Sacred Heart University offers a variety of meal plans designed to cater to the diverse needs of its student body.

These meal plans provide flexibility and convenience, ensuring that students have access to nutritious and delicious meals throughout the semester.

Whether you live on-campus or commute, there’s a meal plan that fits your lifestyle and dining preferences.

The Unlimited Plan is perfect for students who want unrestricted access to dining facilities, allowing them to eat as many meals as they like each day.

For those who prefer a set number of meals, the Block Plans offer a specific number of meals per semester, giving students the freedom to use them as they wish.

Commuter Meal Plans are available for off-campus students, providing the same access to campus dining with the convenience of fewer meals.

Sacred Heart University takes pride in accommodating special dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a safe and satisfying dining experience.

The dining services team is always ready to assist with food allergies, gluten-free options, and other dietary restrictions.

With a variety of dining locations and meal options, students can look forward to balanced and flavorful meals that support their academic and personal well-being.

Also Read:
1. Pace University Meal Plan
3. University of New Haven Meal Plans
4. Montclair State University Meal Plan
5. Rowan University Meal Plans
6. Salisbury University Meal Plans
7. Southern University Meal Plans
8. Sacred Heart University Meal Plan

Understanding SHU Meal Plan Basics

Sacred Heart University operates what they call a “hybrid declining-balance, all-you-can-eat program.” In plain English, this means you get a combination of meal swipes (for all-you-can-eat dining) and dining dollars (which work like a debit card) to use across campus.

What makes SHU’s system unique is its flexibility. Unlike some universities that restrict when and where you can eat, Sacred Heart allows you to use your meal plan at any of their 11 dining locations across campus, giving you plenty of options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and those late-night study snacks.

Meal Plan Options and Pricing

Sacred Heart offers several different meal plans designed to accommodate various living situations and eating habits. Here’s a breakdown of each plan:

Plan Name	Meal Swipes	Dining Dollars	Cost Per Semester	Best For
Premium/Executive	240	$500	$3,655	Athletes, heavy campus diners
Big Red	190	$875	$3,065	Freshmen (mandatory)
Pioneer	125	$950	$2,315	Sophomores in certain halls
Red & White	0	$1,325	$1,325	Juniors/Seniors in apartments
Black Rock	25	$350	$665	Light campus diners
Jefferson	0	$320	$320	Commuter students

Faculty and Staff Options

SHU also offers faculty and staff specialized meal plans:

• 12 meal swipes & $15 dining dollars for $120
• 25 meal swipes & $30 dining dollars for $235
• 53 meal swipes & $50 dining dollars for $410

How Meal Plan Assignment Works

For Residential Students

One thing that surprised me when I first arrived at SHU was that meal plans aren’t entirely optional – they’re assigned based on where you live. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Freshmen: If you’re living in Seton, Merton, Bergoglio, Toussaint, or Roncalli halls, you’ll automatically be assigned the Big Red Plan.
• Sophomores: Students in Bergoglio, Christian Witness Commons, Oakwood Gardens, Pioneer Gardens, Scholars Commons, Frassati, Weisel, Bowman, Cabrini, and Mother Teresa Halls receive the Pioneer Plan.
• Juniors and Seniors: If you’re in Oakwood Gardens or The Ridge, you’ll get the Red & White Plan.

For Commuter Students

All full-time undergraduate commuters are assigned the Jefferson Plan, which provides $320 in dining dollars per semester.

Navigating Campus Dining Locations

One of the best things about SHU is the variety of places to eat. During my time there, I found myself developing regular spots depending on my schedule and cravings.

Main Dining Halls

63’s Dining Hall

Named after SHU’s founding year (1963), this is your classic all-you-care-to-eat buffet. Located in the main academic building, it features:

• Hot entrée station with rotating menus
• Made-to-order deli counter
• Salad and soup bar
• Pizza and pasta station
• Dessert and ice cream bar

Linda’s Dining Hall

Situated in the Linda E. McMahon Commons, this is where I spent most of my meal swipes. It offers:

• International cuisine station
• Grill with burgers and sandwiches
• Extensive salad bar
• Rotating specialty stations

Specialty Dining Options

JP’s Diner

This was always my favorite spot for a weekend brunch. As New England’s first on-campus diner, JP’s offers:

• Classic diner breakfast all day
• Burgers, sandwiches, and comfort food
• Amazing milkshakes and desserts (the cookie skillets are to die for!)
• Late-night hours (open until 3 a.m. on weekends)

Thea’s Abbey

When I needed something quick between classes, Thea’s was my go-to. Known for:

• Build-your-own burrito bowls
• Breakfast sandwiches
• Friendly staff (Meghan, a senior I interviewed, noted: “The employees are always really nice there”)

Pio’s Kitchen

Added to West Campus in recent years, this spot is perfect if you have classes in that area and need a quick bite.

