<p>I simply walk up to the cashier and say “Hello, Dining Dollars please.” Only a couple times have they tried swiping my card for a meal plan first. Most cashiers will already have meal plans queued up and have to go back a couple screens for dining dollars, which only takes a couple seconds. If one requested to pay with another method of payment, but the employee swiped a meal plan instead, the manager will be able to take your desired form of payment and give you a pass for a free meal* as refunds require a lot of paperwork.</p>
<p>*Sometimes this is an informal “say hello when you stop in again and I’ll waive you through” or a physical coupon which may be used for a meal at any dining hall, including dinner at Bryant. </p>
<p>Some colleges actually charge more for meals when one purchases the required dining plan than if one pays cash/school credit. Luckily, UA does not do this. Part of the reason Bama Dining does the $5.45 specials is to encourage upperclassmen, faculty, and staff to eat on campus. Breakfast at Fresh Foods was $5.45 for almost all of last semester.</p>
<p>If one really wants to save money, go right before the dining hall changes to the more expensive meal. I’ve been going to Lakeside/Burke at 3:55PM on $5 Fridays and staying the 5 minutes until the switchover to dinner.</p>