Attention, fellow foodies! University life can be a whirlwind of exciting experiences, but let’s face it—eating well while navigating a budget can be tricky. Fear not, because we’ve uncovered some fantastic ways for you to enjoy incredible meals without breaking the bank.

#1. Get Together With Friends

University life often marks the start of gaining your own independence, and that includes learning how to cook! Consider organising themed nights with friends, where each person brings a dish to share. It’s a great way to taste different cuisines and showcase your skills around a chopping board. You’ll be amazed at the variety of food and flavours you can explore without spending a fortune. 

#2. The Art of Meal Prepping

Preparing meals in bulk not only saves time but also cuts down on expenses. Spend a Sunday afternoon cooking up a storm and portioning out meals for the week. From pasta bakes to stir-fries, the options are endless, TikTok is great for recipes and there are loads of resources online to sieve through. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to sharpen your cooking skills and impress your friends or family when it’s time to impress. 

On a fitness journey? Meal prepping is the easiest way to hit your macros and as we’ve learnt from the growing number of fitness influencers, gains are made in the kitchen! 

#3. Hunt for Student-Friendly Deals

Keep an eye out for discounts and student offers at local supermarkets or farmer’s markets. Many places offer special rates for students, especially during certain times of the week. Additionally, explore student discount sites such as StudentBeans, UniDays and Totum, offering money off places such as Co-op and Greggs; they might seem small but can add up to significant savings over time. 

#4. Say No To Food Waste

Apps like Too Good To Go connect users with local cafes, bakeries and restaurants offering surplus food at discounted rates before closing time. They sell “magic bags” filled with delicious, perfectly edible items that would otherwise go to waste. It’s a win-win situation; you snag tasty treats at a fraction of the original price while aiding in reducing food waste. 

By using these apps, you not only get access to affordable meals but you will also be preventing food from ending up in landfills. Keep an eye on these apps for surprise bargains and opportunities to explore different cuisines without straining your budget. 

#5. Don’t Forget To Treat Yourself

After a night out, satisfying those cravings doesn’t have to break the bank. Consider pooling with friends for a late-night snack or meal. Whether it’s hitting up a local chicken shop for a shared plate of hot wings or splitting the cost of a pizza, sharing the expense with friends can make these indulgences more affordable. 

Treating yourself occasionally is part of the university experience too! Set aside a small budget for those moments when you crave a special meal. Ordering food once in a while, perhaps from your favourite restaurant or trying new cuisine, can be a delightful break from cooking and studying.

Look for discounts or special deals on food delivery apps to make these treats more budget-friendly. 

Novel’s student accommodation in London offers the perfect setting to indulge in these food adventures. Great locations and common spaces provide the ideal backdrop for enjoying a great plate of food. You can always make use of our private dining area and cook up a storm with your friends or visitors. 

Remember, when you’re cooking, it’s not just about filling up—it’s about enjoying different tastes, cultures, and good times together. You can make every meal super tasty without spending too much money if you get a little creative and use what you’ve got! 

As you dive into this exciting chapter of your life, let the joy of good food be a constant companion. Bon appétit!

Rachel Ellis