Retail Partners

• Einstein’s Bagels: Perfect for morning coffee and breakfast
• Café Rosso: Great for grab-and-go options
• Starbucks: Located in the Martire Business & Communications Center

Making the Most of Your Meal Plan

Understanding Swipes vs. Dining Dollars

This confused me at first, so let me break it down:

• Meal Swipes: These are used primarily at 63’s Dining Hall for all-you-can-eat meals. One swipe = one entry.
• Dining Dollars: These work like a debit card and can be used at any dining location on campus, including the retail partners. They’re perfect for grabbing coffee, snacks, or meals at places that don’t accept swipes.

Important Policies to Remember

I learned some of these the hard way, so take note:

• Meal plans only apply to fall and spring semesters
• Unused meal swipes do not carry over between semesters (use them or lose them!)
• A maximum of $300 in dining dollars will transfer from fall to spring
• All unused swipes and dining dollars are forfeited at the end of spring semester
• You cannot purchase the same meal plan twice in one semester

Accommodating Special Dietary Needs

When my roommate discovered she had celiac disease sophomore year, we were worried about her dining options. Fortunately, SHU does a great job accommodating various dietary restrictions.

Allergy-Friendly Options

Both main dining halls have designated allergy-friendly zones with:

• Gluten-free breads, pastas, and cereals
• Dairy-free alternatives
• Clear allergen labeling

Vegetarian and Vegan Choices

As someone who tried going vegetarian for a semester, I can attest that SHU offers solid plant-based options:

• Dedicated vegetarian station at Linda’s
• Daily vegan entrée options
• Plant-based protein alternatives

Getting Personalized Help

If you have specific dietary concerns, you can schedule a consultation with the dining services team. My roommate did this and received a personalized tour of safe options across campus.

How to Use Your Meal Plan at Sacred Heart University

Using your meal plan at Sacred Heart University is simple and straightforward.

Your SHU Card serves as your meal card, and you can use it to swipe into dining halls or pay for meals at various campus dining locations.

Meal Swipes

Meal Swipes are the core component of your meal plan. Each swipe grants you access to all-you-can-eat dining halls like 63’s Dining Hall and Linda’s Dining Hall.

Dining Dollars

Dining Dollars can be used at any on-campus dining location. They work like a debit card, allowing you to purchase items that are not covered by meal swipes.

Guest Passes

Each meal plan comes with a certain number of Guest Passes. These can be used to treat friends or family members to a meal in the dining halls.

Budget-Friendly Tips from a Former Student

After four years of managing my meal plan, here are some tips I wish I’d known as a freshman:

1. Track your usage: The dining services website lets you monitor your remaining swipes and dollars. Check it regularly!
2. Plan for the whole semester: Meal swipes don’t roll over, so pace yourself to avoid having too many left at the end.
3. Take advantage of special events: Look out for themed dinners and food festivals at the dining halls – they’re included in your meal plan and offer something different.
4. Strategic swipe usage: If you’re running low on dining dollars but have extra swipes, use swipes for full meals and save dining dollars for coffee and snacks.
5. Bring containers to the dining hall: While not officially encouraged, many students bring small containers to take fruit or desserts for later (just be discreet).

Common Questions About SHU Meal Plans

What happens if I run out of meal swipes before the semester ends?

If you run out of meal swipes, you can use your dining dollars at any campus dining location. You can also purchase additional meals through the Dining Services Office if needed.

Can I change my meal plan mid-semester?

Students who change from resident to commuter (or from full-time to part-time) after the semester meal plan is active will not automatically have their meal plan changed. You must contact Student Accounts at [email protected] or 203-371-7925 to request a change.

Do unused meal swipes roll over to the next semester?

No, unused meal swipes do not carry over from semester to semester. However, a maximum of $300 in dining dollars will transfer from fall to spring semester.

How do I accommodate my dietary restrictions?

Dining Services works diligently to address specific needs, especially for students with food allergies or Celiac disease. They offer one-on-one meetings with students who have individual dining needs to ensure a safe, delicious, and social dining experience.

Can faculty and staff purchase meal plans?

Yes, all University faculty and staff can purchase meal plans. There are specific faculty/staff plans available: 12 swipes ($120), 25 swipes ($235), or 53 swipes ($410) per semester.

Where can I use my meal plan on campus?

Your meal plan can be used at all dining locations on campus, including dining halls, cafés, and convenience stores. Points may also be used at all home football and basketball games.

What meal plan is required for first-year students?

All first-year undergraduate residents are required to be on the “Big Red” meal plan, which includes 190 meal swipes and $875 dining dollars per semester. First and second-year undergraduate commuter students are required to be on the “Jefferson” meal plan ($320 dining dollars).

Conclusion

Your meal plan is more than just a way to eat-it’s an integral part of your SHU experience. From late-night study sessions fueled by JP’s milkshakes to Sunday brunches with friends at Linda’s, some of my favorite college memories happened around food.

Take some time to understand your options, find your favorite spots, and develop a strategy that works for your schedule and eating habits. With 11 dining locations across campus and flexible meal plan options, Sacred Heart University ensures you’ll never go hungry during your college journey.

For more information about meal plans and dining services at Sacred Heart, visit the university’s DineOnCampus website or contact Student Accounts at [email protected] or 203-371-7925.