As a student in the GTA, dealing with studies, social life, and a part-time job can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to managing your budget. Food is one of the major expenses; at the end of the day, you have to eat a full meal three times! Don’t worry; you can easily cut costs without sacrificing flavour or quality with a few smart strategies. Here are ten easy ways to save money on food as a university or college student!

1. Meal Prep Like a Pro

Prepping your meals in advance is a game-changer for your wallet and schedule. Set aside some time on the weekend (we recommend Sunday night when there is nothing else to do) to cook a few meals in bulk. You can store them in the fridge or freezer, ensuring you have homemade food ready to go. This helps avoid the temptation of expensive takeout or cafeteria meals, especially when rushing between classes.

2. Make a Grocery List and Stick to It

Impulse buying is a big-budget buster. Before heading to the store, take a few minutes to plan your meals for the week and make a grocery list based on that plan. Sticking to your list helps you avoid grabbing unnecessary items that will increase your total. And we know what we are talking about; we also like to buy ingredients for the food we saw on TikTok that we would never prepare, especially during exams week.

3. Opt for Simple Recipes

There’s no need to get fancy or buy expensive ingredients to eat well. Stick to simple recipes that require basic ingredients you already have on hand. Think stir-fries, pasta dishes, soups, and stews. These meals are filling, affordable, and easy to make in large quantities. There will be time to cook like a MasterChef when you are successful and have more time. Before that, let’s focus on your grades.

4. Limit Eating Out

We all love a night out, but eating at restaurants or ordering in frequently adds up quickly. This one is especially important in the GTA as fast food can be an expensive treat here. Try to limit eating out to at least twice a month or for special occasions. If you’re craving takeout, see if you can recreate your favourite dishes at home for a fraction of the price.

5. Use Student Discounts

Many local grocery stores and restaurants in the GTA offer discounts for students. Don’t be shy—ask about student deals and take advantage of them! If you are too shy to ask, at iSchoolWallet, we have up to 40% off in participant restaurants within our platform. You can register here, iSchoolWallet and start using your student discounts.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to save money on food without compromising on quality or taste. Eating well on a student budget is totally doable with a bit of planning and creativity. And don’t forget to make the most of those student discounts—you deserve it!

Happy saving, and bon appétit!

Resources

●     “ Learn how to grocery shop to save time and money” The Spruce Eats.

●     “ How to meal plan: 23 Helpful Tips” Healthline

●     “ Enjoy great food on a budget” Good Cheap Eats

●     “ The true cost of eating out: a financial perspective” The budget mom