Photo by Jessica Johnson.
When eating out is not an option, students who live on campus eat at home. Here are some of the methods students use to save time and money when dining in their dorm room.
Saving money on food isn’t always easy because grocery prices add up quickly, according to an article by the Dixie Sun News. This means students must find deals on food and make the food they purchase last longer.
“Me and my friends all like to make food together,” said Selena Donaldson, a sophomore psychology major from Calgary, Canada. “We’ll take turns making a bunch of food, so it is cheaper in the end, or go to Dixie events that have free food.”
Donaldson said she chooses to shop for food at places where food is cheaper, such as Walmart. Buying food at more convenient places, such as gas stations, is more expensive than at a grocery store, she said.
Single college students aren’t the only ones who have to get creative when dining at home though. Married students also need to think outside the box at times.
Riley Rallis, a junior nursing major from Gilbert, Arizona, said she and her husband plan meals which last at least 3-4 days out of the week.
“We get the cheapest stuff we can from Target and throw it all together, make a casserole,” said Weston Rallis, a patient care technician from Sandy.
Both the Rallises and Donaldson agree easy recipes are key when eating in the dorms or when short on time.
“Something I make all the time is egg, with noodles and vegetables,” Donaldson said. “I fry up the vegetables, I fry the egg and then make noodles. It’s cheap and it’s easy.”
Weston Rallis said he will make a green smoothie for nearly every breakfast because it is quick, easy, and the ingredients are inexpensive and last a long time.
Fitness magazine’s website had a link to this peanut butter banana apple smoothie recipe, with just three ingredients, that is simple to make and healthy too. All you need is:
- 1 peeled banana
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
- 1 cup of crushed ice
Add everything in a blender and blend until smooth.
For vegan or non-nut smoothies you can go to Elmhurst 1925.com for alternatives to the aforementioned recipe.
Dining in the dorms doesn’t need to be a chore and the food you eat doesn’t always have to be instant ramen. Meals can be fun and exciting and easy on your wallet.