What's in Your Shopping Basket?

Now, I'm no expert when it comes to what should be going into a students shopping trolley, nor how much should be spent, but nonetheless I thought I'd give you some tips on what I'd learnt through trial and error, lots and lots of error, during my first and second years of independent food shops...oh, the horror. 

If you need any help with your first shop, click here!

Stick to a shopping list

Sticking to a shopping list simply means you can keep costs down - that is if you actually stick to it. This differs for every student, but don't go overboard. If your food shop is coming in at between £40-£100 (good lord) a week for just yourself (alcohol not included) you should really consider re-evaluating what you spend your money on, or even where you buy your food from.

'Guys, I feel like we've missed something vital off of the shopping list?'

Don't be tempted by deals you honestly don't need

When you see a BOGOF deal, you instantly put the free one in...but do you actually need it? No, you really don't. Certain freebies are great, but they can easily lead you into overspending by sucking you in with things you weren't even going to buy in the first place, and now, you've got two of something you probably never even planned to buy. Don't give in and waste your money!

Don't go bulk buy crazy

Whilst bulk buying can be an ingenious way to not be caught short when the loo roll runs out, or when you're craving for 14p noodles needs to be sated, it can really add up. You can easily go over budget for the week if you get into the habit of bulk buying. This can have a serious effect on your nights out and it will steadily lead you to be less in control of your budgeting. Justifying your over-spending for one week, won't change the fact you'll be caught short the next. Too much bulk buying may cause you to tumble right into the trap of not knowing exactly where your finances are going.

Keep an eye on best before dates

This is a smelly mouldy pit that many fall into, myself included. Whilst the disgusting things that grow in student fridges can be a total who-haa when discovered, you never really think about how much money you've wasted on all the food that you've let go to waste. If you're not going to eat fresh fruit and veg, just don't buy it. Go for frozen veg and tinned fruits instead. Try your best to reach right to the back of the shelf to get the longest life possible on all your food. If something in your fridge is going out of date soon, turn to your hungry housemates and offer it away freely. 

Sandwich and a cup of tea any one?

Can I just say that the Philly and milk are most definitely not mine! I'm not that gross...my housemates were though!

If you have any more tips or disgusting pictures, then do share! 

MissIsGoode

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