02.02.10 | Financial aid and a college food budget
Today in our Financial Aid Forum I received the following question:
Next year as a sophomore our son will not have a meal plan at the college.
How much do you budget for apartment cooking?
How do you come up with a budget?
This is a great question that probably affects a lot of students. If you live on a college campus you probably have a meal plan which you pay for as part of your room and board fees. However, if you live off campus you are probably responsible for buying your own food and cooling for yourself. This could get expensive if not managed properly so it is important to setup a strict budget for yourself.
My suggestion would be to find out how much the meal plan at your school costs and use that as a guideline. Divide that number by the number of weeks you will be away at school and living on your own. That will give you your approximate weekly budget. Do a test shopping week to see if your weekly budget is too much or not enough and adjust as you see fit. Also, learn how to be a coupon clipper and stock up on items when they are on sale. Doing these two things can save you a ton of money in the long run.
The good thing is that both leftover Stafford loan funds, private student loan funds and most scholarships can be used towards any education-related expense including food.
Does anyone else who has been there have other ideas on this topic?
ScholarshipPoints Bonus Code: COOKINCOLLEGE
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Great advice! thankyou!
June 27th, 2010 | #
I am definitely going to need this. Thanks for posting this
May 3rd, 2010 | #
this is very helpful
March 2nd, 2010 | #
well i havent yet been to college but i did research a meal plan…i didn't know tho that u needed to have one =/
March 1st, 2010 | #
that is so helpful.
February 28th, 2010 | #
nice piece of advice
February 28th, 2010 | #
Good Stuff
February 28th, 2010 | #
It's a weekly/monthly budget that works best for me.
February 27th, 2010 | #
thanks for this article. Its very helpful
February 27th, 2010 | #
This is helpful alot…..and im glad i read this, ill keep in it mind.
February 27th, 2010 | #
i LOVE food so this is extremely helpful!
February 26th, 2010 | #
before reading this passage i would have never thought about it! thanks for providing such helpful article to save money and learn to think about our budget!
February 26th, 2010 | #
This is very interesting, and extremely useful.
February 25th, 2010 | #
This little passage was very helpful.
February 25th, 2010 | #
Thanks for the info..it was interesting.
February 24th, 2010 | #
i would look at it weekly and multiply whatever money you spend to how much time youll be at school
February 24th, 2010 | #
Very interesting
February 24th, 2010 | #
thanks
February 23rd, 2010 | #
Food is expensive
February 23rd, 2010 | #
I think its worth it… and very convenient:)
February 22nd, 2010 | #
intresting
February 22nd, 2010 | #
Very interesting stuff, good idea's.=]
February 21st, 2010 | #
I will have to do a test shop for sure
February 21st, 2010 | #
Thanks for the tips. Very important information in this article!
February 21st, 2010 | #
very helpful
February 21st, 2010 | #
very interesting
February 19th, 2010 | #
That's interesting, I didn't know you could use scholarships for food. Investigating grocery stores may help with costs, some allow you to double or even tripple the value of your coupon.
February 19th, 2010 | #
This article has really good information.
February 18th, 2010 | #
I might try a modified plan where I can get hot meals from my meal plan and buy food like breakfast items and eat in my room.
February 17th, 2010 | #
Stick with fruits and veggies and it can stay inexpensive. Especially if you shop at ALDI's!
February 17th, 2010 | #
This is what I have been looking for! my parents think that I will go money crazy if I have tp live on my own, but this will tell them.
February 17th, 2010 | #
This is something very important to consider when leaving for university
February 16th, 2010 | #
good to know, thank you
February 16th, 2010 | #
well, this is good to know, thank you
February 16th, 2010 | #
very interesting
February 16th, 2010 | #
wow i learned so much from this article
February 15th, 2010 | #
budgeting is definitely a good idea with everything including food
February 15th, 2010 | #
This article is very well written because regardless if a student lives on or off campus learning to be on a budget will be a great for their future.
February 15th, 2010 | #
Very good info
February 15th, 2010 | #
figure out a meal plan for a month. Figure out the cost and try that as a budget. You can even do this while at home. I am trying this out for a month now, to see what I can live on.
February 14th, 2010 | #
food stamps help, if you are a student with an off campus residency and a bill u are automatically eligible!
