How to create meals on a budget

As a college student it can be hard to stay on a budget with so many convenient options all around us that tempt us daily. Besides being a student, we also have other roles to fulfil, which means time can simply run out because we are constantly busy. We all know that cooking and all that it requires is time-consuming and time flies before our eyes if we don't plan. Even though we may have fast paced lifestyles, there is a way to save money, especially in this economy. Here are some tips on how to produce meals while saving money that have helped me. I now look forward to the weekend, knowing that I can go out with a friend or family to a nice restaurant that is well deserved. This also is a great way to save money, eat healthier food, and reduce food waste. You'll also learn what you do and don't love eating or cooking with. One last tip is to not grocery shop while hungry. This will tempt you to buy everything causing unnecessary costs and a waste of food.

Meal prep: Make meals over the weekend for your upcoming busy week.  
Cook in bulk: Cook a batch of your favorite food and store it in the freezer for future use.  

Use what you have on hand: Instead of trying to make new recipes, use what you have already and be creative. 

Be vigilant of sales: Look for items that have great deals. 

Make simple traditional recipes: Sandwiches, pastas, canned food are all a few examples of pantry staples. 

4 Good Habits for the Rest of the Semester

    After spring break, it is just one long steam roll to the end of the semester. It is easy to become overwhelmed and fall off your groove. Here are five habits to help you push through to the end! 

1. Review Notes Right After Class

No one's mind is invincible. If you wait for the day of an exam or quiz to review your notes from class, you will forget most of the information you received. Don’t believe me? It is a fact! It is called The Forgetting Curve. Even by reviewing a couple hours after class, you will significantly retain more information. 

      2.   Create Start Dates for Assignments

    All assignments come with due dates, however something you can create for yourself are start dates. A start date is exactly what it sounds to be, a date you start your assignment. This can be anywhere from two days before the due date to two weeks before. This will help combat procrastination. However, this will only be effective if you physically place the date on the calendar. My tip is to add events to your Canvas calendar, so you can see both start and due dates in one place. 

3. Plan Study Dates Weeks in Advance 

    Studying is extremely important for success on exams! For this reason, the same effort and planning that is put into assignments and projects needs to go into studying. By picking study days weeks in advance you can map out your schedule and set yourself up for success!

4. Use Friends to Hold Yourself Accountable

    If you know that following these tips alone will be hard for you, peer pressure can be a good thing! Even if you don’t have friends in one of your classes, plan homework and study dates with friends who are students. You don’t even need to go to the same school. Sometimes all you need is for someone to help you be accountable, and that’s okay!

    I hope you find these tips helpful, be calm and have a great rest of your semester!