Everyone knows that college students eat a lot. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at Gamecock Park or ordering Chick-fil-A, we all need to eat. For many upperclassmen at USC, navigating the demands of academics and extracurriculars is challenging enough without the added stress of paying for overpriced meal plans.
Upperclassmen often find themselves stuck between two choices: paying for a full-scale meal plan that far exceeds their needs or skipping out on the university’s dining services altogether. But what if there was a middle ground? Could there be a more flexible and affordable option for students juggling classes, part-time jobs and life off-campus?
Meet Gabi Dissinger, a sophomore civil engineering major and Honors College student living in Harper Elliott on the Horseshoe. Dissinger opted for the 50-block meal plan, which gives her 50 meal swipes and $375 in meal plan dollars—just enough to keep her going on busy days around campus. She is a regular at Wired Cafe, where she stops between classes, but at home, Dissinger takes matters into her own hands.
Dissinger admits that she cooks very often when at home. “I have my own recipe book that I've been collecting recipes in that are basically things that I could make in college,” Dissinger said. Her approach? A mix of using her meal plan strategically while balancing the convenience of cooking at home. For students with similar lifestyles, she thinks an alternative meal plan could be game-changing:
“I could see it definitely being beneficial, especially for students who are commuters and are really only on campus for lunch potentially, and even then that's a little iffy,” Dissinger said.
Dissinger budgets $50 a week for groceries, adjusting as needed. While having a vehicle on campus, she points out the difficulty of grocery shopping without a car. “I think one of my issues with grocery stores and grocery shopping as of right now is I have a car on campus and that has been extremely convenient to get to grocery store," Dissinger said. "Otherwise, around the areas that are around the Horseshoe, there's not really a convenient grocery store close by, especially since if you do go to a grocery store, you're gonna generally be carrying multiple bags back.” Her advice? Carpool with friends to places like Aldi and Kroger for affordable groceries or splurge a little at Publix. “If you are able to supplement a meal plan with groceries, it’s definitely a good cost alternative," Dissinger said. "And, I like the flexibility that it gives me over my own eating, because dining halls have limited options, especially for people with dietary restrictions.”
Dani Carson, another Honors College sophomore and biochemistry major living at 650 Lincoln, also navigates the
meal plan dilemma. With a 100-block meal plan that offers 100 meal swipes and a $150 meal plan dollars, Carson finds herself cooking more than relying on her meal plan.
“I feel like upperclassmen don’t really go to dining halls to sit down and eat," Carson said. "It would be more accessible if meal plans had more meal plan dollars instead of swipes,” she says, pointing out a need for more flexibility.
It seems many students aren't aware that the university offers declining meal plan options, which only offer meal plan dollars. These declining meal plans are offered in increments of $1,625 and $1,000 meal plan dollars per year, with the option to add an extra $500 in the spring semester. However, these two options could be either too much or not enough for students. It would be beneficial for the university to add more increment options for students to ensure all needs are met, especially for dining options.
Carson survives by meal prepping to stay on track and stocking up on essentials like rice and potatoes to keep herself full throughout the week. For her, Aldi and Piggly Wiggly are go-to spots for budget-friendly groceries, while Sam’s Club is perfect for bulk buys if you have a membership.
“Be very aware of how you’re spending your money, especially on groceries," Carson said. "That’s been the hardest thing for me.”
There are many stores for students to visit for their grocery needs such as Aldi, Kroger and Piggly Wiggly for lower costs and Publix, Sam’s Club and Costco for those who are able and willing to spend more. It is important to use resources such as apps for grocery stores as many of them provide discounts and coupons daily and allow students to cross-check prices in order to find the best deals. Certain stores also have specials during the week, such as $5 sushi every Wednesday at Publix.
Even without a car, there are ways to make grocery shopping work. Apps like Instacart, Walmart Delivery and Target Delivery offer convenient options for those who cannot make it to the store. And if you are on a tight budget, linking up with friends who have cars can help make those grocery runs easier.
Both Dissinger and Carson emphasize the same key points: upperclassmen need more flexible meal plans, especially since off-campus students may not eat in dining halls as frequently. Cooking is not just about saving money—it is about control over your food choices and health. Whether you are planning for the next semester or just looking to survive this one, striking the right balance between meal prepping and meal planning is essential.