February 14th, 2010 | #
I think my college’s meal plan is much more expensive than what I pay for groceries living off campus. And I think I buy better food, too.
February 14th, 2010 | #
Thanks for the coupon tip! I didn’t know the numbers corresponded like that!
February 13th, 2010 | #
This is very informative. However, there are colleges that offer meal plans as part of their tuition for all four years. I’m going to one of these, and I think that it’s a lot more practical than having students make their own meals. It’s healthier, and it gives students more time and money and way less stress.
February 13th, 2010 | #
Meal plans to me are an extra expense so if you don’t need one, don’tget one.
February 12th, 2010 | #
This is a very good article as it is very true. In fact out today that 3 instead of just 2 of the 5 schools I’m applying to do not have a meal plan, so this is necessary for a student.
Schools WITH Mealplan : UCF, Roosevelt U
Schools WITHOUT Mealplan : Cirlce in the Square, AMDA, UARTS
February 12th, 2010 | #
Food stamps help out alot too. If you dont have money for food try applying.
February 12th, 2010 | #
Woot coupons! And I’ll tell you a secret. Every coupon has a number on it beneath the barcode that corresponds to the number on the product it’s used for. But some companies use the same number for different products, so say if you have a coupon for Bounty napkins, you might be able to use that coupon on the Bounty paper towels.
February 11th, 2010 | #
This info is very helpful and very important especially to freshmen entering college
February 11th, 2010 | #
Good idea!
February 11th, 2010 | #
very good advice
February 11th, 2010 | #
yea coupons help alot and looking for low cost items works too!
February 11th, 2010 | #
COOKINCOLLEGE
February 11th, 2010 | #
Great advice for my son who’s in NY!
February 11th, 2010 | #
Buying in bulk when you live with roomates is always a good idea. My mom taught me to cook alot of meals in one dayand freeze then indivdually for later (saves alot of time and money)
February 11th, 2010 | #
wow thats cool a cooking plan…. hey i got the perfect food plan just buy alot of romen noodles and hotdogs thats what i live off and i save more money dat way as well or just freeload off your buddies you know wat im saying:)
February 11th, 2010 | #
Get a roommate. Go to Costco. Buy in bulk and make it happen.
February 10th, 2010 | #
I thought this was very interesting!
February 10th, 2010 | #
I go to Joliet Junior college, and I have the meal plan pell grant voucher there. Since I work there, I am at school all day every day of the week, so having this option helps me so much and keeps me from spending a lot of money at other places outside of school. Although it gets kind of old eating cafeteria food almost three times a day sometimes, i definitely appreciate all of the money it really saves me in the end.
February 10th, 2010 | #
THIS IS A GREAT SUGGESTION FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS. I ATTENDED AN UNIVERSITY AND I LIVED ON CAMPUS SO I HAD A MEAL PLAN. YES, ROOM AND BOARD IS EXPENSIVE AND AS A COLLEGE STUDENT YOU HAVE TO LEARN TO BUDGET.
February 10th, 2010 | #
great idea!
February 10th, 2010 | #
Great Information!
February 10th, 2010 | #
This is a great idea i will have to try it
February 10th, 2010 | #
I feel like if a school doesn’t have good food i wouldnt even be able to go.
February 10th, 2010 | #
cool
February 10th, 2010 | #
A college meal plan is helpful, but not for me. My parents plan on buying the grocery’s for me. When you think about it, a meal plan can get a little pricey!
Thanks though!
February 10th, 2010 | #
I’m just a senior in High School, but this seems like it would be very helpful in the future and my years in college.
Thanks!
February 10th, 2010 | #
This sounds like a good plan for college
February 10th, 2010 | #
This is pretty neat
February 10th, 2010 | #
helpful !
February 9th, 2010 | #
It would be nice to have a college meal plan since that would cut down on money spent doing groceries and all the failed attempts of cooking, but can they offer a healthy vegetarian option to most of their meals?
February 9th, 2010 | #
Good to know – it’s a big responsibility to be in charge of your own diet…it’s important to learn how to make responsible meal choices.
February 9th, 2010 | #
helpful info!
February 9th, 2010 | #
very interestingg
February 9th, 2010 | #
interesting
February 9th, 2010 | #
very helpful!
