What is a Meal Plan?

A pre-paid account used to eat on campus with a simple swipe of your Cardinal Card. Meal plans are comprised of visits and flex bucks.

What is a visit?

A visit is one trip to WestSide.  You’ll swipe your card at the door, deducting one visit from your weekly allotment.  Once inside, it’s all-you-care-to-eat at every dining station.  Visits will reset each Thursday night.  For example, if you’re on the Any 10 & $150 Flex Bucks plan, you’ll have 10 visits every Friday morning.  Visits do not roll over, so use you them whenever you get hungry even if that means a two-breakfast Tuesday.

What are flex bucks?

Flex bucks are a dollar for dollar account on your Cardinal Card. Think of it as a dining debit card for any dining venue or convenience store on campus. Flex Bucks are allotted per semester.  For example, the Any 10 Visits & $150 in Flex Bucks plan provides $150 in Flex Bucks for each semester.

Do I have to purchase a Meal Plan?

U of L will automatically place full-time students on a default plan according to where you live. (Check out your plan details here.)   You can, however, apply for an exemption.

Part-time students and students attending fewer than 9 credit hours on the Belknap campus are exempted from the automatic plan, but may contact the Cardinal Card Office to purchase one.

Can I select my Meal Plan?

You will automatically receive the default mandatory meal plan according to where you live.  Mandatory meal plans can be upgraded during the first three weeks of the semester by visiting the Cardinal Card Office online (www.louisville.edu/campuscard), on the lower level of the Houchens Building LL08K or calling 502-852-7520.

What if I have special dietary needs?

Please contact UofL Dining Services at 502-852-8310 to discuss how we may accomodate your needs.

Are there options for vegetarians?

Yes, all locations have vegetarian items.  The Wild Mushroom at WestSide is dedicated entirely to vegetarian and vegan cuisine.

What if I lose my Cardinal Card?

Report the loss to the Cardinal Card Office IMMEDIATELY, so they can protect your meal plan and any other accounts you access with your card.

How do I know my meal plan balance?

You will receive a receipt with each transaction stating your remaining visits and flex bucks.  You may also check your balance online through the Cardinal Card Office (www.louisville.edu/campuscard).

Does Dining Services employ students?

Yes.  If you are interested in working at any campus dining location, please stop by our office on the second floor of the Student Activities Center (SAC W206) to complete an application.  All locations work with your class schedule and catering, especially, has nighttime and weekend opportunities.

QUESTIONS ABOUT FLEX BUCKS

What if I do not use all of my flex bucks?

Unused flex bucks automatically transfer from Fall to Spring semester. At the end of the Spring semester, any unused flex bucks are nonrefundable and cannot be transferred to the new academic year.

What if I run out of flex bucks before the semester ends?

Easily add more flex bucks through the Cardinal Card web site (www.louisville.edu/campuscard), in person (Houchens Building LL08K) or over the phone (502-852-7520).

Where can I use my flex bucks?

Flex bucks are accepted at any dining venue or convenience store on the Belknap campus.

QUESTIONS ABOUT VISITS

What if I do not use all of my visits during a week?

Visits reset weekly, therefore unused visits expire Thursday night.

What if I run out of visits before the week ends?

WestSide accepts flex bucks, which along with visits are included on your meal plan. Cash, credit and debit cards are also accepted. During the first three weeks of each semester, you may upgrade your plan to include more weekly visits.

Where can I use my visits?

Visits can only be used at WestSide, located adjacent to University Tower Apartments.

Can I bring a friend to WestSide?

Absolutely, but you cannot pay for their meal with one of your visits.  You may treat them by using your flex bucks.