Food, finances and budgeting
A key aspect of university life is learning about and working with your own personal finances and beginning your student culinary journey! This blog will be focusing foods, finances and budgeting and more specifically on ways to stay financially responsible whilst you are living in university accommodation and making sure that you are given the essentials on all things cooking and food shopping.
Living Lab: Feeding the Campus
The Living Lab at York St John is an initiative that aims to create a campus food system that better meets the needs of both people and the planet. As well as providing an opportunity to take part in community gardening during ‘Wild Wednesdays’, the Living Lab has curated a Student Cookbook curated by students, for students.
Learn more about the Living Lab initiative here:https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/research/institute-for-social-justice/research-themes/ecological-justice/living-lab/feeding-the-campus/
Living Lab Student Cookbook:https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/media/content-assets/research/institute-for-social-justice/CookBook-with-dark-green-with-background.pdf
Advice from our Catering team
Our trusty Catering team have provided the below list of useful information regarding cooking and kitchen essentials to have on hand before and after moving into your student accommodation.
Essentials for your student kitchen
Vegetable Oil – rapeseed oil keeps well and is very useful in cooking and frying
Spices – Salt and Pepper are standard cupboard fillers, but we’d recommend adding paprika, mixed Italian herbs and chilli flakes to cover a range of dishes
Condiments – sauces and add ins such as Ketchup, mayonnaise, soy sauce, hot sauce and mustard can help add flavour to a meal
Dry goods – A dry, shelf stable base to meals is a good option, we’d recommend rice, spaghetti (or your dried pasta of choice) and instant mash potato.
Sugar– sugar can be used for baking and hot drinks or a pinch can be added to tomato dishes to enhance the flavour
Tinned/ Jarred goods – soup, tinned tomatoes, pasta sauce and beans are all excellent cupboard fillers for either a quick easy meal or as add ins
Fresh/Frozen Vegetables –vegetables can be added into most pasta meals while cooking to add a bit of colour and extra flavour, frozen ones just keep longer
Cereal – cereal and porridge oats are an easy shelf stable breakfast
Optional extras
‘Just add water’ dishes – Shelf stable pre-made meals such as cuppa soups, pot noodles, and pasta and sauce sachets are not the cheapest but work in a pinch
Tea or coffee – A box of tea bags or a jar of instant coffee is often a lifesaver
Eggs – Eggs are a great way to add protein to a meal. If you don’t like eggs, tofu and beans are tasty alternatives
Butter or spread – always usefulfor quick and easy foods like sandwiches and also for cooking
Cheese – Good topping for pasta dishes or thrown in with fried rice
Bread – Bread can be frozen and defrosted slice by slice when neededto extend the shelf life
UHT milk – shelf stable dairy or plant based milks definitely come in handy, just remember to move it to the fridge once its opened
Tips and tricks
Need a pasta sauce?
Thicken half a can of tinned soup by reducing it down or adding cornflour and stir in your pasta. Creamy soups work best for this.
Instant mash tasting bland?
Add some butter, salt and pepper and stir it through
Reheating pasta on the stove?
Add a little water to the pan and put the lid on to keep the steam in.
Spice up my instant noodles?
Cook the noodles in a pan, add some frozen vegetables and crack an egg in the middle. Let the egg poach, don’t break the yolk! Add your flavour sachet in the mix and pour it all into a bowl when ready to eat.
Alternatively – fry some tofu and veggies in a little bit of oil and add to the side of your instant noodles
Too much cooked rice?
Rice can contain cause food poisoning if it is reheated incorrectly
When you have cooked rice, make sure you keep it hot until it is eaten or cool it down as quickly as possible (ideally within one hour) and then keep it in the fridge. Use cooked rice within 24 hours and reheat it until very hot (steaming).
You can also fry rice on a high heat to kill the bacteria, add some fresh or frozen vegetables and your protein of choice for a quick and easy meal
Too much sauce?
Wet dishes like pasta sauce and bolognaise can be frozen and reheated later, just portion out into plastic containers and put in the freezer
Too much cheese?
Harder cheeses like Cheddar, Swiss and Red Leicester can be frozen for a longer shelf life. Slice into small chunks or grate the cheese into a bag before freezing (make sure it’s flat and not going to stick together!) The texture once defrosted is a little crumblier than fresh cheese and best used for cooked meals.
Shopping list and key supermarkets
Some people like to do a food shop before they arrive in York, and others do it when they have moved in. To begin with, it might be wise to just do a small shop for the basics, then you can add more when you arrive and see what you are missing or utilize the most. York has a wide range supermarkets and smaller shops located all over the city, so you will never be far from the necessities.
The below shopping list is indicative of items that you may wish to stock your kitchen cupboards or fridge / freezer as basics.
