BEING REAL

As students, we’ve all unfortunately been there. Perhaps it was a long day on campus, or maybe you’ve spent the last of your money on a few too many double vodkas at the weekend, but the cupboards are empty. Not even a trusted pesto pasta is there to save the day. Trust me, I understand. Around a year ago my flatmates and I decided to put an end to this ongoing cycle. Together we crowded around the table finally, using the mountain of the dusty cooking books we had been gifted and we started to plan. This blog captures all the tips and tricks that we have learned over the year, from social group dinners to easy breakfasts and the best eating-out hotspots. Creating the sort of big sister advice book, we wished we had.

 

My first piece of advice will explore group dinners - a fantastic way to cut weekly shopping costs while gaining some essential flat bonding time! From cooking up a storm to laughing at the dining table, flat time is a highlight of the university experience. This section will explore a brief introduction to shopping within a budget, the next blog will explore group dinners in further detail including a sample flat meal plan, a shopping list, all accompanied by some meal inspiration.

 

Finding an affordable supermarket is essential for staying within a student-friendly budget. Personally, we have found that this is the best way to shop smart. As for supermarket recommendations we have found ALDI to be both cheap and varied, with bonus points for the random buys from the middle isles.  I also highly recommend looking into loyalty schemes offered by supermarkets, a great way to find bargains! 

 

Some supermarket tips from me include don’t shop while hungry! And create a colour-coordinated list, such as all fruits and veg written in pink to not go off track or forget anything essential!