When trying to decide how much money to put on your Bear Express account, consider your student status:
Are you a commuter that visits campus 2-3 times a week and may need Bear Express to supplement your meal plan or classroom supply needs?
Or are you a campus resident with a comprehensive meal plan but may need extra funds for the laundry facilities or vending machines?
The chart below shows an average amount of Bear Express that students have used per semester in the past, however these totals can vary based on individual needs.
| Usage | Typical Student |
| The College Store (textbooks) | $500 |
| Vending Machines | $150 |
| The Union Market (campus convenience store) | $50 |
| Downtown Merchants | $100 |
| Other (tickets, health prescriptions) | $50 |