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5 top tips for healthy eating on a student budget
A big part of living your best uni life is eating well. Doing this usually goes hand-in-hand with managing the challenges of a student budget and your studies, but success is in the planning! That’s not saying that enjoying delicious, nutritious meals means you have to compromise on other areas of uni life, like hanging out with friends, though (because balance is key, right?)!
If you live on campus, your shopping and planning options might differ to some of the ideas in this article, depending on whether you’re in a catered, flexi-catered or self-catered setup. But the basics of feeding yourself well as a student are the same, wherever you live: save time, save money, save stress, avoid an empty stomach, all while getting some good nutritional value to give you the energy you need for studying. Here are our general tips on healthy eating on a student budget while getting the most out of your time at ANU.
1. Plan your meals and snacks
- Planning ahead can save you money, time and stress. It can also help you avoid wasting food, choosing unhealthy options and making impulse buys (yes, we’ve all been there).
- Look at your schedule for the week and figure out how many snacks you’ll need and how many meals you’ll need to prep. Think about your workload, classes, assignments and other commitments.
- Browse online for healthy, easy-to-make recipes that suit your taste and budget. Check out ANU Thrive, which supports students with cooking classes, access to kitchen gardens and other healthy lifestyle resources.
- Make a shopping list, stick to it and don’t go shopping on an empty stomach (or you may as well forget the shopping list).
Enjoy a thriving kitchen garden at ANU and harvest fresh, delicious produce with fellow students.
2. Shop smart
- Check out the unit pricing (that price-per-kilo sticker you’ll see on most items) to get the best bang for your buck.
- Shop online to save time and avoid the temptation of impulse buys.
- Go for fruits and veggies that are in season—they're usually cheaper, tastier and fresher.
- Stock up on canned, frozen or dried fruits and veggies. They’re super convenient, nutritious and have a longer shelf life.
- Opt for generic or store-brand products. They’re likely to be just as good as the name-brand stuff.
Who doesn’t love a shopping spree? (Especially for fresh produce. Yum).
3. Cook simply and healthily
- Roast, bake, grill, boil, steam or microwave your food instead of deep-frying—your body will thank you.
- Whip up one-pot dishes like casseroles, risottos or dhal in bulk to save time and avoid cooking every day.
- Use lean meats like fish and skinless chicken, along with eggs, tofu, seeds, nuts and legumes for your protein fix.
- Sneak some frozen or grated veggies into your next bolognese, stir-fry, or curry for an extra nutrition boost.
- Add variety and flavour with lemon juice, vinegar, herbs, spices and low-sodium sauces—who needs boring meals?
Cooking can be lots of fun and the internet is flooding with delish recipes to discover.
4. Enjoy your food
- Eat mindfully. Tune in to your hunger and fullness cues and aim to eat until you’re satisfied, not full.
- Slow down. Chew your food well and savour every bite—make it an experience.
- Share your meals. Eat with friends, housemates or family. It makes eating more enjoyable and you might save some cash by splitting the cost of ingredients. And you can share the washing up too!
What’s better than being a foodie? Being a foodie with your BFFs.
5. Shop and eat on campus
- The Daily Market. This mini supermarket has a range of groceries, fresh fruit and veg and chilled items. Plus, it’s open until 8pm, seven days a week (so you’re sorted after a late lecture).
- Kambri precinct. Craving something different? Turkish, Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and traditional pub food (think burgers, steaks, and pasta) are all available here at student-friendly prices.
- The Food Co-op and Cafe. This cosy spot is perfect for meeting friends, relaxing with a book, or catching up on an assignment. Some of its super-saving offers include:
- Lunch of the Day. This has become iconic and is one of the best, cheapest and most nutritious lunches on campus. Each day features something unique, healthy, and delicious, made (with love) from the shop’s organic ingredients. All meals are vegan and gluten-free, but super tasty. The Co-op also sells the same food as cheap frozen meals that you can keep for those nights when you just want to heat something up. Price: $7–9 for students/members.
- Wednesday Night Dinners. Served every week during the ANU semester, these vegan and vegetarian dinners (meat lovers, don’t knock it ’til you try it) are a hit. Finish your meal with a vegan doughnut and a cup of their house-brewed masala chai (or a local cider or brew). Price: $11 for members.
- Saturday Lunches. These elaborate meals for full-on foodies include vegetarian options with vegan and gluten-free choices. Price: $14 for students.
- Suspended meals and drinks. The Food Co-op also offers a “feed if you’re in need” program, which is basically a meal or drink that has been paid for in advance. If you’re financially secure, you can buy a suspended lunch or coffee and the Food Co-op will record this to give to someone in need later. If you’re strapped for cash, ask the Coordinator at the café for a suspended lunch or coffee. The Co-op will happily give you one that someone else has already paid for. How awesome is that?
We’re spoilt for choice for amazing food options on campus.
Find out more about the services available to help you eat well during your time at ANU.
