University guides
On this page
UVic Meal Plan: 2026-27 Costs, The Cove and the +PLUS Account
If you live in a UVic dorm room, the Standard Residence Meal Plan is mandatory and already in your residence fee: $7,756 for 2026-27. It's a declining balance on your ONECard. Of that, $3,528 is meal plan money, which buys food at half price at The Cove and Mystic Market, plus $200 in Flex Funds. Students in cluster, pod or apartment housing, and off campus, can buy the tax-exempt +PLUS Account instead.
Sources checked October 2, 2026. View sources
Where the $7,756 goes
The service delivery fee is a non-refundable 50% upfront fee. UVic says it's offset by the 50% price reduction you get at The Cove (except Cove Market Express) and Mystic Market (except the General Store). The Capital Improvement Fund pays for residence dining improvements and can't be spent on food.
| Part | Term 1 | Term 2 | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Meal Plan dollars (spendable) | $1,764 | $1,764 | $3,528 |
| Flex Funds (spendable) | $100 | $100 | $200 |
| Service delivery fee | $1,864 | $1,864 | $3,728 |
| Capital Improvement Fund | $150 | $150 | $300 |
| Total | $3,878 | $3,878 | $7,756 |
Where you can spend it
- Meal plan dollars: The Cove and other University Food Services (UNFS) outlets. They're tax-exempt, half price at The Cove and Mystic Market, and 5% off at other UNFS outlets.
- Flex Funds: all UNFS outlets (5% off), the UVic Bookstore, the Student Union Building, CARSA, McKinnon Gym, and printing and photocopying.
- Unused money at the end of the year moves to a Carry Forward Account on your ONECard for future food purchases. All meal plans are non-refundable.
- Until your residence fees are fully paid, only one month of meal plan money is loaded on your ONECard.
The Cove
The Cove is the residence dining hall, in Cheko'nien House beside the Student Union Building, off Ring Road. It's a carbon-neutral building with one of North America's largest Passive House kitchens and seats 700 over two levels.
- Its nine kiosks are Port Cafe and Espresso Bar, Cove Express, The Sandwich Lab, Verde (plant-based), Mykonos, Bento Bowls, Feast (a rotating three-week menu), Vikes Grill and Nonna's Pizza.
- If you have dietary restrictions, UVic encourages you to meet its registered dietitian. It doesn't recommend the meal plan for students with celiac disease, because it can't rule out gluten cross-contamination.
The +PLUS Account for non-dorm students
Students in cluster, family, apartment or pod-style housing, or off campus, can buy the +PLUS Account. Purchases are tax-exempt and get 5% off at UNFS locations. Dorm students can also add money to it for extra flexibility.
| Plan | Value |
|---|---|
| One month (any month September to April) | $500 |
| Term (4 months) | $1,750 |
- Apply with the form by email to eat@uvic.ca or in person at the UNFS office. September 2026 applications opened August 1, 2026.
- It can't be used at the Mystic Market General Store, Cove Market Express, the Student Union Building or Starbucks.
- There's no meal plan for summer residence students.
Keep exploring
Sources and updates
This independent guide summarizes the official information linked below. Availability, access rules and application cycles can change; check the relevant university page before making a decision.