Taco with rice and black beans and corn
Fresh Fruit at DI Hub
Burger with mushrooms and waffer fries
Breakfast offerings at DI Hub
Closeup of a pepperoni pizza from the DI Hub

Meal Plans

There is now a quick and convenient way for students to sign up for a meal plan. Visit your meal plan tile in FlashLine to sign up today!

First- and second-year residential students are required to have a meal plan. We encourage upper class and commuter students to continue dining with us through the convenience and value of a meal plan!

To ensure informed decision-making, we have developed a 6-Step Process for choosing your meal plan, outlined below.

Step 1: Review Meal Plan Features

Meal Swipes
Declining Balance
Guest Meals
Meal Exchange
Downtown Dining Dollars
Meal Swipe

 

Meal swipes give students access into the two all-you-care-to-eat dining halls. Students simply swipe their FLASHcard to enter Eastway Dining or DI Dining and they are good to go! Students with unlimited meal plans may enter without the need to count their meal swipes! Students with Block meal plans will have a set number of swipes per semester. Meal swipes may only be used by the specific meal plan holder.

Declining Balance Dollar Icon

Declining balance are the dollars included with a meal plan. Grab Starbucks, a meal in The HUB or some quick snacks in any campus market! These dollars go directly onto your FLASHcard and can only be used at on-campus dining retail locations. Declining balance dollars roll over from semester to semester, until the student graduates or leaves Kent State University.

Users

 

Guest meals offer flexibility to treat friends or family to a meal in Eastway Dining or DI Dining: Eat-In!  Many of the meal plan options comes with a specific number of guest meals each semester that are loaded directly on your FLASHcard. Guest meals can be used for any additional individuals the meal plan holder would like to use them on.

Meal Exchange Icon

Meal exchange gives variety and flexibility for your meal swipes! Looking to expand your palette outside a dining hall? Redeem a meal swipe during certain meal periods at designated dining locations across campus. Meal exchange menus are available on kiosks at the following locations – Metropolitan Deli at Eastway, Rosie’s Diner & Market, Hippie Chick’n, Homeslice, Grill ’72, and Recharge. Meal exchange menu at the George T. Simon III Café can be found at location. Meal exchange offers students an entrée, side, and drink per swipe.

Learn More About Meal Exchange

Downtown Dining Dollars icon

 

Downtown Dining Dollars are loaded onto your FLASHcard with the purchase of an applicable meal plan. These funds can be used at participating restaurants around the city of Kent or on the Grubhub app! Downtown Dining Dollars are non-refundable.

Pro Tips:
  • Meal swipes and guest meals will expire at the end of the semester.
  • Declining balance dollars will rollover from semester to semester until the student leaves Kent State University.
  • Spend your money wisely - Eat on campus and buy groceries on campus with your Meal Plan at any of our on-campus markets.
  • Check your balance often - Meal Plan balances are shown at the bottom of every receipt.
  • You can add money to your Meal Plan anytime during the academic year with a Visa® or Mastercard®.
Add Money to Your Meal Plan

Step 2: Look Over the Plans

First- and Second-Year Residential Meal Plans:

The Gold Plan
"The Gold Plan" in white text with a blue background
  • Unlimited meal swipes to use at Eastway or DI Dining
  • $500 Declining Balance
  • $100 Downtown Dining Dollars
  • 15 Guest Meals
  • Meal Exchange
  • Good for students who: Eat 3 or more meals a day, plan to be on campus majority of the time, like to snack throughout the day, want to explore different options on and off campus
The Kent Plan
"The Kent Plan" in white text with a blue background
  • Unlimited meal swipes to use at Eastway and DI Dining
  • $300 Declining Balance
  • 15 Guest Meals
  • Meal Exchange
  • Good for students who: Eat 2-3 meals a day, plan to be on campus often, like to snack throughout the day, want to explore on campus options
The Blue Plan
"The Blue Plan" in white text with a blue background
  • Unlimited meal swipes to use at Eastway and DI Dining
  • $100 Declining Balance
  • 10 Guest Meals
  • Meal Exchange
  • Good for students who: Good for students who: Eat 1-2 meals a day, plan to go home often on the weekends, occasionally snack through the day
Flash 200 Block
"Flash 200 Block" in white text with a blue background
  • 200 meal swipes to use at Eastway or DI Dining
  • $300 Declining Balance
  • $100 Downtown Dining Dollars
  • 10 Guest Meals
  • Meal Exchange
  • Good for students who: Eat 1-2 meals a day, plan to be on campus often, want to explore different options on and off campus

