Cost of living spotlight – Low-Cost Shops & Meal Planning
Cost of living spotlight – Low-Cost Shops & Meal Planning
One of the most common tips to save money is to shop at low-cost shops. In Winchester we have Aldi which is only a 5-minute drive from main campus. Aldi offers low-cost groceries and weekly Special Buys including, food, home and beauty products. You can use their website to see how much your shop will cost and keep it within your budget.
We also have an Iceland right in the middle of town. They have lots of offers, including multibuys, 3 for £10, and £1 value frozen. You can even get these deals delivered to your door when shopping online. Iceland are a great option for filling up your freezer without breaking the bank. When doing a freezer shop, try and think about what you like to eat rather than what you fancy that day. Then, the next time you want sausages, for example, you have some waiting in the freezer.
It can be tricky cooking portions for one if you and your friends have different tastes. BBC Good Food has a number of tasty recipes that are freezer safe. Meaning you can cook a big batch and save some fort later. Consider Meal Prep and Freezable Recipes to reduce food waste and costs. You can switch things up and have a stash of ready to go meals. Chicken tikka masala, wild mushroom mac ‘n’ cheese, and for-the-freezer ratatouille, sound perfect for the cold winter evenings.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on our Cost of Living Hub to see what we’re getting up to, to support you. Why not check out our Food Swap Shop “The Bookcase”. A place where students can pick up free packaged foods, as well as a space to donate your own. You will be able to find the Bookcase outside the SU Offices (Level 3 - King Alfred Centre), near to our Advice Centre Freebie Bin. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the deals within the SU shop (Level 1 - King Alfred Centre).
