Every LSU Freshman living on campus is required to enroll into the LSU Dining plan. With the LSU meal plan, students receive credits called Paw Points. Paw Points can be redeemed in a variety of different ways. They act as a supplementary currency for Freshman and can be purchased during any year at LSU. Paw Points are great but are sometimes complicated to understand. Here is a guide on exactly what Paw Points are, where to spend them, and how they work.

What Are Paw Points?

            Paw Points are the university’s retail portion of the dining plan. The LSU website writes,”These dollars can be used in any Dining retail location to pay a la carte. These dollars may also be used to pay door price for entrance into the all-you-care-to-eat facilities. Paw Points may NOT be used off campus.”

Where do I use them?

            Paw Points can be used at most locations on campus and are treated like real cash.

Here is a list of a few locations that Paw Points can be used on campus:

• McDonald’s
• Einstein Bros Bagels
• Tiger Lair Food Court
• Magnolia Room Restaurant
• CC’s Coffeehouse
• Smoothie King
• Atrium Café
• The Club at Union Square

How Paw Points work?

Paw Points are used like cash, but feel more like a debit card. Paw Points are loaded up into your LSU Tiger ID by using LSUMylink. Paw Points can be redeemed at most on campus restaurants. It is important to keep your Tiger ID on you so that you can use your Paw Points. You swipe your Tiger ID like a debit card at participating locations in order to redeem your Paw Points. Once you use your Paw Points they’re gone for good, but excess Paw Points from first semester roll over into second semester. Paw Points not used by the second semester are then terminated.

Paw Points are an effective and useful way to get food during freshman year. It is a great system and is super convenient for an acclimating student. Paw Points were a very important part of my freshman year and kept me well fed after Tigerland.

Image via LSU Auxiliary Services