Food is constantly on the minds of students, especially for those in college settings. From a quick snack in between classes to a late dinner after an unintended night class, eating is a necessity at Troy University. If you're like me, you get tired of eating at "Saga" or at Trojan Center on campus -- and I'm only a freshman. However, spending money on your own can be expensive and out of the question for a majority of us. Luckily, there happens to be numerous ways to save your money and to enjoy what you eat at the same time.
1. Couponing
While this may seem like an inconvenience to some, it really works! It's all about taking the initiative to do so. Spend some time removing the inserts from your local newspapers every once in a while, and stash the coupons in your glove department or purse. When you're out and about in Troy, stop by your favorite spot and save some of the money that you usually blow on fast food. Quick tip: Doubling up on coupons usually works!
2. Try cooking on your own!
A healthy and conservative choice could be cooking or eating in your own apartments or dorms. A lot of students complain about missing at-home cooking but never make the choice to do it by themselves. Cooking on your own can save the time of waiting in line at Moe's and can include meal choices that help you to maintain the healthy lifestyle that you desire to have. Go to a local supermarket while you're in town one day and find quick and easy meals that you can make on your own. Save the walk from your apartments to Saga and walk into your kitchens, instead! Quick tip: You can shop at unofficial "grocery stores" like Wal-Mart or Dollar General and buy your items for less!
3. Ramen
This what defines a college student's meal. Recently, many have found that ramen noodles serve as an inexpensive meal for those who simply cannot afford meal plans or refuse to use their "flex points" that day, in hopes of saving them for finals week. Stock up on this at the Dollar Tree and save them for days when you desire nothing less than staying in bed all day. It can also serve as an alternative for chicken noodle soup when you're feeling under-the-weather.
4. The Dollar Menu
Almost every fast food restaurant in Troy has a dollar menu and since almost all food joints are along Highway 231, it won't be much trouble to choose! Indeed, coupons are great for those who desire more for less money, but the dollar menu can be helpful for those who don't eat much and don't always want fries with their burgers. This choice not only saves a few bucks but can also limit the amount of food that you consume, too!
5. Divert yourself from Boar's Head
Unless you miraculously have unlimited flex points, then save your money and try eating a pre-made sandwich at Saga instead. Boar's Head is probably one of the most expensive choices on campus and can waste many potential flex points if you eat there unnecessarily.
6. Save receipts from recent trips at Sonic!
At the bottom of every receipt at Sonic is an address for a link to a survey you can complete online. Complete the five minute or less survey, write your confirmation code down underneath the link, and take it back to Sonic for a FREE drink!
7. Invite your parents to visit
Your parents are DYING to see and spend time with you! Take the time after or between classes to visit with them and suggest grabbing a bite to eat. More than likely, they have travelled immediately after work to avoid traffic and haven't had time to stop and eat anything. Suggest eating as a family together-- your parents may even bring food from home and cook at your apartment for you and your friends.
8. Try using Yik-Yak
Tons of students spend their days/nights on the social media interaction app; you can even specifically designate your location to Troy University. While you're scrolling, you can find people who simply want someone to eat with them (and most of the time, they'll offer to use their flex points or to "swipe you in"). Try using this app and other social media websites or just ask a friend who may need to use up the rest of their meal plan before the end of the semester.
9. Bring Food from Home
Visiting your hometown on the weekends or during vacations can serve as the perfect time to pick up a few items your families may not be using for your dorm. You can probably even talk your parents into purchasing a few items for you while you're there. Items that may not be of use to them could serve as snacks and potential meal items for YOU. Quick tip: Leftovers are college students' favorites!
10. Try skipping 3 Meals a Day
Eating three meals a day isn't required for anyone, and most of the time, you find that it isn't possible anyways -- especially for college students. Limit yourself to one or two big meals and snack in your room for that "third" time.
