Frequently Asked Questions

Dining halls

Will dining halls be open during the fall semester?

Yes, we expect that all undergraduate dining halls and the Graduate College dining hall will be open during the fall semester subject to state mandates and guidance in effect at the time.

Will the Center for Jewish Life (CJL) be open during the fall semester?

Yes. CJL will be open in the Fall.

Hours and details will be finalized soon

What are the operational hours for the dining halls?

Operational hours for Undergraduate Dining Hall and the Center for Jewish Life are expected to be as follows:

  • Breakfast: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-10am
  • Lunch: Monday-Friday, 11am-2pm
  • Dinner: Monday-Friday, 5pm-8pm
  • Weekend: Saturday and Sunday, Brunch 10am-2pm, Dinner 5pm-8pm

Operational hours for the Graduate College Dining Hall are expected to be as follows:    

  • Coffee Service: Monday – Friday, 7:30am-9:30am
  • Dinner: Monday – Thursday, 5pm-8pm
  • Weekend: Sunday, Brunch 11am-2pm
Will the salad bars in dining halls be open this fall?

We will have salad options available but there will be no self-serve salad bars.

Who will have access to the dining halls?

Dining hall access will be restricted to students with a meal plan and the residential college staff only.

Who is the Campus Dining point of contact for each Dining Hall?

Staff information for our dining halls are listed for each location at https://dining.princeton.edu/where-eat.

Meal plans

Will I be required to purchase a meal plan?

All undergraduate students residing on campus during the fall semester will be required to be on a meal plan with the exception of students living at Spelman.

If I live off campus, can I purchase a meal plan?

Yes, you may purchase a meal plan for the semester that you are invited back to campus, even if you do not live on campus, provided you sign the Social Contract. You may participate in the meal plan as long as you comply with the Social Contract and participate in the mandatory Monitoring and Testing Program in place for students.

What meal plans will be available?

Undergraduates will have the option of one meal plan that will allow one swipe per meal.  

Graduate Block 105 meal plans will allow one swipe per meal. 

In light of the University’s reopening plans, Campus Dining may need to modify the menu offerings for the fall semester. More information will be available later in summer.

What will be the housing and dining costs?

Please see the following link for housing and dining costs: https://hres.princeton.edu/undergraduate-housing/current-students/room-and-meal-plans.

When should I expect to receive a dining contract?

Students will receive their dining contract with their housing contracts.

Are guest meals allowed?

To comply with social distancing guidelines and to prevent overcrowding, guests will not be allowed in the dining halls.

Will the Two-meal program be active?

The Two-meal program has been suspended for the fall semester.

Will late meals be available?

Late meals have been suspended.  The Lunch-to-Go program will remain active on days when classes are scheduled. For a full description of the program, visit https://dining.princeton.edu/meal-plans/dining-programs/lunch-go.

Will students living in Spelman be able to cook in their kitchens?

Yes, students living in Spelman will be able to cook in their kitchens.

Food allergies and special dietary needs

What if I have a food allergy or special dietary need?

If you have a food allergy or a special dietary need, please contact our department registered dietitian, Sue Pierson RD at spierson@princeton.edu or 609.258.6678.

How do I communicate my dietary needs related to cultural and religious sensitivities?

Each dining hall has a culinary team who takes pride and passion in preparing nutritious meals for each member of the Princeton community.  If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to the chefs and managers at the dining hall.

Retail cafes

What retail cafes will be open?

The opening of retail cafes is currently being evaluated. Please check back for more details.

Self-quarantine and isolation

If I have to self-quarantine how will I receive my meals?

Students who need to quarantine will remain in their assigned room throughout the quarantine period. Meals will be delivered to the students’ assigned rooms during the quarantine period.

If I have to self-isolate how will I receive my meals?

Students who need to isolate will be housed in dorms that are designated for isolation. Meals will be delivered to the students’ designated rooms during the self-isolation period.

I’m traveling from overseas or one of the states that require quarantine in NJ. Where will I live and how will I receive my meals?

Students requiring quarantine upon arrival will remain in their assigned rooms throughout the quarantine period. Meals will be delivered to the students’ assigned rooms during the quarantine period.

FAQs updated July 31, 2020