Balling on a Budget is a blog about saving money as a college student. The subject this week is everyone’s favorite: food!

Let’s talk about my favorite thing to spend money on: food. I am so guilty of spending way too much money on food, whether it’s ordering from Third Place for the second time that week or getting sucked into the Halloween-shaped pasta that’s $6 at Hannaford. 

I think of college as being in a competitive reality TV show. Still, instead of competing for a million bucks, you’re fighting to survive on Ramen noodles and, if lucky, a free pizza slice from the many events on campus. Luckily, there are some hacks to keep you fed without blowing your budget. 

Here’s how to master eating like a college pro and save precious dollars. You don’t need to break the bank when it comes to food. Whether you’re living on or off campus, I will provide the best ways to “steal a meal” and how I mastered eating for cheap. 

Can’t live without caffeine!

If you have a coffee addiction (and who doesn’t?), purchasing a daily latte from Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks will deplete your savings. Hack the system! Invest in an inexpensive coffee maker and a reusable cup, and you’ll be your own barista. Coffee makers are now on sale at Walmart for $10, which I consider to be a steal. If you want to be bougie, add some flavored syrup from the grocery store, and you’ll have a Starbucks-quality drink for less than a dollar.  

Embrace the Power of PB&J

Don’t sleep on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. If you say that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are for kids, you’re lying to yourself. This combo is cheap, easy, and hits the spot every single time. Plus, it’s practically gourmet compared to some of the meat they serve at Huden. And, peanut butter is an excellent source of many nutrients that our body needs. Pro tip: Huden has to-go containers of jelly and peanut butter. I’ll leave that there.

Become a Free Food Ninja

The golden rule of college life: NEVER pass up free food. Is there a club event that includes pizza? A dorm party with extra chips? Mac and cheese cook-offs? You should be there like a food-seeking rocket. This is a great way to involve yourself in campus life and make a few friends. Who knows, you might even become involved in something interesting (or at least leave with a full stomach). 

Embrace your dining hall as well. Huden can be scary—we all know that—but its food. This way, you don’t need to spend unnecessary money on ordering out when you could get chicken nuggets and fries at Huden. They also have to-go containers that you can purchase for a small price. Fill that thing up to the brim!

Know where to shop

If you’re not doing your food shopping at Aldi, what are you doing? Aldi has everything you could ever dream of for half the price. The other day, I went to compare the prices of cartons of eggs at Hannaford and Aldi. Aldi eggs were going for $3.15, and Hannaford eggs were going for $6.10. No way am I spending that on eggs. Aldi is affordable and fun. Don’t go on a Sunday, though; it’s a zoo. Cooking will always be cheaper than ordering out every night or making the occasional trip to Dollar General to get a frozen pizza. Go grocery shopping and make something yummy! 

With these tips at your disposal, you’ll be dining like a boss in no time. Remember, it’s not about living off Ramen forever; it’s about upping your game and stretching your money as far as it will go. Happy dining, and may free food always be in your favor!