Upper Class and Commuter Meal Plans:

Flash 200 Block
"Flash 200 Block" in white text with a blue background
  • 200 meal swipes to use at Eastway or DI Dining
  • $300 Declining Balance
  • $100 Downtown Dining Dollars
  • 10 Guest Meals
  • Meal Exchange
  • Good for students who: Eat 1-2 meals a day, plan to be on campus often, want to explore different options on and off campus
Flash 100 Block
"Flash 100 Block" in white text with a blue background
  • 100 meal swipes to use at Eastway or DI Dining
  • $500 Declining Balance
  • 10 Guest Meals
  • Meal Exchange
  • Good for students who: Commute to campus, eat 1-2 meals a day, plan to be on campus often, like to snack throughout the day
Flash Flex 50
"Flash Flex 50" in white text with a blue background
  • 50 meal swipes to use at Eastway or DI Dining
  • $250 Declining Balance
  • 5 Guest Meals
  • Meal Exchange
  • Good for students who: Commute to campus, eat 1 meal a day on campus, want a snack or coffee throughout the day
Flash DB 800
"Flash DB 800" in white text with a blue background

 

  • $800 Declining Balance
  • Good for students who: Commute to campus, are Graduate students, plan to grab a few meals or want to keep money on hand for snacks/coffee throughout the semester
Flash DB 400
"Flash DB 400" in white text with a blue background

 

  • $400 Declining Balance
  • Good for students who: Commute to campus, are Graduate students, plan to grab a few meals or want to keep money on hand for snacks/coffee throughout the semester
Flash DB 200
"Flash DB 200" in white text with a blue background

 

  • $200 Declining Balance
  • Good for students who: Commute to campus, are Graduate students, plan to grab a few meals or want to keep money on hand for snacks/coffee throughout the semester

Summer Break Meal Plans:

For more information about signing up for a meal plan during summer break, please contact University Culinary Services at 330-672-2541 or culinary@kent.edu.

Meal Plan Options for Break Periods

SUMMER BLOCK 30

Flash DB 800

Flash DB 400

Flash DB 200

 

 

Faculty & Staff Meal Plan:

FAST Plan

FAST Plan - The Faculty And Staff Tailored Plan

We know your schedule is busy. That's why we have a meal plan designed with you in mind. The FAST Plan will help you save money and make your life easier!

  • The FAST Plan is a declining balance plan that extends each dollar further.
  • Declining balance can be used at all dining locations.
  • The FAST Plan secures you a 20% discount on meals at the Eastway and DI Dining locations!
  • The FAST Plan includes a discount for children at Eastway and DI Dining!
    • Children 0 - 5 years old eat free.
    • Children 6 - 10 years old receive 50% off the door price.
  • Employees on The FAST Plan will be eligible for discount opportunities and be amongst the first to hear news about Culinary events!
  • The value you add is entirely up to you! Declining balance never expires.

How to Sign Up

Faculty and staff members can sign up for a meal plan using payroll deduction or by visiting FLASHCard Office. There is a $25.00 minimum to activate a plan and/or to take advantage of current promotions. For payroll deduction, sign up in FlashLine, under Additional Employee Resources. Select the Employee Meal Plan, fill out the form and you're ready to go!

Sign Up for the FAST Plan

Please note: Faculty and staff must present their FLASHcard to utilize their FAST Plan.

Step 3: Compare Plans

 
Meal Swipe

Meal Swipes

Declining Balance Dollar Icon

Declining Balance

Yellow illustration/icon of three people, one in front and two behind on either side of the first

