<p>How does the meal allowance work for second year students on financial aid? Do we get that amount of money to provide our own food or are we forced to get a meal plan?</p>
<p>Thank you</p>
<p>You are not forced to get a meal plan. They budget the amount of aid you will get taking into account the total cost of attendance. If the aid amount is more than your bursar charges, they refund the difference to you.</p>
<p>and when will they refund it? beginning/end of semester?</p>
<p>Beginning. Are you asking for future years or are you waiting for funds from this semester?</p>
<p>I am guessing for next year, because otherwise you would have made your dining plans already. </p>
<p>If you are planning to live off campus or in a Frat/Sorority you will have to pay a housing deposit and possibly the entire semesters rent prior to receiving your refund. You have to plan for that.</p>