Frequently Asked Questions
When does my residence meal plan become active and ready to use?
I have outstanding residence fees, will I receive my Meal Plan funds?
Can I opt out of my meal plan when I pay residence fees?
If my meal plan runs out before the term ends, what are my options?
You can add funds to the following accounts;
The PLUS Account:
- Allows you to customize the standard meal plan for your needs
- Best value for purchases outside The Cove and Mystic Market
- Easily load funds online at any time
- Funds not subject to Service Delivery Fee
- All qualifying purchases are tax exempt
- 10% total savings at all University Food Services outlets (5% discount plus 5% tax exemption)
The FLEX Account:
Can be used at campus retailers including all UNFS outlets (5% savings), the UVic Bookstore, Student Union Building, CARSA, McKinnon Gym and for printing & photocopying services.
What happens to the remaining funds on my meal plan at the end of the term? End of the year?
Any remaining funds on your meal plan at the end of the first term will roll-over into the second term and be added to your second term meal plan funds. At the end of year, remaining funds are transferred into a carry forward account where the balance can be used towards food purchases. The carry forward account includes a 5% discount when used at any food services location.
Why don’t I receive a 50% price reduction on purchases made through my +PLUS account?
If I’m living in residence and I frequently eat outside of the Cove, how do I maximize savings?
How do I maximize my meal plan?
The Standard Meal Plan functions on a declining balance system and is structured for purchases at The Cove. You receive a 50% reduction at The Cove and Mystic Market (except General Store and Cove Market Express). If you plan on eating at other UNFS outlets, consider loading funds to your +PLUS account to receive a 10% savings at our retail locations.
We recommend:
- Eat primarily at the Cove or Mystic Market
- Limit bottled drinks
- Selecting whole fruit instead of cut fruit
- Try to have one lower cost meal to off set higher priced ones, such as a soup, sandwich, oatmeal, cereal.
- Plan ahead and stick to a budget
What are the benefits to the +PLUS Account?
The +PLUS account is not subject to the service delivery fee. This means a 50% price reduction is not necessary to offset the fee. The amount of funds deposited into this account are equal to the amount of funds available for purchases. This account also offers better savings on purchases made outside of the Cove or Mystic Market than the Standard Meal Plan with the 5% tax exemption and 5% discount.
If I leave UVic and still have money in my meal plan account/carry forward, can I get a refund?
We do not offer refunds on meal plans. We do however ensure all remaining meal plan funds are transferred to a carry forward account which offers 5% savings on food service purchases.
If I have funds on multiple accounts, how do I make sure I am paying with the account that offers that best savings at a given location?
What can my Flex Funds be used for?
Flex funds are loaded onto your ONECard Flex Account for use at campus retailers including all UNFS outlets (5% discount), the UVic Bookstore, Student Union Building, CARSA, and McKinnon Gym and for printing & photocopying services.
Flex Funds can be loaded at any time and can be used for food services purchases once your Meal Plan accounts have been depleted. However, for best value we recommend adding funds to your +PLUS Account to receive a total of 10% savings.
Do I need a meal plan to eat at UVic?
No, we accept all universal forms of payment such as debit, credit and cash. However, it might be worth while to look into our ONECard meal plan options as they typically offer savings!
I’m living off campus and/or did not get into Residence, and would like to eat on campus. What are my options?
The +Plus account plan (previously tax exempt meal plan) was designed specifically for students living outside of residence who frequently eat on campus. This plan offers 5% tax savings, as well as an additional 5% discount for 10% total savings. You can opt-in to the +Plus account plan by month, term, or academic year.
If I only pay for one month of my voluntary +Plus account plan, what happens?
I have paid for a one-month of the voluntary +Plus account plan. Can I still switch to the full term?
Still need some help?
Please do not hesitate to contact our office Monday to Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Phone: 1.250.472.4777
Email: eat@uvic.ca