Syracuse University Dining Halls: Exclusive Or Open To All?

Syracuse University offers a variety of dining options for its students, including food courts, cafes, and residential dining halls. While the information available does not explicitly state whether non-Syracuse University students can use the dining halls, it does mention that guests are limited to current SU or SUNY-ESF community members. This suggests that only students or staff with a valid SU or SUNY-ESF ID are permitted to access the dining facilities. However, it is possible that exceptions may be made, and non-SU students could be signed in or accompanied by a current SU student as a guest. The university offers different meal plans, including unlimited swipe options and 'block' meal plans, providing flexibility for students with varying preferences and requirements.

Meal plan eligibility

Syracuse University offers a wide range of meal plan options to cater to different preferences and requirements. The eligibility and specifics of these meal plans depend on various factors, including whether a student lives on or off campus, their year of study, and their campus location.

On-Campus Students

For students living in on-campus residence halls, a meal plan is typically required. The specific meal plan may vary based on the student's year of study, campus location, and earned credits/class standing. For instance, first- and second-year students residing in North Campus residence halls are mandated to have an unlimited meal plan.

Off-Campus Students

Although the information is not explicit, it appears that off-campus students at Syracuse University are not required to have a meal plan. However, they can still opt to purchase one if they wish to take advantage of the convenience and variety of dining options offered by the university.

ESF Students

Students from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) who live in Centennial Hall are required to purchase a meal plan through Syracuse University. The minimum requirement is the SU Block 85 Plan, which offers an average of five meals per week at Syracuse University dining centers, along with additional Meal Plan Dining Dollars. Other ESF students living on campus can choose from SU's block meal plan options but must also purchase a certain amount of 'CUSE Cash each semester for additional meals.

Guests

Syracuse University allows guests to access the dining facilities under certain conditions. Guests are limited to current SU or SUNY-ESF community members, and they are required to tap their SU ID at the Residential Community Safety Officer station when entering the residence halls. The number of guests is restricted to double the number of bed spaces in the host's room for most residence halls, with specific capacity limits for South Campus apartments.

Meal plan options

Syracuse University offers a variety of meal plan options to cater to different student preferences and needs. Here is an overview of the meal plan options available:

Unlimited Plan

The Unlimited Plan offers students unlimited access to any of the University's six all-you-care-to-eat dining centers. This plan provides flexibility, allowing students to eat at any of the two food courts, five residential dining centers, or 14 campus cafes. Each semester, students on this plan are allotted 10 guest meals, which they can use to invite friends or family.

Block Plan

The Block Plan offers students the choice to select a specific number of meals they wish to eat at the six dining centers per semester. This plan is also flexible, allowing students to use their meals as guest meals. The Block Plan resets at the beginning of each semester, providing a fresh start.

Meal Plan Dining Dollars

Meal Plan Dining Dollars is a supplementary feature included with certain meal plans. This balance resets each semester and can be used for dining purchases at various locations on campus, including residential dining centers and campus cafes. It is important to note that Dining Dollars do not roll over to future semesters.

'CUSE Cash

'CUSE Cash is a separate, optional feature that students can add to their SU I.D. card. It functions as a declining balance cash account, providing access to a wide range of purchases beyond just food. 'CUSE Cash can be used for food, goods, and services at most points of sale on campus, including Campus Dining locations, vending machines, campus convenience stores, and the Syracuse University Campus Store.

On-campus cafes

Syracuse University offers a wide range of dining options for students, staff, and faculty, including various cafes located across campus. These cafes provide a convenient and flexible way to grab a quick bite, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee. With busy schedules in mind, these cafes offer a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

One notable cafe is the BBBistro, located in Brockway Hall Basement. It provides a comfortable space to relax and enjoy a meal or a refreshing drink. The menu features a variety of options, and it's a great spot to start your day or take a break between classes.

Another popular cafe is The Canteen, situated on the first floor of the National Veterans Resource Center. This cafe caters to a range of preferences, offering breakfast options, soups, sandwiches, and Starbucks products. It's an ideal spot to grab a quick coffee or enjoy a casual meal with friends.

Gerry's Cafe, located in Eggers Hall, Room 300, is yet another convenient dining option on campus. With a focus on providing a variety of choices, Gerry's Cafe offers breakfast options, soups, and sandwiches to satisfy your hunger throughout the day.

The Falk Cafe, located on the second floor of McNaughton Hall, is a vibrant spot to indulge in a variety of culinary delights. From hot sandwiches to refreshing beverages, the Falk Cafe is known for its dynamic menu and welcoming atmosphere.

Life Sciences Cafe, located in the Life Sciences Building Atrium, offers a delightful dining experience with a variety of options. Whether you're looking for a nutritious breakfast to start your day or a refreshing salad for lunch, Life Sciences Cafe has you covered.

These are just a few examples of the on-campus cafes that Syracuse University has to offer. Each cafe brings its unique atmosphere and menu options, ensuring that students, staff, and faculty have a diverse range of dining choices to suit their busy lifestyles.

Guest policies

Syracuse University's dining halls are accessible to any student with a meal plan. Students can also pay without a meal plan if desired. Each dining hall has a variety of food options, including a hot bar, burgers, salad bar, soup, pizza, Asian food, sandwiches, and desserts.

Guests are limited to current SU or SUNY-ESF community members, who are required to tap their SU ID at the Residential Community Safety Officer station when entering the residence halls. All guests must follow the university's public health guidelines during their visits. The number of guests cannot exceed double the number of bed spaces in the host's room. For South Campus apartments, the capacity limits are four, six, and eight people for one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, respectively.

Meal plans come with guest meals for visitors or friends. Students with a meal plan can eat at any of Syracuse's two food courts, five residential dining centres, and 14 campus cafes. The residential dining centres are "all you care to eat" with one meal plan swipe.

ESF students living on campus who choose one of SU's block meal plan options (Block 85 or Block 130) are also required to purchase $500 in 'CUSE Cash each semester, providing additional meals throughout the semester. Meal Plan Dining Dollars and 'CUSE Cash' are accepted at ESF-owned facilities and a variety of establishments on the SU campus, including the Schine Student Center.

Payment methods

Syracuse University offers a variety of meal plans to cater to different preferences and requirements. Meal plans are a required part of living in on-campus housing for most students. The payment methods accepted by Syracuse University Campus Dining are as follows:

Credit and Debit Cards

Major credit and debit cards are accepted at all Campus Dining and Campus Store locations.

‘CUSE Cash

‘CUSE Cash is a declining balance cash account that can be used to purchase food, goods, and services through the SU I.D. card. This account is separate from the Meal Plan Dining Dollars account and must be established at the start of each academic year. ‘CUSE Cash can be used for purchases at Campus Dining locations, vending machines, campus convenience stores, stores and concession stands in the Dome, and the Syracuse University Campus Store.

Dining Dollars

Dining Dollars are included with all meal plans and can be used at various locations on campus, including residential dining centres and campus cafes. They are reset each semester and do not roll over to future semesters.

Google Pay and Apple Pay

Syracuse University Campus Dining and Campus Stores also accept Google Pay and Apple Pay for added convenience and contactless payment options.

Frequently asked questions