Get a behind-the-scenes look at Carman Hall, one of Columbia's first-year residence halls. As a first-year student, you'll find your home away from home at one of five first-year residence hall communities, each with different styles and features. Welcome to Columbia Dining Plan Selection Our plans are designed to provide options and flexibility to eat well at Columbia.
To get started, log in below with your Columbia UNI and password. Confused by Columbia's meal plans? Our 2025-26 guide breaks down first-year & upperclassman options, dining dollars & flex. Choose the best plan for you!
Upperclassmen at Columbia have 11 dining plan options. We recommend considering whether you plan to eat mainly at on-campus dining halls or prefer more flexibility in your dining options. It's also important to keep in mind that meal plans vary in price.
Meal plans range from $1,197 to $3,299 per term. Enrolling in a meal plan means you will be signing up for an entire year. Visit the Columbia Dining website to about locations, hours, dining plans, and special events.
Policies The Columbia Dining eco-container is the only reusable to-go container allowed in Dining locations. Students may opt to eat-in or use the eco-container to take a meal to-go, but not both. Required for First-Year Students To help our new students make a smooth and healthy transition to campus living, First.
Plan 2. If your an athlete/extreme body builder/indulge in much more food than the average person, then Plan 1. Flex is easier to use but it's taxed.
Dining Dollars aren't taxed when you buy things. Keep in mind that Dining Dollars/Flex roll over until you graduate, and it's easy to use Dining Dollars at most on. Any student wishing to purchase a First-Year Dining Plan should contact Dining Plan Manager Rosie Fernandez at 212-854-4076.
Dining Plans can only be changed during the change period, typically during the first two weeks of term. When you enroll in any of the Columbia Dining Plans (first year or otherwise), you may elect to participate in the Kosher Dining Plan. This allows you access to our Kosher To-Go counter within John Jay Dining Hall that serves a full array of cold Kosher items (entrees, side dishes and vegetables served daily).