Meal Plans for On-Campus Students
Arcadia University provides a range of meal plans for resident and commuter students.
2025-26 Meal Plans
Any student who resides in a traditional residence hall (Castle, Kistler, Thomas, Dilworth, Heinz, and Knight Halls) are required to have a meal plan and may choose from the following plans*:
| Meal Plan Option | Description | Cost per semester |
| 19 Meal Dining Plan | 19 all-you-care-to-eat meals per week* | $3,430 |
| 14 Meal Dining Plan | 14 all-you-care-to-eat meals per week plus $75 in points* | $3,085 |
| 10 Meal Dining Plan | 10 all-you-care-to-eat meals per week plus $50 in points | $2,830 |
| 5 Meal Dining Plan | 5 all-you-care-to-eat meals per week plus $250 in points | $1,925 |
| 80 Block Meal Plan | 80 all-you-care-to-eat meals per semester plus $250 in points | $1,825 |
*First-year students must choose either the 19-Meal Dining Plan or the 14-Meal Dining Plan for the Fall 2025 semester. You can opt to change your Meal Plan the following semester.
Any student who wishes to change or add a meal plan should email housing@arcadia.edu.
Meal Plans can be added to or increased at any time throughout the semester. Requests for cancellations or reductions in meal plans must be made prior to the end of the first two weeks of the respective semester.
Note: Meal plans and points do not rollover from the previous semester. Any points remaining at the end of any semester will be lost if they are not used.
Points
Our experience shows that students tend to spend $225 each semester on coffee and snacks during non-meal times. Meal plans come with Points, so you can avoid worrying about having extra cash on hand. Points add greater flexibility and choices and are ideal for coffee on-the-go, late night snacks, and off-hours meals. Points work just like cash at all of our on-campus locations, helping to increase convenience and satisfaction.
Note: Points do not rollover from the previous semester. Any points remaining at the end of any semester will be lost if they are not used.
Castle Cash
Castle Cash can be used in the same manner as Points and can be added to your ID card at any time in any amount through the GET app. Castle Cash is accepted at all four dining operations, and the balance is yours to withdraw at any time.
Meal Exchange
Available in The Chat and the Global Cafe, meal exchange provides students the opportunity to trade one Dining Hall meal swipe for a retail meal combo of up to three meals per day. Your combo consists of an entrée, side and beverage.
Food Allergies/Sensitivities
If you have an allergy, food sensitivity, or need special medical accommodations, contact a member of our management team, email ma4041@metzcorp.com, or stop by the Dining Hall office. Our general manager or executive chef will review menus with you to find options. Prepared foods and menu signage are also labeled to easily identify potential allergens, including gluten.
Metz Arcadia’s policy on labeling food allergens, specifically peanuts, is that they make “every effort to identify ingredients that may cause allergic reactions,” but they cannot guarantee that every allergen will be labeled. This is because manufacturers can change formulations without notice.
- Labeling efforts: Metz Culinary Management attempts to label all potential allergens, including peanuts, in the food they serve.
- Ingredient changes: The policy states that they cannot guarantee perfect labeling because commercial food manufacturers may change their ingredients without notice.
- Cross-contamination risk: For individuals with life-threatening allergies, Metz advises carrying an EpiPen, as their team members are not trained to administer one.
- Other allergen information: For the most accurate and up-to-date information on specific products, it’s always best to check the ingredient list on the product’s packaging or speak directly with a staff member.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many meals can I use each day?
Depending on your meal plan, you can use up to four meals per day, one per designated meal period.
Weekday Meal Periods (Mon–Fri):
- Breakfast (The Chat): 7:30–10:30 a.m.
- Lunch (Dining Hall or The Chat): 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Dinner (Dining Hall or The Chat): 4–7 p.m.
- Late Night (The Chat): 7–10 p.m.
Weekend Meal Periods (Sat–Sun):
- Brunch (Dining Hall): 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Dinner (The Chat): 4–7 p.m.
Metz Culinary Management also offers new meal-exchange combos in The Chat.
Do meal plans include points?
Yes. All meal plans include points except the 19-meal plan.
- 14-meal plan: 75 points
- 10-meal plan: 50 points
- 80-block plan: 250 points
- 5-meal plan: 250 points
Meal plan points can be used for:
- Guest meals in the Dining Hall
- Purchases in The Chat
- Purchases in Easton Hall Café
Additional points can be purchased at the Dining Services Office located in the Dining Hall.
Should I purchase additional points?
Many students spend roughly $225 per semester on coffee and snacks. Adding points can expand flexibility for off-hours meals and save you from needing to carry cash.
Points function like cash at all Metz-managed dining locations on campus and can be purchased at any time in any dollar amount.
To add points, visit the Dining Services Office, call 215-572-2096, or email ma4041@metzcorp.com.
Can I bring a guest to the Dining Hall?
Yes. Guests are welcome. You may purchase a guest meal using:
- Meal plan points
- Cash
- Credit or debit
Meal tickets can also be ordered in any denomination and will be printed with your department name, budget number, and individual tracking numbers. To order tickets, visit the Dining Services Office, call 215-572-2096, or email ma4041@metzcorp.com.
Am I allowed to take meals to go?
Yes. Through the Metz ReNew program, students may take meals to go using reusable, eco-friendly containers available in the Dining Hall for $5,
How it works:
- Fill your ReNew container and exit the Dining Hall.
- Return used containers to the Dining Hall for cleaning.
- Receive a clean container, or a token for one,at your next meal period.
The ReNew program supports Metz Culinary Management’s commitment to sustainable dining.
Can I eat as much as I want in the Dining Hall?
Yes. The Dining Hall is all-you-care-to-eat. You may revisit stations for refills as many times as you’d like while dining inside the facility. This unlimited access does not apply to meals taken out using the ReNew program.
