What are the benefits for getting a meal plan? Are there any discounts on foods purchased on campus? I heard that there is, but is there a detailed list for that???? I am trying to figure out if it is worth it to get a meal plan in my second year (since i don't think i'll have time to cook)

hey if you dont mind id also like to add on a question to your post: how exactly do you get a meal plan for 2nd+ years. i have some money left on my freedom form first year which im useing but it will run out soon. ... i know there is some application form u have to fill out but if i go to my meal plan account it has an option to fill it up useing credit online. so which is it?

The benefit of having a meal card is basically tax free food purchases on campus. I don't know anything else other than that.

If you want to get a meal card I think you should go to the commons building and find the MACEXPRESS office. I think this is the form you're looking for: http://hospitality.mcmaster. ca/mea...offcampus.html

edit to what the previous poster said... its not comletely tax free the freedom gives 5% off and the other one gives 13% but that one is a rip cus if u dont use it in time u loose it all

I got a meal plan in my 2nd year and it was definitely worth it imho. You save 5% tax as already mentioned, plus it's really convenient if you don't have cash on hand. I usually put $200 on my card at a time (you have to go to the Commons building to do this) and would just refill it if I ran out. I ended up using about ~$600 throughout the year.

Originally Posted by princefan

I got a meal plan in my 2nd year and it was definitely worth it imho. You save 5% tax as already mentioned, plus it's really convenient if you don't have cash on hand. I usually put $200 on my card at a time (you have to go to the Commons building to do this) and would just refill it if I ran out. I ended up using about ~$600 throughout the year.

You can fill it online if you have a credit card. http://mealcard.mcmaster.ca/

Originally Posted by princefan

I got a meal plan in my 2nd year and it was definitely worth it imho. You save 5% tax as already mentioned, plus it's really convenient if you don't have cash on hand. I usually put $200 on my card at a time (you have to go to the Commons building to do this) and would just refill it if I ran out. I ended up using about ~$600 throughout the year.

hey just wondering but how often did u use ur meal card, did u use it to buy lunch everyday or only sometimes?

This is all hearsay, but apparently for first years, they can put money on the basic/flex accounts, where the flex accounts deduct 13% tax. For 2+ years, they can only put money on the freedom account, which takes off only 5% tax. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

I've used a meal plan for second and third year and i just got one again for my fourth year. It is definitely a good idea if you tend to eat on campus. Saves you 5 percent and is convenient as you just need to use your ID card to swipe when you pay. You go to the commons building and fil out a form to add money to your offcampus meal plan

Thanks guys for all of your replies ~!!~!~!~!~ I just have one more question. I got a $50 fixed charge on my meal plan since I am living in rez. Does that fee apply if you don't live in rez?

Originally Posted by MichaelScarn

This is all hearsay, but apparently for first years, they can put money on the basic/flex accounts, where the flex accounts deduct 13% tax. For 2+ years, they can only put money on the freedom account, which takes off only 5% tax. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

If you live on Residence you have all three accounts (Basic, Flex, and Freedom). I believe the money is automatically placed in Freedom but you can transfer it/some to Flex to save that extra 8% (but you can't use it off-campus).

Originally Posted by mflasd07

Thanks guys for all of your replies ~!!~!~!~!~ I just have one more question. I got a $50 fixed charge on my meal plan since I am living in rez. Does that fee apply if you don't live in rez?

I don't believe there are fees for off-campus students.