Don't Forget About Your Grub

Often times, college students forget about the need for certain food items that they may need outside of just going to the dining hall. Going back to school requires the need for some handy groceries. Snacks, drinks, and protein bars are just a couple things needed to help support those late study nights and quick breakfasts for those mornings you’re running a little late. Here are a few tips and tricks to enhance your shopping trips that won’t break the bank.

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Got to get your coins straight.

1. Set yourself a budget.

College can be expensive and there is no room to waste money in areas that you could potentially be saving. Set up a spreadsheet of your expenses. First list you school tuition and fees as the initial expenses that you must pay first. Secondly, consider your other expenses, like room and board, books, dorm essentials, gas, entertainment, and lastly groceries. Make sure you know the amount of money you’re aiming to spend on food.

2. Know where to shop.

My two favorite places to shop for groceries are Aldi and Kroger. Aldi is a low-cost food store that sells fresh and convenient groceries at a reasonable price, year-round. I always get the most for my money when shopping here. I usually shop here when I need actual groceries for meal preps or dinner nights. However, for the essentials in my grocery hauls I go to Kroger, another great grocer that usually has their Mega-sale events around the same time school starts back. These Mega-sales have some of the back-to-school essentials on sale for both Kroger Plus cardholders and digital coupon holders. I would recommend registering for a Kroger Plus card and downloading the Kroger app to help save even more money and you also receive fuel points at Kroger Gas and BP stations with your Kroger Plus card. Both the app and the card are completely free. Other stores include Target, Publix, Wal-Mart that always has decent prices, and the Dollar Tree also provides grocery options.

Nothing's better than sitting on your futon with a hot Cup 'O Noodles.

3. What to buy.

Typically for dorm life, you want to purchase long-lasting products that you will not have to worry as much about the expiration dates. Some products include:

· Granola Bars

· Ramen Noodles

· Almond Milk—lasts a lot longer than regular milk

· Cereal

· Water, Sports Drinks, Juice Pouches

· Individually packaged crackers, chips, and fruit snacks

· Oatmeal

· Frozen Meals

4. Couponing

Couponing has definitely been a craze that has had everyone intrigued at some point or another. Both time-consuming and painstaking, this task is not meant for the weak. There are many stipulations that have come onto this tactic that has caused many people to shy away from it, however, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort it is greatly rewarding. To wise up on some couponing skills, here are some noteworthy couponers that can teach you and thing or two: Couponing with Toni, One Cute Couponer, Coupon Katie, Couponing with Alma, Couponing Crystle, CouponingGirl, Southern Savers, etc.

There are also helpful apps that can help you save as well including: Krazy Coupon Lady, RetailMeNot, Ibotta, ShopKick, etc.

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