5 Tips for Eating on A Budget in College

Posted on Monday, January 27th, 2020

Eating on a budget as a college student can be challenging. Whether you are living in Residence or off-campus, learning to live on your own and manage a budget is a transition we all face at one time or another. Check out these our top 5 tips to help you stay on track!

1. Learn to cook and stock up!

Save money by learning to cook at home! Eating take out regularly can add up quickly, so stock up on a few basics in the kitchen and prepare some meals at home. Keep in mind everything has a shelf-life, so if you buy more than you can consume in a week, fresh foods will expire. Canned foods are a fraction of the cost of fresh products, and have a longer shelf-life to ensure you get your money’s worth! For some foods such as bread, refrigerating or freezing the product can lengthen the shelf-life.

Here are a few items that are relatively inexpensive, can be stored at room temperature, and used in a variety of dishes to keep your meals interesting!

  • Bread (including tortillas or pitas)
  • Peanut butter
  • Pasta and pasta sauce
  • Grains, such as rice, oatmeal, couscous, or quinoa
  • Canned or dry beans
  • Canned or frozen veggies and fruit
  • Canned tuna or chicken, or shelf-stable tofu
  • Olive or vegetable oil
  • Vinegar
  • Spices and seasonings, such as salt, pepper, chilli powder, Italian seasoning, and any other favourites

2. Check out some helpful apps

Looking for some guidance in the kitchen? If you’re new to cooking, check out these free apps for iOs and Android to help you navigate your way around and create delicious meals! There are many more available online, these are just a few examples.

3. Surf the web for inspiration

When you begin cooking regularly, it can be tiresome trying to find recipes to keep your meals fun and interesting. Lucky for you, the world wide web is full of endless possibilities and inspiration for cooking, including videos, web articles, social media, or e-books! Check out these examples:

4: Save money with an on-campus meal plan

For some students, eating on-campus is the most convenient option. You’re here often for classes, and sometimes for social or extra-curricular activities too. A basic meal plan on campus can save students up to 5% at most locations, or students can save up to 13% on most items with a term meal plan! Learn more from Campus Services!

5: Algonquin Students’ Association Food Cupboard

Did you know your Algonquin Students’ Association has a food cupboard conveniently located on-campus? This service recognizes the financial concerns of students in need and provides those who require the services with food and other basic necessities. Learn more!


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