Once you're at college or in a job most likely you will have a lunch break where you can go out and eat lunch. I know in most colleges they offer their own food in a dining hall but as we know it can often be overpriced and low quality. Here is how I save money on food at college.
1. Pre-make all your lunches
Making lunch the night before can be a real money saver if done right. Meal planning means you don't have to go out to buy lunch saving money and time. There are many options of lunch that don't have to be a simple sandwich. Read my post on lunch ideas for more.
2. Set a budget for your meals
If you spend £5 a day on lunch you're easily spending £25 per week (over £1200 a year) Setting a budget per day or per week such as £3 a day would cost only £15 per week and save up to £500 a year.
3. Bring your own drinks
This includes coffees, teas and water and any other drinks. Buying a travel mug or a reusable bottle, this would only cost £10 and as many of us are tempted to buy a coffee in breaks between classes or in the morning as a boost of energy but if you use a travel mug you can save £2 a day. Bringing your own reusable bottle means you can have a drink all day and save the environment. Also getting water from a cooler or tap can reduce costs massively.
4. Bring in your own snacks
Everybody enjoys a snack at some point in the day or even with lunch but this could be a packet of crisps, granola bar, nuts or fruit but if you buy these from the supermarket in bulk they are dramatically cheaper than buying from a food store or a coffee shop. To further reduce costs you could create your own granola bars or grow your own fruit. This will also generally be more healthy than feeding sugar cravings.
5. Always eat breakfast at home
Eating breakfast gives you energy for the day reducing need for coffee and also means you are not as hungry when lunch rolls around therefore buy less food. I know with early starts it can be tempting to lie in rather than get up and eat breakfast.