Everyone has to eat, right?  Well since you’re in college, or maybe you’re headed off that way, you’re probably wondering how you can get the best deal on your college food.

Take advantage of your meal plan

The food may not be the best at the cafeteria, but take advantage of it as much as you can. Eat pre-packaged foods, or stay away from anything that is unidentified. If you have just one meal a day, or even two, try to take extra with you. You’re a college student and are usually carrying a bag. Fill your water bottles with your favorite drink. Take little snacks, like chips, or whatever is easily portable. If you really have no way to get another meal, go back for seconds and wrap the meal in a napkin. Save it for later and stick it in the fridge to microwave later, if necessary.

Drop in on friends

College kids are always ordering food. Take a walk down the dorm hallway and see if anyone has order some food. Pizza is usually the possible choice. There’s sure to be an extra piece lying around. You’ll need good timing for this one. Act thankful and surprised when your friends ask you to join them. Make sure that you don’t take too much advantage of your friends.

Find friends that live close to your campus

If your friends live close to campus, so do their parents. This means, the parents will bring treats often and will also take their children out to eat. Parents want to look cool. They’ll invite their children’s friends. They also tend to invite friends home for holidays and home-cooked meals at different times. This saves on costs and provides you with a good meal our, or even better, a nicely cooked meal.

If all else fails…

If all else fails, stick to the college staples from the supermarket. Ramen noodles are the stereotypical cheap food. A loaf of bread and peanut butter and jelly always goes a long way. Look at the supermarket brochure and get whatever is on sale.