What are the two most important things in a uni students’ life; in the most stereotypical fashion I will assert it is food and booze.
I know at least over the last two years I’ve been at Trent for me that’s where most of my money appears to go and from food shops to 5am takeaways there are many ways to save money on these ‘essentials’.
Clubcards/promotions:
Over the last few years when it comes to pre drinking for a night out the Tesco clubcard has been a lifesaver.
Quite simply it solves two problems in one – it offers money off drinks (quite a substantial amount as well) and it helps me choose which bottle to buy as the best discounted one can be the choice for the night.
When the walk to Nottingham Aldi from the city feels like too long of a trip just to pre drink, these discounts come in handy and are a time saver.
Furthermore, there are also many apps or promotions to look out for when it comes to food in general with in app vouchers and the reduced sections, it’s just about spotting them.
Planning:
It’s too easy to wander round the shop and buy whatever looks nice without a care in the world in the first couple of uni weeks – huge mistake.
Whether it’s a budget, meal plan, shopping list or whatever you fancy making, stick to it.
One of the things that makes this hard to stick to is buying when you’re hungry, another mistake.
When putting this article together every website pointed to this.
Research has shown that customers are more likely to make buying decisions based on cravings and purchase food that will ultimately not keep them full for long.
Food waste apps:
Something I’m yet to try but will be making sure I do this year.
At first, they sounded too good to be true but, for example, the food waste app Too Good to Go in 2021, saved 1.3 million meals from landfill, according to the founders of the app.
Users can pick up surprise packages for places at a certain time and they will get restaurant food left after the working day.
Surely a no brainer, and there are many more of these apps which can be found on the various app stores.
Olivia Rhodes, my twin sister, and a prominent user of these apps said: “The reason being it is a sustainable way to get affordable food.
“The magic bags are good as I’m not fussy, but a fussy eater may struggle as you get what you’re given but, in big student flats you get away with it more as you can share it throughout the flat.”
Be stereotypical:
Yes there is a huge view of uni students sat eating tins of ravioli and pot noodles and there may be some food horror stories to go along with these views.
However, the reason this stereotype has stuck around for so long is it works.
Is it the most healthy, absolutely not, but at points in the week these easy items can go a long way to helping the bank account look its best.
Finally, a 5am pot noodle is much healthier and cheaper than the takeout after a night out and may leave you with less regret in the morning.