Lehigh University, nestled in the picturesque Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, offers a vibrant and dynamic campus life that extends beyond the classroom.
With a student body of over 7,000 undergraduates and graduates, the university fosters a close-knit community where students can thrive academically and socially.
The campus, spread across 1,600 acres, features a blend of historic and modern buildings, providing a scenic backdrop for student activities and events.
Lehigh’s meal plans are designed to cater to the diverse dietary needs and preferences of its students, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious and delicious food options.
The university’s dining services emphasize quality, variety, and convenience, making it easy for students to enjoy meals that fit their schedules and tastes.
From traditional dining halls to various on-campus eateries, Lehigh offers a range of culinary experiences that contribute to the overall student experience.
The meal plans at Lehigh are an integral part of campus life, encouraging students to come together, share meals, and build lasting friendships.
Whether grabbing a quick bite between classes or enjoying a leisurely dinner with friends, the dining facilities at Lehigh provide a welcoming environment for all.
With a commitment to sustainability and local sourcing, Lehigh’s dining services also reflect the university’s broader values and dedication to creating a positive impact on the community.
Lehigh University Meal Plans
Lehigh University offers a variety of meal plans designed to cater to different needs and preferences.
Whether you are a freshman living on campus or a senior residing off-campus, there is a meal plan that fits your lifestyle.
Type of Meals at Lehigh University
Lehigh University offers a diverse range of meal options to cater to the varied tastes and dietary needs of its students.
The dining services are designed to provide flexibility, convenience, and a variety of choices, ensuring that every student can find something they enjoy.
Meal Plans
Lehigh University provides several meal plans for students, especially first-year students, to choose from:
- Unlimited Plan: This plan allows students to have unlimited meals per semester and includes $100 Dining Dollars. It is ideal for those who prefer to eat multiple times a day without worrying about running out of meals.
- 250 Block Plan: This plan offers 250 meals per semester. It provides a balance between flexibility and meal availability.
- 225 Block Plan: This plan includes 225 meals per semester and $50 Dining Dollars. It is slightly less than the 250 Block Plan but includes some Dining Dollars for additional purchases.
- 200 Block Plan: This plan provides 200 meals per semester and includes $150 Dining Dollars, offering a good mix of meal swipes and Dining Dollars for extra flexibility.
Dining Dollars
Dining Dollars work like a debit account linked to the student’s Lehigh ID. They can be used to purchase items or meals at any Lehigh Dining Services location.
Dining Dollars roll over from the fall to the spring semester but expire at the end of the spring semester if not used.
Students can add more Dining Dollars to their account anytime, and there are bonus incentives for adding Dining Dollars early in the semester.
Dining Locations
Lehigh University boasts a variety of dining locations across campus, each offering unique meal options:
- Rathbone Dining Hall: Known for its diverse menu, including vegetarian, international, halal, and gluten-free options.
- SouthSide Restaurant: Offers a range of meals from different cuisines, catering to various dietary preferences.
- Global Café: Located on the second floor of Williams Hall, this café is popular for its made-to-order noodle bowls and other international dishes.
Specialty Areas
Both main dining halls feature several specialty areas to enhance the dining experience:
- Salad Bar: Fresh vegetables and toppings for custom salads.
- Sandwich Making Area: Ingredients to create personalized sandwiches.
- Burger Grill: Grilled burgers and sides.
- Soup Area: A variety of soups available daily.
- Ice Cream and Dessert Section: Sweet treats to finish off meals.
GoldPLUS
GoldPLUS is another convenient option for students, acting as a substitute for cash.
It can be used at all University Dining Services locations, the University Bookstore, and various off-campus businesses.
Unlike Dining Dollars, GoldPLUS funds carry over from semester to semester and year to year, making it a flexible and lasting option for students.
Overall, Lehigh University’s dining services strive to provide a comprehensive and enjoyable dining experience, ensuring that students have access to nutritious and delicious meals throughout their time on campus.
Special Dietary Needs at Lehigh University
Lehigh University is committed to accommodating students with special dietary needs through a variety of services and resources.
Lehigh Dining Services offers multiple options to cater to different dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free meals.
These options are available across various dining locations on campus, such as Rathbone Dining Hall, Upper and Lower Cort, and Brodhead.
Dietary Icons and Options
To help students easily identify suitable meals, Lehigh Dining Services uses six dietary icons: mindful, local, vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, and non-gluten ingredients.
