Your first food shop - what to buy and how to shop smart

Here are some key staple foods I’d highly recommend for every student’s shopping list. These items are versatile, long-lasting, and budget-friendly. You can find them at any supermarket, whether on offer, own-brand, or in the savers/essentials section. Most have a long shelf life—pro tip: freeze your bread to make it last even longer! These basics can be mixed and matched to create a variety of meals based on your preferences and dietary needs.

Some must-haves: pasta, rice, bread, eggs, butter, cheese, cereal, and canned goods like soup, tuna, and sauces.

Incorporating fresh produce into your meals is super important for keeping a healthy, balanced diet. You’ll probably start off taking advantage of all the student deals on takeaways—and that’s totally fine—but there will come a point when you realise that it’s not sustainable! A good, healthy diet doesn’t just benefit you physically; it’s great for your mental well-being too. Below are my personal recommendations—affordable options that also have a longer shelf life if stored properly.

Some of my go-tos: Onions, potatoes, carrots, garlic, apples, blueberries, bananas, grapes, etc.

If you’re looking for affordable protein options, chicken is your go-to! The number of meals you can make with it is endless. Eggs are another budget-friendly choice—a box of 12 can easily cover 6 meals, and they’re so versatile. Some meals I highly recommend are chicken pasta bake, chicken curry, chilli con carne, and one of my personal favourites—spaghetti bolognese! These are perfect for batch-cooking and freezing for later. Side note: check out our TikTok for healthy eating on a budget ideas!

Affordable proteins: chicken, minced beef, cod, tuna, eggs, beans, lentils, tofu, etc.

Here are some key cupboard essentials you’ll want to have on hand. With these, you can mix and match to create a variety of meals and find out what works best for you. Adding a touch of spice can bring flavour and colour to even the simplest dishes. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!

Salt, pepper, garlic granules, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, mixed herbs, chili flakes, soy sauce, olive oil, and more.

Plan ahead - Make a quick list of what you need or what you're running low on before heading to the supermarket. This will give you clear direction and save you time.

Budgeting - Typically, a weekly food shop for one person costs between £20-£30. Keep this in mind when setting your weekly budget. Prices can vary based on what you need, so allocate a fixed amount for food and stick to it. Look for stores with savers sections or own-brand products, and consider signing up for supermarket reward schemes for offers and discounts. Don’t forget to check for student discounts!

Buying in bulk - Purchasing staples like pasta, rice, and toilet rolls in bulk can save you money and reduce the frequency of shopping trips. It helps you manage your usage better and cuts down on extra spending.

Avoiding waste - Stick to buying only what you need and avoid impulse buys. Minimise waste by using what you already have and freezing leftovers.Frozen foods, like vegetables, often last longer and are more cost-effective than fresh options.

Shopping smart - Compare prices across different supermarkets to find the best deals. Aldi, for example, is known for affordability. Watch out for sales and reduced sections and avoid shopping when you're hungry to prevent impulsive purchases that can affect your budget.