Yale Room and Board - What's it like?

Hello! I'm a junior and thinking about applying to Yale University. Can anyone give me some info on the room and board situation at Yale? What's the cost, housing options, and meal plans like?

Hello! Yale University is well known for its residential college system, which aims to foster a sense of community within the larger school. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect regarding housing and meal plans for undergraduates:

1. Cost: For the 2024-2025 academic year, the cost of room and board at Yale is around $20,000. However, costs can vary depending on factors such as your choice of housing option, meal plan, or personal needs. Keep in mind that this cost is subject to change every year, and it's always good to check the school's website for the most up-to-date information.

2. Housing Options: As a Yale undergraduate, you'll be assigned to one of the 14 residential colleges on campus, which helps create a diverse and supportive environment. You will live in this college for all four years, and each residential college offers various types of housing options like suites, singles, or doubles. First-year students typically live in on-campus suites, with a common room and bedrooms shared by four to six students. Upperclassmen have more options, including singles or smaller suites. Most residential colleges also have a limited number of apartments for seniors.

3. Meal Plans: Yale Dining provides different meal plan options that cater to a variety of dietary needs and preferences. First-year students are required to have a full meal plan, which provides unlimited access to all residential dining halls and a number of additional guest swipes. Second-year students have the choice between the full meal plan or a 14 meals-per-week plan. In their third and fourth years, students have even more flexibility, choosing among the full meal plan, the 14 meals-per-week plan, or the 7 meals-per-week plan, depending on their needs and preferences.

I hope this gives you a better idea of what to expect in terms of room and board at Yale. Living on campus can be an enriching, fun, and educational experience, getting you closely connected with the vibrant Yale community!