricing for Murray State Meal Plans
Meal plan rates for the 2022-2023 academic year are:
- Unlimited Access 7 Day: $2,360 per semester
- Unlimited Access 5 Day: $2,190 per semester
- 225 Meal Swipe Plan: $2,190 per semester
- 175 Meal Swipe Plan: $2,075 per semester
- $700 Dining Dollars: $700 per semester
- $500 Dining Dollars: $500 per semester
- Commuter 100: $600 per semester
- Commuter 75: $475 per semester
Rates are subject to change year to year. Meal plans are billed per semester along with tuition and fees.
Where to Use Your Meal Plan on Campus
Murray State Dining operates several on-campus restaurants and cafes where you can use your meal plan.
Dining Halls Accepting Meal Swipes
Meal swipes can be used to enter Murray State's two all-you-care-to-eat dining halls:
- Winslow Dining Hall
- Fast Track Convenience Store at Hart College
Retail Locations Accepting Dining Dollars
Your dining dollars work like a prepaid debit card at these campus retail spots:
- Starbucks
- Fast Track Convenience Stores
- Thoroughbred Room & Takeout
- Sugar Cube
- Dunker's Deli
You can purchase anything from coffee and snacks to full meals. Some locations also accept credit/debit cards if you run low on dining dollars.
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Meal Plan
Follow these tips to maximize value and get the most out of your Murray State meal plan:
- Use swipes wisely - Don't let them go to waste each week. Plan dining hall visits in advance.
- Track balances - Check swipe and dining dollar balances weekly so you don't run out.
- Load up at buffets - Fill up on nutritious staples like whole grains and proteins when dining in halls.
- Bring food back - Take advantage of takeout containers to save leftovers for later.
- Buy bulk snacks/drinks - Stock up on things like protein bars and bottled water at the start of the semester.
- Choose cheaper swaps - Opt for water over soda and regular coffee over fancy drinks to conserve dollars.
Changing and Upgrading Your Meal Plan
Murray State allows students to change or upgrade meal plans during the first two weeks of each semester. There are a few ways to do this:
- Log into myGate - You can electronically submit a Meal Plan Change Request form.
- Visit the Bursars Office - Go there in person to fill out the request form.
- Contact Housing - Housing staff can assist resident students in changing plans.
If you opt for a more expensive plan, you'll simply pay the difference in cost. Be aware there are no refunds for downgrading or cancelling after the two-week time frame.
You can also add dining dollars in $25 increments anytime during the semester through myGate or the dining services office.
Getting Started with Your Meal Plan
Once enrolled in a plan, here's how to start using your dining benefits:
- Show your Racercard - This student ID card holds your meal plan information. Simply swipe it at dining hall registers and retail locations.
- Download the GET App - This app allows you to view meal plan balances and transaction history from your phone.
- Set up direct dining dollar refunds - Remaining balances refund to your student account. Sign up for direct deposit refunds to get them quicker.
Stop by the dining services office with any other questions about activating or managing your Murray State meal plan.
Healthy Eating Tips for Meal Plan Users
Balancing convenience, taste and nutrition can be tricky with a campus meal plan. Keep these tips in mind:
- Go for lean proteins - Choose grilled chicken, fish, eggs and beans over fried and breaded options.
- Fill up on produce - Load up salads and sides with veggies at every meal.
- Watch portions - Stick to reasonable servings to control calories. Don't overdo it just because dining hall food is "unlimited."
- Pick whole grains - Opt for brown rice, quinoa, oats and whole wheat bread when possible.
- Hydrate smartly - Drink water and unsweetened drinks instead of sugary sodas and juices.
Planning ahead and making smart selections at dining halls and cafes will help you meet your health goals on a meal plan!
Making the Most of Murray State Meal Plans</
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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