Inexpensive doesn't have to mean boring

Is London one of the most expensive cities to live in? Yes. Is life as a student here quite hectic? Also yes. But does that mean that you can’t cook and enjoy delicious meals every day on a small budget? Absolutely not! As a self-proclaimed foodie who can’t afford to eat out frequently or have a hefty grocery budget, I’ve cracked the code to eating well without breaking the bank. Read ahead to discover the ultimate thrifty guide to meal planning.                                                                          

Make a grocery list before you shop 

Are you someone who always ends up getting carried away whenever you step into a grocery store? I don’t blame you, because those tiramisu pots, chocolate chunk brownies, and seemingly never-ending aisles of snacks do look extremely appealing, but then you are left staring in shock at the bill as you stand at the till. Well, a grocery list will become your best friend in keeping your pantry organised and your expenses in check. 

Here’s what to do before you head out for your weekly shop:

• Check what’s in your cabinets and refrigerator so you don’t buy something you already have.
• Roughly plan the meals you will be cooking for the week to guide your shopping.
• Account for any days you’ll be eating out to avoid buying more than what you need. 
• Make a list of ingredients you’ll need and use a template divided by food groups if you want to stay even more organised. 

Stock up on essential yet versatile ingredients 

When it comes to meal planning on a tight budget, what you buy is undoubtedly the most important part of the process. Granted, you might not be reaching for the gourmet sourdough or the eye-wateringly expensive pack of lamb chops, but that does not mean you have to live the entirety of your student life here eating sad, insipid meals. 

So what’s the game plan, you ask? Here’s how to shop smart:

• Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to stick to one grocery store. Some ingredients will be cheaper in one chain compared to the other, so feel free to hit different supermarkets in your area to get the best deal. 
• If you go later in the day, you’ll find many fresh food and bakery items with reduced pricing stickers on them. Look out for the expiration dates, and store these items in the freezer to extend their shelf life.
• Build your pantry with essential ingredients that you know you’ll use regularly, instead of fancy or obscure products that you will probably use once before they’re relegated to the depths of your cupboard.
• A good starting point is to buy your choice of carbs, like pasta, bread and rice. Then, pick your preferred protein along with veg and fruits, and round it off with dairy products and any extra condiments or sauces. 

Cook ahead and freeze any extras 

So you’ve done the shopping. How you cook and store is the next step in ensuring your groceries stretch for longer. We’ve all been there - you make a pot of pasta, and voila, you suddenly have enough servings to feed an entire army. In such situations, freezing extra portions is not only a clever way to avoid food waste, but it also comes in handy during exam season or on days when you can’t be bothered to rustle up a meal from scratch. Find a slot in your schedule to batch cook, then freeze the meals in individual boxes so that you can thaw them as needed. The best part? You can even freeze ingredients that may spoil more quickly, so you don’t have to throw anything out and constantly restock. Think bread, ginger, protein, and even some fruits and veggies. 

Keep a tab on your expenses 

No one likes to do it (this author included), but the best way to stick to your budget is to track your spending. Pick whatever format works for you, be it your phone’s notes app, an Excel sheet, or even a budgeting app like Mint or Goodbudget. Within a month or two of living in London as a student, you’ll be able to see a pattern in your grocery expenses, and that way, you can adjust your budget depending on whether you need to cut back or allocate more. Whatever you do, don’t forget to leave some room for last-minute pub plans with friends or ordering in when craving a meal from your favourite restaurant!

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