Guest Meals

Meal Exchange Icon

Meal Exchange

Downtown Dining Dollars icon

Downtown Dining Dollars

Yellow illustration/icon of a graduation cap with tassel

Student Availability

Yellow illustration/icon of a flippable calendar

Semester Availability

"The Gold Plan" in white text with a blue background
Unlimited$50015Yes$100All KSU StudentsFall and Spring Only
"The Kent Plan" in white text with a blue background
Unlimited$30015Yes$0All KSU StudentsFall and Spring Only
"The Blue Plan" in white text with a blue background
Unlimited$10010Yes$0All KSU StudentsFall and Spring Only
"Flash 200 Block" in white text with a blue background
200$30010Yes$100All KSU StudentsFall and Spring Only
"Flash 100 Block" in white text with a blue background
100$50010Yes$0Upper Class and
Commuter Students Only		Fall and Spring Only
"Flash Flex 50" in white text with a blue background
50$2505Yes$0Upper Class and
Commuter Students Only		Fall and Spring Only
"Flash DB 800" in white text with a blue background
0$8000No$0Upper Class and
Commuter Students Only (Open to All for Summer)		All Semesters
"Flash DB 400" in white text with a blue background
0$4000No$0Upper Class and
Commuter Students Only (Open to All for Summer)		All Semesters
"Flash DB 200" in white text with a blue background
0$2000No$0Upper Class and
Commuter Students Only (Open to All for Summer)		All Semesters

Step 4: Things To Consider

  • How many meals per day do you eat?
  • Do you prefer sit down meals or grab and go options?
  • Are you and early riser or late-night snacker?
  • First year residential students are encouraged to add an unlimited meal swipes plan their first year living in the residence halls.
  • Upper class residential and commuter students - how often do you plan to eat meals on campus? Grab a snack or coffee between classes?
  • Declining Balance can be used at all 20+ on-campus dining locations.

Step 5: Still Have Questions?

Check out our Meal Plan FAQs below for more information. You can also contact University Culinary Services at 330-672-2541 or culinary@kent.edu.

Am I required to purchase a meal plan?

Per University Policy, first-year and sophomore resident students are required to have a meal plan for the entire school year. First- and second-year students living on-campus are able to pick from one of the First-and Second-Year Residential Meal Plan options. Students will select a meal plan through the housing application.

Upper class and commuter students are not required to purchase a meal plan, but are welcome to do so through FlashLine. When you sign up through FlashLine, your Student Account will be charged and a bill will be sent to you at a later date. For any questions about signing up, please email flashcard@kent.edu.

What are the benefits of having a meal plan?

Meal plans are a great way for students to save while dining on campus! The all-you-care-to-eat dining halls and retail locations provide convenience, flexibility and healthy options from early morning to late night. All dining locations provide a space for students to sit and enjoy a snack or meal, as well as options for students on the go.

Can I use my meal plan at off-campus locations?

Meal plans are only able to be used on-campus at the University Culinary Services locations. However, there are a number of off-campus locations that will accept Downtown Dining Dollars and FLASHcash. For more information on these meal plan features, check out Step 1 above.

Learn More about FLASHcard

How does meal exchange work?

Using your FLASHcard, you will be able to exchange a meal swipe for a combo meal at select locations on campus. Visit our Meal Exchange page for more information and meal period hours.

Where will I be able to use my declining balance dollars?

You will be able to use your declining balance at any dining location on campus. That includes locations such as the Markets and The Hub. You are also able to use your declining balance to pay the door rate to enter into the all-you-care-to-eat dining halls: Eastway & DI Dining.

Do downtown dining dollars expire?

Downtown dining dollars expire at the end of each semester on the last day of meal plan. Any remaining balance is non-refundable.

What happens to my meal swipes, guest meals and declining balance dollars at the end of the semester?

At the end of each semester, any unused meal swipes and guest meals will expire. Any unused declining balance dollars will rollover to the next semester.

Where can I find my rollover declining balance?

Login to find your Rollover Balance and Transaction History.

Can I add money to my meal plan if my declining balance starts to run low?

Yes, you are able to add value to your account at any time. You can add declining balance dollars to your FLASHcard through the FLASHcard website with a Mastercard, Visa or Discover.  You can also purchase another meal plan within the same semester. To sign up for another meal plan, please visit the FLASHcard Office located on the first floor of the Kent Student Center or call 330-672-2273.

How do I sign up for a meal plan?

If you are a First- or Second-Year student, you will select a meal plan through the housing application.

If you are an Upper class or Commuter student, you can purchase a meal plan through your Student Dashboard in FlashLine. You can also contact the FLASHcard Office at 330-672-2273 or by email: flashcard@kent.edu.

If you are a faculty or staff member, you can now sign up for a meal plan using payroll deduction. Sign up in FlashLine, under Additional Employee Resources. Select employee meal plan, fill out the form and you're ready to go! You can also contact the FLASHcard Office at 330-672-2273 or by email: flashcard@kent.edu.

