We’re often bombarded with a ton of food options as the school year begins. This is especially true for first-year students who are amazed at how much food is available in the dining halls. However, soon the barrage of free pizza at welcome events is going to slow, leaving students, especially those without a meal plan, wondering, “Where do I go from here?”
Whether this is your first time living on your own or you're a returning student who no longer has a meal plan, cooking your own food is probably one of the cheapest, healthiest dining options. It sounds difficult, especially if one has to deal with a shared kitchen, but here are some basic grocery shopping and cooking tips that will help you get this year started right:
Grocery shopping
If you don’t have a car and you live on campus, grocery shopping may seem like a herculean task. Thankfully, Gainesville's Regional Transit System can take you to Trader Joe’s, Publix at Williston Plaza and two Publix locations at Butler Plaza.
Now, I know people who are loyal to both Trader Joe’s and Publix and people who will only shop at one or the other. I feel Trader Joe’s has better quality frozen, microwavable meals and pre-packaged salads than Publix, but I find Publix has better prices on produce, milk and other essentials, so I typically go there. If you have a smartphone, I download the Publix app. You can see each week’s ad and create your shopping list on your phone.
I normally plan my meals around sale items. Although this may sound limiting, you can usually find great food for low prices. For example, I can find Florida zucchini and yellow squash for less than $1 per pound and buy-one-get-one-free bagged salads.
Because I live on campus, I prefer not to cook raw meat in the dorm kitchen. I find buying either chicken tenders or a rotisserie chicken from the deli is a huge timesaver. I just add the chicken tenders to salads, or I will end up tearing up the rotisserie chicken to throw it in salad or pasta.
Invest in reusable grocery bags, especially ones that are insulated. Besides being more environmentally friendly, the reusable bags are typically larger than plastic bags, reducing the amount of bags you have to drag from the bus stop to your dorm. Insulated bags also ensure your cold food doesn’t melt or spoil while you wait for the bus.
Cooking
I try to devote one day to cooking and preparing meals for the week. Although the stereotype for college students is that we live off of Ramen noodles and boxed macaroni and cheese, these are not bad meal ideas.
However, to add some more flavor and sustenance, add different vegetables or cooked meat. When I have macaroni and cheese, I try adding rotisserie chicken from the deli and sautéed grape tomatoes and onions. Other times, I’ll cook spaghetti, add bottled tomato sauce and throw in some sautéed mushrooms, onions, zucchini and chicken.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Some combinations might not turn out that great, but you may be surprised to find some experimentation in the kitchen creates scrumptious meal ideas.
All in all, cooking your own meals, whether in a shared kitchen or your own apartment, is an easy way to save money and stay healthy!
