List of Massachusetts Institute of Technology Undergraduate Dormitories - Dining Halls

Dining Halls

The MIT administration has emphasized incorporation of shared dining facilities into several larger undergraduate dormitories, as places where daily informal social interactions can occur. After discontinuation of "mandatory commons" in 1970, required meal plans have now been reinstituted for residents of several dormitories, despite the vigorous objections of some students. As of 2012, the MIT meal plans offer a mix of choices, required for residents of some dorms, and optional for all other undergraduates and all grad students.

Five MIT undergrad dorms have dining halls, and require a "mandatory house dining meal plan program" for all undergraduate residents. However, upperclassmen living in these dorms have the option to sign up for fewer meals on a plan (at reduced cost), giving them more flexibility in arranging for some of their own meals.

The mandatory meal plan dorms are:

• Baker House
• Maseeh Hall (the only meal plan hall which is also open for lunch)
• McCormick Hall
• Next House
• Simmons Hall

The other dorms are designated as "cook-for-yourself" communities, and have kitchens on each floor, or in each suite of apartments. Residents of these dorms may also opt to sign up for a meal plan at another dorm with dining facilities, or may eat at any dining hall on a "cash" basis. Groceries and prepared food can be bought on-campus or at nearby stores, and free shuttle service is available to selected grocery stores further off campus. In addition, there is a fresh produce market on campus open one day per week throughout most of the calendar year.