Dear Incoming First Years,

Among your many thoughts about attending UVa in the fall, contemplating the content of your meal plan is likely not high on the list of priorities. However, it is important to note that all first years are required to purchase a meal plan with either 150 or 300 plus dollars to use throughout the semester. These plus dollars are a valuable tool that can greatly improve your UVa dining experience.

It is easy for first years to have eyes bigger than their dining plan, overusing their precious plus dollars early in the semester to the point of regularly getting dumplings and/or Five Guys twice a week. However, the tragic side-effect is only having 30 plus dollars left in late October. Be smarter than that; while food purchased with plus dollars is extremely tempting and often delicious, don't forget that you can swipe into the dining hall literally as often as you want with your first-year meal plan. Take advantage of this, even if it's just to get a cookie or a much-needed cup of coffee. You will miss this freedom later as an upperclassmen when you're counting on guest swipes from first years to get afternoon snacks.

Also important to note with plus dollars: when you do choose to use them, make the most of every dollar so you don't run out right away. If you're in line at the dumpling truck, but you're not super hungry, perhaps forgo the side of fried rice and just get dumplings to save money. If you're in Clem and desperately want coffee, remember that while Greenberry's in Alderman does have coffee, depending on the hour of day, so does Newcomb right next door. If you really want to treat yourself, West Range Cafe is the way to go, although it's very easy to get a burger, fries, a drink, and ice cream and blow through 15 plus dollars in one sitting. Treats are nice, but be smart about them.

Another crucial aspect of using your plus dollars is to either memorize when and where the meal exchanges are during the day or take a picture of the schedule and have it readily available. This way, you won't accidentally use plus dollars at Chick-fil-A when you could have just waited until 4 p.m. and gotten a meal exchange from your unlimited meal swipes. This is also especially important to know for late-night eating at Crossroads and the Castle, whose meal exchanges don't start until 9 p.m. Don't let your dreams of a celebratory post-basketball game burger be crushed by having to pay in plus dollars because you showed up at 8:45 p.m.

Finally, don't be overly stingy with your plus dollars either. As I've stated, spacing out your use of them throughout the semester will leave you with enough left to get you through finals week, and plus dollars do roll over from first to second semester, but there's no reason to avoid using them altogether. Sometimes the dining hall options are thoroughly unappealing or you just want to eat in the amphitheater on a nice day, and this is when using plus dollars is a truly wonderful alternative.

I hope you take these tips to heart in order to make the most of your luxurious first-year meal plan. UVa has so much to offer, and varied food choices are no exception. Take your plus dollars, wait on line at the dumpling truck in the rain if you have to, and cherish your first year as a Hoo. It is a privilege and a joy to spend your days on these hallowed Grounds.

Sincerely,

A Rising Second Year And Loyal Customer Of The Pie Guy