E|Dining 101: where to go, what to eat, how meal plans work

Ever since President Brendan Kelly settled in at Eastern Michigan University, he has made it a priority to make changes and improvements to dining at EMU.

From Starbucks to The Commons to the markets on campus, E|Dining has several options on campus. Whether new to EMU or have been here for a while, here is what students should know about E|Dining for the fall 2026 semester.

"Dining is an important part of the college experience," Beth Smith, the residential district manager for E|Dining told The Eastern Echo in an email. "We want every student to feel confident that they can find food that meets their needs, supports their wellbeing, and helps them feel at home on campus. This year, we're excited to continue expanding wellness, sustainability, and student-focused dining experiences across EMU."

In a video posted on EMU's Instagram page, President Kelly announced some of the changes with E|Dining, including Chick-Fil-A moving from McKenny Hall to the Student Center, a new Chipotle-style restaurant at The Eastern Eateries, a bagel and coffee shop in McKenny Hall and more.

The Student Center, McKenny Hall, Pray-Harrold, Halle Library, The Commons and The Eastern Eateries all have different food options for dining. The Student Center has Starbucks, Little Caesar's Pizza and Chick-Fil-A. McKenny Hall has The Daily Bagel. The Eastern Eateries has Ciao Bella, Copperhead Jack's, Cluck and Melt Lab. The Commons offers all-you-care-to-eat food. In addition, the Student Center, Pray-Harrold, The Eateries and Halle Library have markets.

Reference the graphic below for what days and times each place is open.

"We encourage new students to take some time during their first few weeks on campus to explore everything E|Dining has to offer," Smith told The Echo in the email. "From our residential dining in the Commons and Eastern Eateries to markets and coffee locations, there are a variety of options designed to fit different schedules, tastes, and dietary needs. We also recommend students familiarize themselves with their meal plan benefits, including meal swipes, mobile ordering, and flex dollars, so they can make the most of the convenience and value available to them throughout the semester."

Students can purchase a meal plan or purchase flex dollars for on-campus dining. Those living on campus can purchase meal plans through housing and commuter students can purchase meal plans on the E|Dining website.

The E|Dining website explains that flex dollars is a cash equivalent that is loaded directly onto a student's EagleOne ID card and work the same way as debit cards, but without sales tax. All on-campus dining locations accept the flex option, including markets and concessions.

Flex dollars are recommended for commuter students, but students who live on campus can get them, too.

The website page also states, "Your meal plan includes a set number of meals that you can purchase in advance for the academic semester. Each time you use your plan to get a meal, it's called a 'meal swipe.'"

Meal swipes can be exchanged at select campus locations for "Meal Exchange Friendly" menu items. Different swipe plans have different rules and limits when it comes to the location and how often the swipes can be used. Each time a meal swipe is used, one meal is deducted from the student's total balance in their account.

There are two apps that students can download to keep track of their account balance, observe prices and order their food ahead of time — Transact eAccounts and Transact Mobile Ordering. Both apps can be located in the App Store on iOS and Google Play on Android.

Additionally, the E|Dining website has information for students who may have food allergies, intolerances, specific diets or food insecurity. More information about meal plans, the dining locations and hours can be found on the E|Dining website.

"We're excited to welcome students back and help make campus feel like home, one meal at a time," Smith said in an email to The Echo.