The Lazy Student’s Guide to Eating Cheaply in College

It’s been an insane day starting with class and ending with studying; the only thing left to do is make up for those meals that you skipped, while you were busy doing work, but while you’re waiting in line at Chick-fil-A, you realize your bank account is drained from all of the textbooks you just bought, and you’re standing there, confused and hungry.

It’s time to start learning to eat cheaply. I know what you’re thinking: There’s no time and it’ll be way too much work! Well, you’re in luck. There are tons of ways to eat on a shoestring budget, especially in college. Take these tips into consideration as you start learning how to cook at home, and you’ll be on your way to culinary and financial freedom in no time.

1. Invest in Cooking Appliances and Utensils

Start out with the essentials, like forks, knives, spoons, and basic pots and pans (a frying pan and medium pot will do). Eventually, you will reach a point where whisks, meat tenderizers and sauce pots will become essential, but start with the basics, and work your way up as you get used to the life of cooking.

2. Shop in Bulk for Cooking Ingredients

Tired of going to the store and paying exuberant prices for individual items and small portions? Start to perfect the art of shopping in bulk. Some stores offer bulk shopping options, such as Costco and Sam’s Club, as well as many local grocery stores.

3. Learn to Spot Cheap, Filling Meals

Cheap meals are everyone’s best friend, but sometimes those meals aren’t so filling. Focus on getting a lot of protein and good carbs into your body, like rice and beans; canned beans or even beans in bulk are extremely cheap and provide a ton of nutrition and protein for your body, while the rice offers healthy carbs. If you want to be even more healthy, throw in some veggies!

4. Keep Track of Sales in Grocery Stores

Many grocery stores offer weekly sales on certain food and drink items. They have recently made it even easier by adding these sale schedules to iPhones and Androids apps, so download these apps, and get ready to improve your savings on a weekly basis.

5. Utilize the Community Kitchen If You’re in a Dorm or Similar Situation

Older dorms don’t offer the amenities of having a kitchen in your dorm hallway or room, but most universities offer community kitchen spaces in their dormitory buildings. Yes, it might be awkward to have to lug your cooking supplies around your dorm, but think about the chances of meeting new friends and fellow chefs in your building!

6. Search for Coupons, Coupons, Coupons

This goes hand-in-hand with downloading grocery store apps, but you can have these coupons mailed to you as well. You might not completely love the idea of having to use coupons to pay for your food, but this will save you loads of money in the long run.

7. Buy a Reusable Water Bottle

I had to learn the hard way how expensive buying plastic water bottles from the store can be in the long run. Not only is this a waste of plastic and a serious harm to the environment, but it costs a significant amount of money to stay stocked with them. Consider buying a Nalgene or Hydro Flask; both are reusable water bottles that can save you a ton of money and help the environment at the same time.

8. Watch for Free Food on Campus

Organizations on campus are notorious for giving away free food–they understand the struggle that is finding cheap meals in college. Check your college’s events page to see which organizations will be giving away free food. This will also provide you the chance to get involved with helpful organizations that understand students.

9. Avoid Straying From Your List

We’ve all done it: We go to the grocery store on an empty stomach, only to empty our bank accounts too. Whenever shopping at a grocery store, make a list beforehand and stick to it as best you can. Sure, you’ll find items you forgot to include on the list, but make sure that these items are absolutely necessary and fill up on a snack before you start shopping.

10. Use Freezers

Is your food that you just bought already expiring? Don’t waste your food and money like this. Throw some of that food into the freezer; the freezer will preserve the food and slow the aging process of it significantly. Having a freezer will be your life saver when you don’t use some of your food quick enough.

Put down your meal plan card and stop dipping into your savings to pay for meals. Utilize the tips in this guide, and you’ll be on your way to financial stability when it comes to the food you need!