There are two spices that populate every University on the known lands. They live together – more or less peacefully –, observing each other, suspiciously sniffing the counterpart, amazed, curious, skeptical.
Extensive and prestigious academic research calls the first group “The-Desolate-Fridge-Owners”. This is a species notorious for their sparse and often questionable refrigerator contents. Picture this: a half-dehydrated onion, an open can of tomato sauce, an apple that seems to have lost its will to live, and some sad slices of cheese. If they’re lucky enough to have a working freezer, a few frozen peas might join the party. Does it sound familiar? Well, welcome, you just self-diagnosed as part of this scientific class!
Let’s be real—adulting can be overwhelming, and food challenges rank right up there in the top five of adulting nightmares. So, let’s break this down and tackle the essentials of managing your food game.
Money – How to Save
Let’s start with the ever-important topic of budgeting. To stretch those dollars, SEK, euros – or any currency you find in your pocket – be aware of the price range of the supermarket down the corner. Just because a store is nearby doesn’t mean it’s the most affordable option. So, unless the weather’s pouring or you’re on a last-minute grocery run, take a moment to stretch your legs and scout out wisely your trusted supermarket.
Spoiler alert: in case you haven’t found it out by personal experience already, we will spill the tea for you: opting for Lidl and WILLy’s will probably help you save some pennies!
Make use of the apps – they will help you compare prices, and don’t overestimate the power of memberships! Digital or good old-fashioned leather wallet: wherever you like to store them, collect all the fidelity cards you can put your hands on! They usually come with exclusive benefits and extra discounts. Moreover, don’t shy away from those family packages! They might look intimidating, but at the end of the day, it is well known that size doesn’t matter! – it is all about the compared price instead. Look closely at the small print below the price tag, as it reveals the cost-to-quantity ratio, which is what counts to significantly lighten your grocery bills. Trust me, no one has ever suffered from a slightly brown banana or a cauliflower with a few bruises. We’ve become so accustomed to perfectly pristine goods lining the shelves that we’ve forgotten that both books and fruits should not be judged solely by their appearance. With a little love and patience, once the less-than-perfect items are removed, the taste remains exceptional!
And if you like the thrill of the unknown, explore platforms like Too Good to Go, which connect you with surplus food from local restaurants. In their mystery bags you will find some delicious goods that would get wasted otherwise! Fancy some Fika? STUK and Espresso House will have your back. Quick lunch needed? Maybe Circle K’s sandwiches might just be the answer! With a bit of savvy shopping, you can fill your pantry without breaking the bank.
Time – Meal Prep Magic
All right, students’ lives are a mess: group works, internships, exams, JURA activities, AKA on Wednesday, swiping on dating apps – how is it even possible to find time to cook three decent meals without involving some dark magic spells?! Legit observation, my dear, but come closer, we have a little secret to share with you. Food can be stored! Even for multiple days! When inspiration strikes (say, during your fourth rewatch of Breaking Bad or Gossip Girl), channel that energy into frying, roasting or baking. Plan your meals for the week and batch-cook. Invest in some airtight containers from IKEA or a thrift store, and make sure to label them if you’re prone to forgetfulness, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises!
And if eating the same thing five days in a row sounds like a nightmare, no worries! Lean in close, because we are about to drop some more food wisdom on you. Just because you bought 1.5 kilos of chicken doesn’t mean you’re obligated to whip up 1.5 kilos of chicken pasta. Nope! You can grab one single ingredient and with the help of some spices, turn it into different culinary masterpieces, without even having a mental breakdown. You can make chicken tacos, or a salad, or a wrap or anything really, and the only thing you´ve done is buy some bread, or a dressing, and Tada!
Just one rule: do not clean up the pot within the same day, otherwise the tough work will be quite useless!
Creativity – The Choice
But the true arduous question is one and it arises every time the stomach starts claiming some foods: what do I actually want to eat?! What are my cravings calling for? And no, reaching chips and frozen hamburgers for the fifth time in a row is not an option. Deciding what to eat is already half of the battle! So, let’s get your inspiration sparked! Ask your mum, your grandma or your third-grade cousin to share with you their masterpiece, scroll Instagram or TikTok, or even spy your colleague’s lunch box tomorrow. Just remember: food is fuel, and not only do you need it, but you actually need it to be nutritious and satisfying!
Friendship – Sharing is Caring
They say, “work smarter, not harder”! So why not go hunting for a food-savvy friend in the other half of the student population. Seek out Meal-preppers, Tupperware’s collectors or the MasterChef’s aspirants. Convince them to share with you their wisdom, their secrets… Better yet, why not persuade them to invite you over for dinner—say, twice a week? Just kidding… or maybe not!
Sharing meals can truly be a game changer, making the whole process more enjoyable, budget-friendly, and efficient. Whether it’s with flatmates, friends, partners, or even your neighbours, collaborating in the kitchen can turn cooking from a solo chore into a fun social event. Organize potlucks, meal swaps, or cooking nights where everyone contributes to the grocery! Not only will you expand your culinary repertoire, but you’ll also create lasting memories and build stronger friendships over delicious shared meals.
Writers: Silvia Dal Sasso, Emma Hjalmarsson
