Every college student knows the very real struggle of eating on a budget. Sometimes campus cafeteria food just isn't doing it for you, and you're too broke to splurge on Chipotle for the fifth time this week. Here are a couple of cheap basics to keep on hand for your college snacking needs.
Ramen:
Let's go ahead and get the obvious out of the way. The constant college kid companion, mostly due to its disgustingly low price. For added flavor and creaminess, try adding a few spoonfuls of sour cream and a dash of pepper.
Peanut butter:
Great for a quick protein punch before classes. Pair it with pretzels, crackers, or just eat it by the spoonful!
Yogurt:
Be careful with this one since it can go bad, and only buy as much as you can eat. Yogurt is great for a fast breakfast if you're not in the mood for your heavy dining hall options.
Granola bars:
Cheap and easy to eat on the go. Nature Valley is great with flavor variation while also keeping sugar content relatively low.
Popcorn:
Instead of dishing out $5 for 10 small bags of popcorn, purchase a giant jar of kernels for about the same price — it'll last twice as long. Plus, it's super easy and healthy to pop your own popcorn.
Grapes:
Again, watch out when you're buying perishables because, chances are, you will forget all about them in your mini fridge. Pro tip: stick these in the freezer to make them last longer.
Cake mix:
My roommate and I discovered this trick halfway through second semester--grab a coffee mug and mix water and a couple spoonfuls of cake mix to make a batter. Microwave for one minute and BOOM! Instant cake.
Tea:
It's way cheaper (and healthier) to brew your own tea in your dorm. Plus, it's great in the winter time when cold season hits. Add a little bit of honey to keep your sore throat happy!
Rice:
Grab some steam-in-the-bag rice from the frozen section, and you're in business for a quick meal. Choose brown over white rice if you're looking to be healthy.
Crackers:
I prefer Ritz, though they aren't the biggest bang for your buck. Snack on a roll to tide you over until your next meal.
Try buying generic store brands when possible to keep spending to a minimum, and set a weekly limit for the amount of times you can eat out. College isn't cheap, so saving every penny counts!
