- How should I plan my meals over breaks?
If you are planning on staying on campus during breaks, it is important to budget your Swat Points and Dining Dollars as you will need them for food purchases during that week. Essie Mae's Snack Bar and one coffee bar are usually open during breaks Monday through Friday in the morning and for lunch.
- I live in PPR apartments. Do I have to select the On Campus Apartments Plan?
No. The On Campus Apartments Plan was designed to accommodate the needs of students living in PPR Apartments and Strath Haven Condominiums. If you are a resident of PPR Apartments or Strath Haven Condominiums, you may choose from any available plan, except the Commuter Plan.
- I commute to Swarthmore. Do I have to select the Commuter Plan?
No. The Commuter Plan was designed to accommodate the needs of students living off campus. If you live off campus, you are not required to select a meal plan, but may choose to sign up for any available plan, except the On Campus Apartments Plan.
- When and where can I get Grab-n-Go Lunches?
Grab-n-Go lunches make for a great alternative are available when you have little time between classes. They are available from Monday through Friday while classes are in session, beginning on the second Monday of each semester at Kohlberg Coffee Bar. Lunches must be ordered through the GET app and picked up from 11:30.m.–2:00 p.m. or until we sell out.
- Can I eat a meal at another Tri-Co school (Bryn Mawr or Haverford)?
Exchange passes for meals at Bryn Mawr or Haverford Colleges are obtained at the Checkers Stands at our Swarthmore Dining Hall. If you are taking a class at Bryn Mawr or Haverford, just ask a Checker and they will take your meal off here and write you a pass to have a meal there.
- Can I take out food from the Dining Center?
Take out at the Dining Center is available at all meals. One take out per student per meal period is allowed and can only be used for your own meal. No swipes for others.
Meal Plans
Swarthmore Dining is owned and operated by the College. We are proud to provide you with your dining experience here on campus. Our goal is to offer you great service with the best quality foods. Each semester you will be asked to choose a meal plan that best suits your dining needs. Below you will find descriptions of the meal plans currently offered. At the end of each semester you will receive an email explaining how to select your meal plan for the following semester.
Meal Plan selection period for the Fall, 2024 extension deadline is FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2024. If you would like to change your selection, please email the OneCard Office. There will be no meal plan changes after 9/13/24 until the Spring, 2025. The Swat Plan is the default plan, so if you do not choose a plan, you will automatically be placed on this plan.
If you are living off campus you are not required to sign up for a meal plan. However, you have the option to purchase one of our meal plans including the Commuter Plan, designed for students commuting to campus.
Meal Plan Selection | Meal Plans | Dining Dollars, Swat Points, and Garnet Cash | FAQs
The Commuter Plan must be purchased in person at the OneCard Office in Parrish 131A. Accepted payment methods are cash, credit card or check.
Meal Plans
All plans, except the commuter plan, include:
- A late night snack equivalency.
- 3 guest meals per semester. (Guest meals are not available during special events like Garnet Weekend.)
SWAT Plan
First years may only select the Swat Plan or the Garnet Plan.
The Swat Plan is the default plan for students living on campus. If you do not choose a meal plan, you will automatically be signed up for this plan.
The Swat Plan includes unlimited meals at the Dining Center with $175.00 Dining Dollars and $175.00 Swat Points. You can use unlimited meals throughout the semester. You may only use your card for personal swipes with this plan.
GARNET Plan
First years may only select the Swat Plan or the Garnet Plan.
The Garnet Plan includes a block of 275 meals with $350.00 Dining Dollars and $235.00 Swat Points. You can use 275 meals throughout the semester.
PHOENIX Plan
The Phoenix Plan includes block of 225 meals with $465.00 Dining Dollars and $350.00 Swat Points. You can use 225 meals throughout the semester.
PARRISH Plan
The Parrish Plan includes a block of 160 meals with $580.00 Dining Dollars and $465.00 Swat Points. You can use 160 meals throughout the semester.
On Campus APARTMENT Plan
The On Campus Apartment Plan is offered only to students living in PPR Apartments and Strath Haven Condominiums; please note this does not include students living in Palmer, Pittenger, or Roberts dorms.
The On Campus Apartment Plan includes a block of 160 meals with $235.00 Dining Dollars and $805.00 Swat Points. You can use 160 meals throughout the semester.
COMMUTER Plan
The Commuter Plan is offered only to students living off-campus and does not include guest passes.
The Commuter Plan offers 100 meals plus $115.00 Dining Dollars at a rate of $1,450.00 per semester.
You must pay for this plan in person, by credit, cash, or check, at the OneCard Office, located in Parrish 131A.
Dining Dollars, Swat Points, and Garnet Cash
Dining Dollars
Dining Dollars can be used at college dining venues, which include the Dining Center, Essie Mae's Snack Bar, Kohlberg Coffee Bar and Science Center Coffee Bar. Dining Dollars do not carry over to the next semester.
Swat Points
Swat Points can be used at college dining venues, which include the Dining Center, Essie Mae's Snack Bar, Kohlberg Coffee Bar and Science Center Coffee Bar, Swarthmore Campus and Community Store or at participating merchants in the Borough of Swarthmore.
Garnet Cash
Garnet Cash can be added to any meal plan and is similar to using cash on a debit card. You can add Garnet Cash to your account if you are living off-campus and not on a meal plan.
Out of Meals
If you happen to run out of meals towards the end of the semester, we do offer a 25 Meal Block for $365.00 at the OneCard Office. Your regular meal plan must be depleted first.
