Figuring out your Montana State University meal plan can feel like a pop quiz you didn’t study for. It’s a confusing but super important decision for both new and returning students. Don’t stress—we’ve got you.
This guide is here to break down all your MSU meal plan options, costs, and on-campus dining spots. We’ll give you the inside scoop so you can pick the perfect plan for your lifestyle, especially if you’re living off-campus and weighing your options.
Key Takeaways
- Two Main Categories: MSU meal plans are primarily divided into Residential plans for on-campus students (Bobcat Gold & Blue) and Commuter plans for those living off-campus.
- Know Your Habits: The best plan depends on your lifestyle. Consider how often you’ll be on campus, if you go home on weekends, and your budget before choosing.
- Compare Costs: While meal plans offer convenience, students living off-campus at The Arrow have fully-equipped kitchens, making groceries a potentially more affordable option.
- Flexibility is Key: Commuter plans offer a set number of “swipes” per semester, providing flexibility for students who don’t need to eat every meal on campus.
Understanding MSU Meal Plan Options
First things first, MSU Culinary Services splits its plans into two main categories: one for students in the residence halls and another for students living off-campus or in university apartments. Knowing where you’ll be living is the first step in figuring out your dining situation.
Types of Meal Plans: Residential vs. Commuter
Residential Plans (Bobcat Gold & Bobcat Blue)
These are the all-you-care-to-eat plans designed for students living in the dorms. They’re usually mandatory if you’re in a traditional residence hall.
- Bobcat Blue: This plan gives you unlimited access seven days a week. It’s perfect if you plan on staying on campus through the weekends.
- Bobcat Gold: This plan offers unlimited access Monday through Friday. It’s a great fit for students who tend to go home or head out of town on the weekends.
Commuter Plans (Block Plans)
Designed for off-campus students, faculty, and staff, these plans offer ultimate flexibility. They’re sold in “blocks” of meals (like the Commuter 100 or Commuter 50) that you can use any time during the semester. The biggest perk is the freedom to eat on campus when you want, and the cost-per-meal is cheaper than just walking in and paying the public price for a single meal.
How Meal Plans Work at MSU
It’s simpler than it sounds. Here’s the deal with how you’ll actually use your plan.
- Meal Swipes: A “swipe” is your entry ticket into an all-you-care-to-eat dining hall—either Miller Dining Commons or Rendezvous Dining Pavilion. One swipe equals one meal.
- CatCard (MSU ID): Your student ID, the CatCard, is your key to dining. Your meal plan is loaded directly onto it, and you’ll swipe it at the entrance of the dining hall.
- Guest Meals: If you have a commuter plan, you can use your own swipes to treat a friend to a meal. Residential plans, however, don’t include guest passes.
| Feature | Bobcat Blue Plan | Bobcat Gold Plan | Commuter 100 Plan | Commuter 50 Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | On-campus students who stay on campus 7 days a week. | On-campus students who often go home on weekends. | Off-campus students who eat on campus frequently. | Off-campus students who eat on campus occasionally. |
| Access | Unlimited, 7 days/week | Unlimited, Monday-Friday | 100 swipes per semester | 50 swipes per semester |
| Cost Per Semester | ~$2,855 | ~$2,685 | $900 | $550 |
| Cost Per Meal | N/A (Unlimited) | N/A (Unlimited) | $9.00 | $11.00 |
| Flexibility | Low (Tied to dining hall hours) | Low (Tied to dining hall hours) | High (Use swipes anytime) | High (Use swipes anytime) |
| Guest Swipes | Not Included | Not Included | Yes (Use your own swipes) | Yes (Use your own swipes) |
For the most up-to-date information, check the official MSU Culinary Services meal plan page.
Cost of Meal Plans vs. Off-Campus Dining
Let’s talk money. Choosing how you eat is a big part of your college budget.
Breakdown of Meal Plan Costs
The prices in the chart give you a clear idea of the semester cost for each plan. It’s important to remember that these plans are non-refundable and non-transferable. For commuter plans, any unused swipes expire at the end of the semester, so you’ll want to use them up.
Comparing Costs to Cooking at Home
For students living off-campus, there’s another great option: cooking for yourself. The choice comes down to convenience versus cost savings and having total control over what you eat.Apartments at The Arrow come with fully-equipped kitchens, giving you the power to meal-prep, cook your favorite foods, and save serious cash compared to a meal plan. When you look at the average cost of groceries for a student in Bozeman, cooking at home is often the more affordable route.
Exploring On-Campus Dining Locations at MSU
When you do eat on campus, you’ve got options. Here’s a quick tour of the main spots.
All-You-Care-to-Eat Dining Halls
These are the two big dining commons where you’ll use your meal swipes.
- Miller Dining Commons: Located on the south side of campus, Miller is known for its traditional comfort foods, an international station, and a huge salad bar.
- Rendezvous Dining Pavilion: Centrally located, Rendezvous offers a ton of variety with different platforms for grilled items, pizza, and deli sandwiches.
Both are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but it’s always a good idea to check the hours for MSU’s main dining halls online.
Cafés and Retail Locations
You’ll find a bunch of other places to grab a bite in the Strand Union Building (SUB) and around campus. These spots are more like cafés or markets and don’t accept meal swipes, but they are great for a quick coffee or snack between classes. Check out the entire list of dining on campus locations to see everything MSU has to offer.
Making the Most of Your MSU Meal Plan
If you decide a meal plan is right for you, here are a few tips to maximize its value.
Tips for Off-Campus Students
- Plan Your Week: If you have a long day of classes, pack your backpack with everything you need. This way, you can use a meal swipe for lunch instead of trekking back and forth from your apartment.
- Buy the Right Block: Be realistic about how often you’ll actually eat on campus. If you only have one or two days a week with back-to-back classes, the 50-swipe plan might be a better fit than the 100-swipe plan.
- Location is Everything: Living somewhere conveniently located, like The Arrow, makes it easy to pop home for lunch. This saves your meal swipes for those days when you’re really in a crunch for time.
- Enjoy Your Space: One of the best parts of off-campus life is having your own kitchen and living area. It’s an amenity you just don’t get in the dorms. You can host friends for a home-cooked dinner and enjoy a meal in a space that’s all yours.
Frequently Asked Questions About MSU Meal Plans
What dining options are at MSU?
MSU offers two main all-you-care-to-eat residential dining halls (Miller and Rendezvous) and several retail cafés and grab-and-go spots in the Strand Union Building and across campus.
How does MSU dining work?
Students select a meal plan which is loaded onto their CatCard (student ID). They swipe their card to enter a dining hall. Commuter plans provide a set number of swipes per semester, while residential plans offer unlimited access during operating days.
Can I change or cancel my meal plan?
Meal plans can typically be changed or downgraded within the first few weeks of the semester. It’s important to check the official MSU Culinary Services website for specific deadlines, as plans are non-refundable after that period.
Where can I check my meal plan balance?
Students can check their remaining meal swipe balance by asking a cashier at any dining location after a transaction or by visiting the CatCard services office.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Dining Experience
Choosing an MSU meal plan is all about what works for you. It’s a balance of your budget, your schedule, and your lifestyle.
For off-campus students at The Arrow, a commuter plan can offer the perfect amount of flexibility for those busy days on campus. Paired with your own private kitchen, you get the best of both worlds: the convenience of on-campus dining when you need it and the freedom and savings of home-cooked meals whenever you want.Â
Before you decide, be sure to review the official MSU links.