These icons are displayed in dining halls and select retail locations, making it easier for students to find dishes that meet their dietary needs.
Halal and Kosher Options
While halal and kosher options are available, they are not offered daily like other dietary choices.
This inconsistency can be challenging for students who strictly adhere to these dietary laws.
John Hynes, the executive chef at Rathbone, mentioned that providing kosher options would require a separate preparation area, which is currently not feasible due to cost constraints.
However, there are plans to establish a strictly kosher section by 2025.
Support for Students with Medical Conditions
For students with medical conditions that impact their ability to dine well on campus, Lehigh encourages consultations with the on-campus dietitian, Keri Lasky.
Students can apply for meal plan exemptions or modifications by providing medical documentation and meeting with the dietitian.
This process is managed jointly by Disability Services, Residence Life, and Lehigh Dining Services to ensure that students’ nutritional needs are met.
Student Experiences
Despite these efforts, some students feel that Lehigh falls short in consistently providing specialized food options.
For instance, Zachary Weiser, a student who follows a kosher diet, expressed disappointment with the limited kosher options available.
Similarly, Arushi Kende, a vegetarian who eats vegan on Sundays, finds the vegan protein options inconsistent, leading her to use fewer meal swipes and rely on groceries from off-campus.
Continuous Improvement
Lehigh Dining Services is continually evolving to better meet the needs of its students.
The university is exploring ways to enhance its offerings and ensure that all students, regardless of their dietary restrictions, have access to nutritious and satisfying meals.
For students with specific dietary needs, ongoing communication with dining staff and utilizing available resources can help improve their dining experience on campus.
In summary, while Lehigh University provides a range of options for students with special dietary needs, there is room for improvement in consistency and availability, particularly for halal and kosher diets.
The university’s commitment to accommodating these needs is evident, and efforts are underway to enhance the dining experience for all students.
Lehigh University Meal Plans Price
Here is a table detailing the meal plans available at Lehigh University, including their descriptions, costs, and associated dining dollars:
| Meal Plan | Description | Cost | Dining Dollars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carte Blanche | Unlimited Board meals per semester; limit of 10 meal equivalencies per week | $7,800 | $200 |
| 225 Block Plan | Any 225 meals per semester | $7,100 | $600 |
| 200 Block Plan | Any 200 meals per semester | $7,100 | $700 |
| 175 Block Plan | Any 175 meals per semester | $6,790 | $900 |
| 150 Block Plan | Any 150 meals per semester | $6,230 | $300 |
| 125 Block Plan | Any 125 meals per semester | $6,230 | $500 |
| 75 Block Plan | Any 75 meals per semester | $3,780 | $500 |
| 50 Block Plan | Any 50 meals per semester | $2,960 | $500 |
These meal plans offer a range of options to accommodate different dining needs and budgets for students at Lehigh University.
FAQs
Q: What is the Carte Blanche meal plan?
A: The Carte Blanche meal plan offers unlimited board meals per semester with a limit of 10 meal equivalencies per week.
Q: How many meals are included in the 225 Block Plan?
A: The 225 Block Plan includes any 225 meals per semester.
Q: What are Dining Dollars?
A: Dining Dollars are a separate debit account accessed through your Lehigh ID, used to buy items or meals at any Lehigh Dining Services location.
Q: What is GoldPLUS?
A: GoldPLUS is a convenient substitute for cash at on-campus locations and many off-campus businesses, accepted at all University Dining Services locations.
Q: Where is Rathbone Dining Hall located?
A: Rathbone Dining Hall is one of the dining locations on the Lehigh University campus.
Q: What type of food is available at SouthSide Restaurant?
A: SouthSide Restaurant offers a variety of dining options for students on campus.
Q: What can you find at the Global Café?
A: The Global Café on the second floor of Williams Hall offers made-to-order noodle bowls and other international cuisine.
Final Words
Lehigh University’s meal plans are designed to cater to the diverse needs of its student body.
With various plans, dining locations, and options for special dietary needs, students can find a meal plan that fits their lifestyle.
The flexibility of Dining Dollars and Gold Plus further enhances the dining experience, ensuring that all students can enjoy their meals comfortably and conveniently.
For more detailed information or to enroll in a meal plan, visit the Lehigh University dining services website or contact their support team.
Enjoy your dining experience at Lehigh University!
This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at all aspects of Lehigh University’s meal plans, ensuring you are well-informed and ready to make the best choices for your dining needs.