February 9th, 2010 | #
Good to know
February 9th, 2010 | #
i really need financial aid in order to go to m dream college… good article!!!
February 9th, 2010 | #
interesting.
February 9th, 2010 | #
Even though I am still a senior in high school, I am already looking at the overall cost of food while away at school….I am going to need a LOT! thanks!
February 9th, 2010 | #
I like the meal plan idea…
February 9th, 2010 | #
I think that these are some very useful tips. I will have to remember these when I am on my own.
February 9th, 2010 | #
This was really helpful to me, thanks so much!
February 8th, 2010 | #
mmm yummy:)
February 8th, 2010 | #
This is true. Living on campus in the apartments was a killer for my family and I learned quickly the importance of a budge.
February 8th, 2010 | #
I agree that stocking up on sale items works. And making healthy meals that last for a few days is nice so you save time on cooking and aren’t tempted to eat out. And having sandwiches or healthy snack foods already prepared is a good way to save money. (Simple things like making a pot of spaghetti or muffins can save TONS of money because it’s cheap and can be frozen
~)
February 8th, 2010 | #
Hey
that’s what I do!
February 8th, 2010 | #
Very helpful!
February 8th, 2010 | #
it look deliciouce
February 8th, 2010 | #
Thanks! That was helful! :]
February 8th, 2010 | #
The article great because it tells people how to budget when they are not staying on campus.
February 8th, 2010 | #
This is awesome! I myself had to set up a system by counting the number of weeks I’d be here, and how much money I would need!
February 8th, 2010 | #
When you are a High School Student leaving home, then this information is great for you.
February 8th, 2010 | #
great information
February 8th, 2010 | #
Coupons may not seem very helpful but when you add them up it save tons of money and they are easy to access. It’s good to be reminded of this.
February 8th, 2010 | #
I would just get the meal plan a lot easier than cooking for yourself. Anyway I’m sure ramon noodles and pop tarts would get old after a while
February 7th, 2010 | #
Super Walmarts have cheap food.
February 7th, 2010 | #
I think I’m going to miss my mom’s cooking :/
February 7th, 2010 | #
great idea
February 7th, 2010 | #
Thanx… this is good information for me for my first year in college… i’ll take the advice.
February 7th, 2010 | #
Lots of good information. I was looking at meal plans today and at USF its about 1700 dollars per semester. Either way I think your paying alot of money… Budgeting is something that really needs to be dealt with better.
February 7th, 2010 | #
This info will be very useful and is a good way to budget yourself
February 7th, 2010 | #
I think a food budget is a great idea.
where do i sign up?..:D
February 7th, 2010 | #
thanks for the heads up!
February 7th, 2010 | #
thanks for the info! good to know!
February 7th, 2010 | #
That’s a great idea. I am planning to live off campus for my 3rd and 4th year. I’m going keep those tips in mind.
February 7th, 2010 | #
useful information since i’m planning on going to a school with suite dorms, so i’ll have a kitchen and no meal plan!
February 7th, 2010 | #
That test week idea was a really practical idea.
February 6th, 2010 | #
I am a senior in high school and an active person. I think eating right is a key to a better education and better alert mind.
Food shouldnt be an issue in college.
February 6th, 2010 | #
The college I’m planning on going to requires you to use their meal plan for the first year but after it seems like it could be cheaper not to, they have kitchens on each floor of the dorms.
February 6th, 2010 | #
Good info.
February 6th, 2010 | #
Interesting.
February 6th, 2010 | #
Having a healthy diet and staying in a given budget is always difficult. Thank you for the tips.
February 6th, 2010 | #
This is very useful info
February 6th, 2010 | #
idk
February 6th, 2010 | #
this information could be very useful for me! i am going into college in less than 6 months!
February 6th, 2010 | #
Thanks, great article. A food budget is really needed.
February 6th, 2010 | #
I am a junior in college and this information directly applies to me because I live off campus and I have to provide food for myself daily.
February 6th, 2010 | #
The main issue among all students staying in the hostels is the high mess bill.
February 6th, 2010 | #
It is always best financially to eat at home
February 6th, 2010 | #
This article is very important especially to all schools who needs to change their food at school. Students needs healthy but yummy food.
