Dining, Eating Clubs and Co-Ops

Share Meals with New Friends

The residential experience is a central feature of a Princeton education. While all first year and sophomore students are required to live in one of six residential colleges, most enjoy the variety of housing and dining options available and remain on campus throughout their undergraduate years.

Many students join the Prospect Street eating clubs as juniors and seniors. The undergraduate members of eating clubs are second-semester sophomores, juniors and seniors.  These students become active members in the clubs’ social, intramural and educational activities. Social events, community service initiatives, and programs supporting undergraduate initiatives are regularly hosted by the clubs, and a select number of these are also open to non-members.

Students with arms raised

Eating Clubs

The 11 eating clubs on Prospect Avenue are institutions unique to Princeton University. They are private organizations, independently owned and operated by their respective alumni boards. While classes are in session, the clubs offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Each club determines its own membership. Five of the clubs are open lotteries called "sign-in," and six by way of "bicker," a selective membership process. The costs and rules for membership vary from club to club, but they collaborate to ensure their broader membership and Princeton students across campus can share in the experience they contribute.

Co-ops, Upperclass and Independent Dining

In addition to eating clubs, Princeton also offers student-led dining co-operatives. Students join to share food preparation responsibilities, build community in open-cooking facilities on campus. Independent dining is an option for students who choose not to hold a meal plan or join a club or co-op.

Upperclass students may sign up for any of the various options available through dining services. For more information, please visit the Dining Services website.  Selected rooms are also available in room draw near open kitchens in most upperclass dormitories, including Spelman Hall.  "Independent Students" are defined as students who agree not to join an eating club or to hold a university dining plan.

2D Co-op
2 Dickinson St.

Members 50 members. Each member cooks once a week in groups of 5-6.
On the Menu Vegetarian cuisine, including vegan, gluten-free, and other options tailored to the members' needs
Not on the Menu Fish, poultry or meat 
Meal Times  Dinner at 6:30pm every night, and 11:30am brunch on Saturdays and Sundays
Chores Ordering food, making bread, buying spices, cleaning, etc.
Kitchen Access Members have 24/7 access to the kitchen, ingredients and leftovers
Cost $600 per semester

International Food
IFC

Members Members cook once a week with three other members. Those who join will learn to cook. 
On the Menu Cuisines from many different countries in the company of other food aficionados. The IFC has traditions and events that celebrate the holidays of cultures across the globe.
Location Entryway 4 of Laughlin
Cost $650 per semester 

Brown Food
217 Brown Hall

Members Brown Food includes 34 members each semester. Each person cooks in a group of 3-4 people once per week.
On the Menu Meat & Vegetarian Dishes; leftovers available for lunch
Dinner Time 6:30pm dinner, 11:30am brunch on Saturdays and Sundays
Chores Shopping, cleaning, taking inventory, planning social events, etc.
Kitchen Access Members have 24/7 prox access to the kitchen for equipment, food, and leftovers for other meals.
Cost $500 per semester.

Scully Co-op
319 Scully Hall

Members 40 members. Each member cooks once a week in groups of 4 or 5.
On the Menu Different cuisines. Includes dairy and meat, but we're vegetarian-friendly.
Meal Time 6:30pm for dinner every night
Chores Shopping, cleaning, taking inventory, managing chores and events, etc
Kitchen Access Members have PUID-access to the kitchen.
Location Scully 3rd floor kitchen.
Cost $550 per semester.