Usually the meal plan can be changed within the first few weeks of add/drop, at least at my kids’ schools.
Both didn’t eat every meal at the dining hall so we went with 10-14 meals in dining hall meal swipes and flex dollars that can be used at other campus eateries.
These were not the most expensive plans.
They both can save money on room and board by living off campus.
Most freshman need to live on campus though, depending on school.