College is expensive, and for many of us, it's the first time we realize the delicacy of homemade meals and full pantries without a penny lost. If anything stuck with me from freshman year orientation, it was the saying, "eat like a college student now, so you don't have to later."
I sidled through my freshman year as thrifty as a hipster and pretty much assaulted the dining hall food supply at every visit, stuffing my backpack with bananas and zip-locks with carrots.
Sophomore year was different. I had an apartment, and I had to develop artistic muscles to paint a shopping list that would keep my spending slight and belly full.
After a year of research, these were found to be the most satisfying and inexpensive items in my pantry.
1. Rice
I did some math and if you were to eat rice for every meal with a 25 pound bag of rice from Sam's Club, you could go three months without buying groceries!! However, don't try this unless you want to end up hating rice. I speak from experience.
A more useful calculation is that if you had a serving of rice every day, your 25 pound bag of rice would last you about eight months!
2. Beans![]()
Similar to the rice segment, you can buy a 15 pound bag of pinto beans at Sam's Club. Since they're sold dry, you have to prepare them, which takes about 12 hours. But if you just make a boatload of beans on Sunday, you're set for the week!
3. Peanuts
I've found that peanuts are among the cheapest of all nuts, undeniably delicious and fantastically satisfying. So, if you're not pretentious in your nut-selection, these little legumes are for you.
4. Peanut Butter
You guys already knew this one! I'm convinced that you can add peanut butter to pretty much anything and it'd taste good. Heck, they make peanut butter burgers nowadays! Anything is possible with your good pals Jiff and Skippy by your side.
5. Bread
One word. Sandwiches. Egg sandwiches, grilled cheeses, peanut butter and jellies-- I repeat-- peanut butter and jellies.
Sandwiches are the most underrated meal, and nothing beats a good sammy.
6. Eggs
I feel like a breakfast wizard when I make eggs in the morning. The possibilities are endless! Omelets, scrambled, sunny-side up, over-easy, over-hard, boiled, poached, deviled... the list goes on!
If I were to guess, I'd bet that college success and graduation rates are directly related to consistent breakfast quality. So, please eat a good breakfast if you want to have a successful life. No pressure.
7. Apples
Apples are the best on-the-go, satisfying snacks. I encourage you to always have an apple on-hand for when hunger strikes.
8. Frozen Veggies
At Target Express in Dinkytown, the bags of frozen veggies are only ninety-nine cents! Who says you can't be healthy and frugal?
This one is important-- these veggie bags are life-savers!
9. Popcorn Kernels 
If you learn anything in college, learn how to make air-popped popcorn! This was all I ate during finals week and I don't regret a thing.
10. Garlic Salt
I sprinkled this magic seasoning dust on pretty much everything on this list. Nothing you make in college is going to be mom's-home-cooked-meal quality, but garlic salt on your eggs can at least help you pretend you're somewhat gourmet.
Well, good luck keeping your grades up, your rent paid, and your budget tight! Meanwhile, if anyone wants some rice, I have about 15 pounds still in my pantry.