Essential shopping list
Cooking and seasoning
- Cooking Oil
- Soya Sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
- Piri piri/ Cajun Spice
- Mixed herbs
- Smoked paprika
- Lemon juice
- Vegetarian or chicken stock cubes
Cupboard stable staples
- Rice
- Pasta
- Lentils
- Sugar
- Tea
- Coffee
- Baked beans (tinned)
- Mixed beans (tinned)
- Kidney beans (tinned)
- Tinned tomatoes
- Tomato Puree
Best Fresh
- Onions
- Peppers
- Spring onions
- Carrots
- Celery
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Chilli
- Milk/Plant based milk
- Butter/Spread
- Cream
- Juice
Main supermarkets in York
As a student it is important to be aware of local supermarkets to make sure you know where to go and are buying enough food to sustain yourself in your daily life. We have provided below a link to a large amount of the major supermarkets based in York city centre or in the vicinity of the city.
These supermarkets cover a range of shopping needs from general groceries to specialty items, and they are conveniently located across York to serve both the city center and surrounding areas.
Organising your fridge / freezer
A well-organized fridge will save you a lot of time and potential issues during your time in the accommodation. After moving in, it may be a good idea to have a chat with your new housemates regarding if you will share certain items, such as milk for hot drinks or butter / vegan alternatives for toast, meaning that there is more space within the fridge for items. However, it is never polite to assume the above, so make sure you are clear on your boundaries and able to come to an understanding as a house.
Storage of food:
- Position food so air can circulate freely around it
- Raw meat: wrap in polythene bag and place on glass shelf above salad drawer
- Cooked foods, cold dishes etc should be covered and can be placed on any shelf
- It is important to store different types of food in the correct section of your fridge. This will help with the longevity and freshness of your food.
- Keep an eye on use by dates on food products. There will normally be two dates present on the packaging of food products: best before and use-by (emboldened). Best before (emboldened) is relating to food quality, meaning that if the product passes the best before date, it will still be safe to eat but may not be at its best quality. Use-by (emboldened) is relating to food safety, meaning that you should never eat food after the use-by date as it can make you sick.
- Dispose of old food in a timely manner.
- Use different cutting boards and utensils when handling raw poultry, meat and vegetables, or wash thoroughly between use.
- Keep open food, such as jars, in the fridge after being opened.
- Be mindful of others in regards to diet, intolerances and allergies. y Make sure food is cooked properly and safely. This is particularly important for items such as meat, poultry and eggs.
- Store raw food away from cooked food, and use sealed containers in the fridge.
Key financial teams at the university
Student Funding Advice team
The Student Funding Advice team provides information, advice and guidance on all funding-related issues. They can help with questions about government loans and university funds including the York St John University Student Support Fund.
The team offers support and advice on preparing for university and budgeting. You can email them on: fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk or visit their webpage.
Finance team
If you have any queries about your bank account linked to the university or concerns about your accommodation payments then you can contact finance@yorksj.ac.uk. Please note that they cannot provide financial support, this is the Funding Advice team.
Student Funding Advice tips
Managing your money whilst at university is really important, since in most cases this is the first time you have been fully in control of your spending. You might be surprised at how quickly it all adds up. From accommodation to food to nights out- it all costs money. Whether you have student finance or are working part-time you need to make it last.
Creating a budget
Creating a budget based around your income and what you plan on spending is an important place to start. This budget should cover rent, utilities, phone bill, food shopping and miscellaneous costs, basically anything you are likely to spend. Once you have worked out how much you are roughly going to spend, work out how much income you will have with either student finance, extra funding, or part time work. This will allow you to forward plan and work out how much you need to live on, as well as showing you what money you have leftover.
How to stick to your budget
Setting a budget is the easy part, sticking to it is the hard part. It is easier said than done, since you’re in a new environment and looking after yourself most likely for the first time. There is no defined way of sticking to a budget, you just need to make sure you aren’t overspending and have enough money for essentials.
Another way is setting up standing orders, this will involve two bank accounts. For example, when you receive your loan or get paid, transfer your spending money for bills and utilities to another account so it is less easy to access and spend.
To help you with budgeting, the University has an award winning online financial wellbeing tool called Blackbullion. It is a learning platform that develops financial confidence and empowers better decision making. It helps with navigating student finance and budgeting skills, to planning pensions and learning about investing. They focus on financial skills you will use forever. It consists of mini online videos and you can learn at your own pace. Best of all, it’s free for you to use, even before you arrive on campus.
They also have a money manager app which will help you manage your money with confidence, enables you to create your own budget and provides spending insights and suggested areas where you can save. Plus, the more you use the app the more bullions you will be rewarded which can be exchanged for prizes. Register on www.blackbullion.com.
Always check for student discount
Student discount will be your best friend whilst at university as it will save you quite a bit of money. Most student discounts are available online and in person at places such as retail shops, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and more. The discount usually ranges from 10-20% so it is definitely worth your while, or some places even give your free items when buying another.
