Your first food shop: a guide on what not to buy 

When you first move into student accommodation there will be a lot of things that will be new, and exciting that you will have to get used to. One of the biggest and most important new things you will need to get used to is planning and budgeting your meals.   

So, before you head out to complete your first food shop in your accommodation, don’t go over the top and plan plan plan. Most likely during your first few weeks whilst adjusting to university life you won’t be cooking up three course meals, however, it is important to keep a balanced diet with a few essentials. For now, keep it simple. Here are some fridge and cupboard must haves when it comes to stocking up for Fresher’s Week: 

Fruit and vegetables 

You may be thinking fruits and vegetables are a given when it comes to a balanced diet, however, they may slip your mind during the first food shop and the first few weeks away from home. Adding fruit or veg to any meal will definitely give you the best chance of keeping healthy and attempt to keep you away from the dreaded fresher’s flu. So, whether it’s some fruit on top of your usual cereal or a carrot or two in your favourite pasta dish! Anything will help to make you more energetic and focused. 

P.s If you have enough room in your freezer opt for frozen fruit and veg so you always have some which will eliminate having to keep buying fresh items. 

Bread 

Simple but effective. Keeping a load of bread, wraps, pittas or crumpets will pack out any meal or snack time. Whether you’re a lover of toast for breakfast, a cheese toastie at lunch or making homemade garlic bread. Bread however can run out of date fast if you don’t eat it every day, so if you have room in the freezer pop a loaf in (be sure to portion it out as it will be hard to separate once frozen!) To make it healthier opt for brown or seeded bread to add more fibre into your diet.  

Cereal bars 

Definitely not a meal replacement but handy to pop in your bag for a quick snack between lecturers for an energy boost. Cereal bars come in all different flavours and prices, so don’t be afraid to branch out and try more healthier bars compared to the traditional ones. They are also great to keep in your room if you fancy a midnight snack! 

Eggs 

Fried, scrambled, boiled, poached or in an omelette, there are endless ways to use eggs for all mealtimes. Even if you fancy something sweet you can get together with your flatmates and whisk up together some simple ingredients.