Am I able to change my meal plan after I have selected one?

If you decide to purchase a meal plan and wish to change your selection, you may do so by visiting your Student Dashboard in FlashLine or by contacting the FLASHcard Office. Students are not able to change their meal plan after the 2nd week of the semester.

  1. A cancellation will be approved and a full refund will be processed if a student requests to cancel a meal plan by the Add/Drop period and there has been no usage of any part of the meal plan.
  2. A cancellation will be approved and a full refund will be processed if a student requests to cancel a meal plan after the Add/Drop period, but within 2 business days of the purchase.
Can I change my meal plan from semester to semester?

Yes, students are able to switch meal plans from semester to semester. The meal plan options available to a student will depend on the student's class standing before the start of the school year.

What if I need to cancel or request not to have a meal plan?

If you are required to be on a meal plan and want to request a food contract release, you will need to contact dietitians@kent.edu and complete the dining petition (PDF).

  1. If the request for canceling the meal plan is by the end of the Add/Drop period and there has been no usage of any part of the meal plan, the cancellation will be approved and a full refund processed.
  2. If the request occurs after the add/drop period and within 2 business days of the purchase, the cancellation will be approved and a full refund processed.

If you are an Upper Class or Commuter Student, you can cancel your Meal Plan before the second week of the semester by emailing flashcard@kent.edu.

Step 6: Pick a Plan

  • ON-CAMPUS STUDENTS: You will select your meal plan when you complete your housing application.
  • OFF-CAMPUS STUDENTS: You can select a meal plan through FlashLine.

Kent State University’s Tuition Guarantee Plan offers undergraduate students the certainty of room and meal plan charges! Students can find their meal plan rate by clicking on the tab below that aligns with their cohort. A cohort consists of students expected to graduate in the same academic year, including transfer students and those in designated academic programs.

For more information on Tuition Guarantee, and for help determining your cohort, contact University Culinary Services at 330-672-2541 or culinary@kent.edu.

2025 Cohort

The meal plan rates listed below are the 2025 cohort semester rates included in the Tuition Guarantee Plan. They are also the semester rates for non-cohort students for academic year 2025-2026.  

First- and second-year residential meal plans:

  • The Gold Plan: $3,285
  • The Kent Plan: $2,985
  • The Blue Plan: $2,785
  • Flash 200 Block: $2,785

Upper class and commuter meal plans:

  • Flash 100 Block: $1,645
  • Flash Flex 50: $840
  • Summer 30 Block: $425
  • Flash DB 200: $200
  • Flash DB 400: $400
  • Flash DB 800: $800
2024 Cohort

The meal plan rates listed below are the 2024 cohort semester rates included in the Tuition Guarantee Plan. They are also the semester rates for non-cohort students for academic year 2024-2025.

First- and second-year residential meal plans:

  • The Gold Plan: $3,190
  • The Kent Plan: $2,915
  • The Blue Plan: $2,690
  • Flash 200 Block: $2,690

Upper class and commuter meal plans:

  • Flash 100 Block: $1,590
  • Flash Flex 50: $840
  • Summer 30 Block: $410
  • Flash DB 200: $200
  • Flash DB 400: $400
  • Flash DB 800: $800
2023 Cohort

The meal rates listed below are the 2023 cohort semester rates included in the Tuition Guarantee Plan. They are also the semester rates for non-cohort students for academic year 2023-2024.

First- and second-year residential meal plans:

  • The Gold Plan: $3,025
  • The Kent Plan: $2,765
  • The Blue Plan: $2,550
  • Flash 200 Block: $2,550

Upper-class and commuter meal plans:

  • Flash 200 Block: $2,550
  • Flash 100 Block: $1,510
  • Flash Flex 50: $800
2022 Cohort

The meal plan rates listed below are the 2022 cohort semester rates included in the Tuition Guarantee Plan. They are also the semester rates for non-cohort students for academic year 2022-2023.

First- and second-year residential meal plans:

  • The Gold Plan: $2,898
  • The Kent Plan: $2,648
  • The Blue Plan: $2,448
  • Flash 200 Block: $2,448

Upper-class and commuter meal plans:

  • Flash 200 Block: $2,448
  • Flash 100 Block: $1,445
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