Living & Dining

When can I move in? When will I get my housing assignment? What should I bring? What’s included in my room? What am I going to eat? All of these questions and more will be answered in this section. 

What does it mean to be a commuter? Where do I hang out? What resources are available as a commuter? 

This section also contains information and answers to commonly asked questions about Otterbein’s dining service and meal plan options. 

Do I have to live on campus?

All full-time, traditional first-year students, sophomores and juniors are required to live on campus unless married, 22 years of age or commuting from their parents’ home within a 30-mile radius of campus. The majority of new students live on campus. 

Students may request housing or apply to commute from their home address through the housing portal at MCR Housing. Log in using your Otterbein username and password at https://otter.mcrhousing.app and follow the directions for “New Students” after watching a short intro video. The Resources menu in the system will link you to a packing list so you know what to bring with you, check-in dates/times and information about furniture in each hall. Through MCR, you can connect with others and select a roommate based on your living preferences. Room and roommate assignments will be available in MCR in early July.

What does my housing agreement mean?

Your housing agreement is your commitment to live in and pay for campus housing and a dining plan for the academic year. Housing and dining plan agreements are legally binding documents signed for the full academic year (fall and spring semesters). Students are expected to abide by the agreement and remain in housing for both semesters after signing the agreement. Students who are unsure if they wish to live in campus housing should make their decision before signing an agreement. Students under the age of 18 will need a parent/guardian to sign the agreement.

 

Food on Campus and Meal Plan Options

What am I going to eat?

Otterbein’s dining service prepares locally sourced, made-from-scratch food for fresh and flavorful meals. Otterbein gives you healthy options at every meal. Many are low in fat, carbohydrates and sodium. Vegetarian entrées and sides are available at each meal. Gluten-free options are also available. Visit our Dining Services page at https://www.otterbein.edu/campus-life/dining-options/ for more information.

What if I have special dietary needs?

Because most of our food is made from scratch, Otterbein can accommodate most special dietary needs with advance notice. Contact Jimmy Oldham at joldham@parkhurstdining.com or Bill Cochrane at wcochrane@parkhurstdining.com to discuss your needs.

What are my meal plan options?

New students have the choice of two meal plans: 

  • The Cardinal Plan (21 meals per week, $50 Cardinal Dollars) 
  • The 210 Plan (210 meals per semester, approx.13 meals per week, $150 Cardinal Dollars) 

The Cardinal Plan provides students with the ability to eat during every meal served in the Cardinal’s Nest (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner each day) or use their meal during breakfast and lunch at The Point Café using the meal exchange menu. Students who regularly eat three meals a day are encouraged to consider this option. The Cardinal Plan provides $50 in Cardinal Dollars for use at all dining venues.  

The 210 Plan provides more flexibility for students to use their 210 meals as they wish at the Cardinal’s Nest or at The Point Café. Students with the 210 plan may use their meals to bring a guest to a meal and they will have $150 Cardinal Dollars for use at all dining venues.   

Cardinal Dollars are used like cash in any of the four dining locations on campus (Cardinal’s Nest, OtterBean, OtterDen and The Point Café). The OtterBean is a favorite among students serving Starbucks drinks along with a variety of snacks, sandwiches and sweet treats. The OtterDen offers a range of sweet and savory snacks and often partners with local food trucks. Students can always check their balances through the TouchNet360U app. Students who run out of meals or dollars during the semester can purchase additional dollars (Munch Money) as described below. 

Students without meal plans, or who run out of Cardinal Dollars, may add Munch Money to their accounts for use at all dining venues. Munch Money can be added via the TouchNet360U app or by contacting the Business Office at 614-823-1151. Munch Money functions as a declining balance at all dining venues and provides a discount with use at the Cardinal’s Nest.