There are a few sites which let you sign up for student discount with a valid university email address such as Student Beans and UNiDAYS. These websites allow you to search direct what places offer student discounts.
Food shopping
Another big cost whilst at university will be food. So, planning out what you’re going to eat, when and how much is a great step to ensure you stretch and save your money. However, it is also still important to keep a balanced diet whilst planning your food shop so but sure to plan out meals packed with vitamins, veg and fibre.
Here are five ways to help cut the cost of your weekly food shop to help with your budgeting:
- Take a shopping list
It may be simple but planning out what meals and snacks you are going to have will be a great way you can save money and stops you from making impulse purchases or overbuying. Also, don’t go shopping when you are hungry because you will be likely to overspend.
- Plan your meals
Similar to a shopping list but knowing what days you are going to have meals or knowing you won’t need them will stop you from buying unnecessary items and throwing away food. This will allow you to also batch cook and freeze items, which will save you time and money.
- Set out a budget
Probably one of the things that should be at the top of your priority list is setting out your food budget. It is fine to make the odd food impulse purchase, but little extras here and there will add up.
- Hunt for yellow stickers
Plan out to do your shop around times supermarkets start to reduce items usually around 3-5 pm depending on the shop. This little trick will often allow you to grab some bargains on more luxury items which you might not usually buy or a more expensive brand than usual. However, be mindful that it might seem like a bargain, but you need to think about whether you are going to eat the item or not.
- Try own brands
Switching from branded items to unbranded supermarket own brands could end up saving you a lot of money. You don’t have to switch everything but an item here or two will save you money in the long run, allowing you to get more with your budget.
Here are also some alternative shopping options available which will help you save money on your food shopping:
- Too Good to Go: Find discounts on surplus food at local shops and restaurants.
- Olio: Pick up items that are no longer needed from people who live nearby.
- No Waste: Track, organise and manage the food in your home to reduce waste.
- Trolley.co.uk: Compare prices across supermarkets and save money on your everyday shopping.
Ask for help
If you are struggling with your finances or are worried about money, then get in touch with the Student Funding Advice team. Whatever you are struggling with the team are happy to advise so don’t be afraid to reach out.
The Student Funding Advice team provides students with a wide range of independent and confidential advice and guidance on issues such as student finance, York St John funding including YSJ Scholarships, Student Support Fund as well as preparing for university and budgeting.
For more information on what support is available from the University, please visit www.yorksj.ac.uk/your-finances
Student bank accounts
There are a plethora of bank account types and services available to incoming students embarking on their university journey. Understanding the terms of individual banks, such as overdraft limits, and how they can work in your favor, such as offering free 16-25 railcards or other incentives can play a crucial role in decision making regarding finances as a student.
If you are yet to open a student bank account, here are some things that may be important to be aware of:
- Research key banks and student account services, and decide which one is best for you. MoneySavingExpert is an excellent resource, which offers a lot of information about a variety of banks and their perks, such as a free 16-25 railcard or takeaway vouchers. Visit the comprehensive student bank accounts page here – https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/student-bank-account/#what
- Many student bank accounts offer an interest free overdraft, which means you will not be charged to use these funds supplied from your bank. It is important to not rely on these funds as it can set negative habits, however it is reassuring to know that you have a safety net of money if needed.
- Banks such as Monzo provide a saving pot feature, meaning if you struggle to keep to a budget you are able to deposit funds into specific pots / sections for different activities, such as social or food shopping.
Part-time work as a student
One thing many students neglect in their first year is the importance of a part-time job. While you want to enjoy yourself once you get to university, it is also important to be responsible in regards to your finances, and make sure that you have enough to cover your essentials but also fun whilst living in York. Getting a part-time job is a great way to gain additional income to support social activities, treats or hobbies. It is also an excellent opportunity to develop key skills such as communication, customer service and accuracy which will extend into the further world of work during and after your studies. York is a great city with a lot of part-time work available in a multitude of sectors, meaning that there will be something for everybody.
Top places to look for part-time work as a student
Linkedin – https://uk.linkedin.com/
Indeed – https://uk.indeed.com/
Handshake – https://yorksj.joinhandshake.co.uk/login
You can also check out opportunities at the university, such as becoming a student ambassador or taking part in an internship. Our dedicated Careers team is here to support you, and can be contacted here – careers@yorksj.ac.uk. They will be able to help you draft your CV and brush up your interview skills to make the job hunt that little bit easier, and are great in helping find part-time work to support your studies as well as potential internships and work experience that can link to your course.
Part-time work at the university- https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/careers-and-placements/part-time-jobs/
Main Careers page- https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/careers-and-placements/
To find out more about budgeting and planning your food, read Meghan’s blog on 5 ways to cut the cost of your food shop.