6 Ways to Spend Your Extra Dining Funds
May 14, 2024 by Paige Stanley
Use it or lose it! Dining funds are nonrefundable and non-transferable. This means that they will disappear at the end of your residential agreement period (aka when you move out of your residence hall). If you think you'll have leftover funds, check out this list of ideas of what to do with them.
1. Donate to the UW Food Pantry
Donating to the UW Food Pantry is an excellent way to help ensure no Husky goes hungry. The pantry provides essential items like shelf-stable products, organic produce from the UW Farm, ready-to-eat items from campus dining locations, and hygiene products to members of the UW community who are experiencing food insecurity – all at no cost.
Use your dining dollars to buy accepted donation items at your local District Market and drop them off at the pantry, located in Poplar Hall. Additionally, the U-District Food Bank accepts donations and would greatly benefit from food and hygiene products.
2. Stock Up for the Summer
Summer is right around the corner! Whether you are living in UW housing for summer quarter, going back home or renting a place off campus, it is always helpful to stock up on essentials before moving. You can find your favorite snacks, hygiene products, cleaning supplies and more at the District Markets. Stocking up on these items in advance will help you prepare for your next adventure.
3. Study at a Café
The end of the year means that finals week is fast approaching. Instead of sticking to a study room or library, make studying fun by trying out a new cafĂ© on campus. Treat yourself to coffees and snacks for mid-study fuel breaks. Check out Orin’s Place, Denny CafĂ©, Microsoft CafĂ©, Evolutionary Grounds, Public Grounds and more for conveniently located study hubs.
4. Treat Your Friends
While you may have funds to spare at the end of the quarter, your peers may be sticking to a tight budget to make theirs last. Why not use some of your extra funds to treat your friends to a grocery haul or meals together at your favorite dining locations? You can even gather picnic supplies and plan a fun get-together with your friends in the spring sunshine.
5. Spend at Starbucks
Remember that your dining plan is not limited to your local dining hall. You can use your dining funds to buy snacks and coffee – and merch! – at any of the Starbucks locations on campus. Branch out from your routine and explore all the cafĂ©s on campus. Check out this list of all UW's dining locations to find a new favorite.
6. Test Your Cooking Skills
Interested in learning to cook but hesitant to try it out? Use your leftover dining money to purchase ingredients from your local District Market and experiment with recipes! Get your friends to be your taste testers and perfect a new delicious meal that you can share together.
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