Meal plans
The University of Victoria offers a meal plan option for nearly* every student, whether they live on or off campus. Dorm residents are automatically enrolled in the Standard Meal Plan, which provides convenient access to meals, while the +PLUS Account is a voluntary option for students living in non-dorm housing or off campus. Both meal plans offer the added benefit of tax-exempt meals, helping students save money.
Our meal plans operate on a declining balance system. When you join a meal plan, funds are loaded onto your ONECard, and each time you make a purchase, the amount is deducted from your balance. You can use your ONECard at any of our dining locations on campus.
*If you have dietary restrictions, we encourage you to meet with our Registered Dietitian to ensure you have the right support for making informed and safe food choices. Please note that while we take precautions, we cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contamination with gluten, so we do not recommend the meal plan for students with celiac disease. For more information on dietary needs and restrictions at UVic, please visit our Nutrition webpage.
Important:
- All meal plans are non-refundable
- Students who have not yet paid their residence fees in full will only have one month of Standard Meal Plan funds loaded onto their ONECard. The full balance will be available once residence fees are paid in full.
Residence Meal Plan
Residence Standard Meal Plan 2025/2026
The Standard Meal Plan is mandatory for all students living in a dormitory room.
As everyone is unique, with varying appetites and dietary needs, the Standard Meal Plan is not a “one size fits all” solution. The Standard Meal Plan is designed for students with an average appetite who may be off campus for breaks, holidays and weekends. For added flexibility, additional funds can be added to the +PLUS Account, ensuring uninterrupted access to tax-exempt savings.
Upon acceptance into a dormitory room, you are automatically placed onto the Standard Meal Plan and the cost of your plan is included within your Residence fees.
Standard Meal Plan Fee Breakdown
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Total | |
| Standard Meal Plan Dollars |
$1,689.50 |
$1,689.50 | $3,379.00 |
| Flex Funds | $100.00 | $100.00 | $200.00 |
| Service Delivery Fee | $1,789.50 | $1,789.50 | $3579.00 |
| Capital Improvement Fund (CIF) | $150.00 | $150.00 | $300.00 |
| Total for Year | $3,729.00 | $3,729.00 | $7,458.00 |
Standard Meal Plan Dollars: These funds are loaded onto your ONECard Meal Plan Account for food purchases at The Cove and other UNFS outlets. These funds are tax exempt and receive a 50% price reduction at The Cove (excluding Cove Market Express) and Mystic Market (excluding the General Store), and a 5% discount at all other UNFS outlets.
Flex Funds: These 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, McKinnon Gym and for printing & photocopying services.
Service Delivery Fee: All Standard Meal Plan dollars are subject to a 50% upfront nonrefundable fee that is offset by the 50% price reduction a student receives at The Cove (excluding Cove Market Express) and Mystic Market (excluding the General Store). This fee allows UNFS to manage its cash flow by covering the costs of labour, administration and maintenance associated with a self-operated dining program and is a system used by many universities across Canada.
Capital Improvement Fund (CIF): This is a non-refundable fee used for capital investments that directly enhances residence dining environments, facilities and equipment. It is deducted from your meal plan cost and cannot be used to make food purchases.
All funds on the Standard Meal Plan are non-refundable. At the end of the academic year, any remaining, unused funds from your Standard Meal Plan or +PLUS Account are automatically placed into a Carry Forward Account. These funds are accessible on your ONECard for future purchases from any University Food Services outlet and provide a 5% discount, however, these funds will no longer be tax exempt. Any remaining Flex Funds will remain untouched on your ONECard for future use.
PLEASE NOTE: Students who have not yet paid their residence fees in full will only have one month of Meal Plan funds loaded onto their ONECard. The full amount will be loaded once payment of residence fees is received in full.
+PLUS Account
+PLUS Account: Based on your appetite and anticipated time spent on campus, you may find that you need additional funds beyond what the Standard Meal Plan provides. The +PLUS Account offers the best value for purchases and funds can be added online at any time. All qualifying purchases made with the +PLUS Account are tax-exempt, and you can receive an additional 5% off, resulting in a total of 10% savings at all University Food Services outlets. Additionally, funds in the +PLUS Account are not subject to the Service Delivery Fee, meaning they do not receive the 50% price reduction.
Cluster, Pod and Off-Campus Meal Plan
+PLUS Account
Previously the Tax-Exempt Meal Plan
If you're living off-campus or in Cluster, Family, Apartment, or Pod-Style Housing, the +PLUS Account is the perfect solution for you. It provides significant financial benefits for dining on campus by removing GST from qualifying purchases. Additionally, you'll enjoy an extra 5% discount at all University Food Services (UNFS) locations, giving you a total of 10% in savings.
How to Apply: Choose your plan from the options below and complete this application form. Email your completed form to eat@uvic.ca or drop it off in-person at the UNFS office.
|
Plan |
Value |
Details |
|
One Month |
$500 |
Any month of year |
|
Term |
$1,750 |
4 Month |
|
Academic Year |
$3,500 |
Sept-April |
Conditions of the Plan
- The plan works on a declining balance system, with funds available for food purchases only.
- This plan is designed for students who do not qualify for the standard residence meal plan.
- For the monthly plan to continue to receive its tax-exempt status, another monthly payment must be received 3 business days into the next month.
- Purchases are charged at regular price and receive a 5% discount at all UNFS locations.
- Purchases cannot be made with this plan at the Mystic Market General Store or Cove Market Express due to government regulations surrounding Tax Exempt Meal Plans.
- The plan does not work at the Student Union Building (SUB) or Starbucks.
- Standard residence meal plan students can utilize the +PLUS Account on their own terms as the CRA requirements have been met.
All meal plans are non-refundable. When your meal plan expires, any remaining balance will be automatically transferred to a Carry Forward account that allows you to continue spending your remaining money on campus, whether you live on or off campus.