February 6th, 2010 | #
I NEED FINANCIAL AID REALLY BAD
February 6th, 2010 | #
Yes, make a budget, but also, if you can, bring food from home (aka parents house). Saves a lot of money.
February 6th, 2010 | #
i shop at aldi’s and the dollar store..it food on a budget
February 5th, 2010 | #
I shop at Aldi’s and the dollar store…you can find some good deals
February 5th, 2010 | #
very helpful info I didn’t know
February 5th, 2010 | #
very useful to consider when i transer.
February 5th, 2010 | #
great information!
February 5th, 2010 | #
I am currently a Senior in high school getting ready to go to college and this information really helped me and changed my mind about living off campus
. But it also gave good tips when you do go live off campus. Thanks
February 5th, 2010 | #
Thanks!
February 5th, 2010 | #
I need this money!!!!!!
February 5th, 2010 | #
This really made me think. It was great.
February 5th, 2010 | #
This is an very interesting article. Great information for next year when i become an undergraduate…
February 5th, 2010 | #
healthy eating is important in any cases.
February 5th, 2010 | #
nicce
February 4th, 2010 | #
This info. will defintaely be helpful once i start living on my own, thank!
February 4th, 2010 | #
good information
February 4th, 2010 | #
very useful once i do get my own apartment. i never thought about a food budget.
February 4th, 2010 | #
financial aid and food that would help me to save money.
February 4th, 2010 | #
im a senior in highschool, but thanks for the info.
February 4th, 2010 | #
I totally agree on the part about creating a budget it is the one sure way to figure out how much you need to spend.
February 4th, 2010 | #
Coupon clipping helps a lot and you can get more for your money. I agree, college is so expensive and even charge you on other fees as it is, so lunch should be free or cheaper at least.
February 4th, 2010 | #
I think that students should benefit from accomplishment. Being accepted to any college is an accomplishment, and with any scholarship, or financial aid prgoram should attach a way to pay for food other than out of your pocket.
February 3rd, 2010 | #
I pretty much spend $100 a month on groceries… I’m glad I have a job while I’m in school or I’d starve.
February 3rd, 2010 | #
You are right. As of right now, I am a freshman at Chico State and the budget is getting really tight. Next year, I do not know what I am suppose to do because of the budget. I provide and the scholarships that I have provide money for me for school. My family has low income and they cannot afford to help me. Therefore, as of right now I am lost and do not know what I should do.
February 3rd, 2010 | #
yeah college food gets really pricey, they should have some sort of system set up to make it cheaper for students.
February 3rd, 2010 | #
true true true, food is getting very expensive even at local groceries stores and the fact that food at schools are becoming more and more expensive it is struggling for students to get food.
February 3rd, 2010 | #
Thanks for the information I will take it into consideration.
February 3rd, 2010 | #
This information could be very useful in the near future. This helps a lot of students that are living on campus afford a healthy meal plan.
February 3rd, 2010 | #
I agree with the part about the cost getting expensive. It is very hard to buy food that is fresh and healthy and still be relatively inexpensive! Grocery costs are one thing I seem to constantly stuggle with!
February 3rd, 2010 | #
I agree with Yasmeen as well. Financial aid takes some only as far as tuition but what about living expenses such as, food, housing, and necessities?
February 3rd, 2010 | #
I’m pretty nervous about paying for all the expenses in college, and this is definitely one of my top concerns. Reading this puts me a little more at ease about how to take care of things.
February 3rd, 2010 | #
Nutrition is an important component of education. I think students should have an option to continue with a limited meal plan, e.g. breakfast/lunch to ensure they are prepared for the day. This will assure they conionue to maximize their potential and aid in their being able to fully participate in class activity.
February 3rd, 2010 | #
I agree with Yasmeen. Without proper nutrition our minds can not function to their full capability and I know many people who go hungry throughout the day because they cannot afford food.
February 3rd, 2010 | #
i honestly think there should be free lunch also
February 3rd, 2010 | #
i think they should also
February 3rd, 2010 | #
Students that live off campus would possibly be working a little more than the ones on campus maybe but they could budget there money by buying easy to make food like noodles, frozen dinners. Just budget enough to make 3 meals a day for 30 days equals 90 meals a month. Hopefully you could possibly go without some of those meals. But buy like cereal,easy breakfast foods. And if you live in the same state as your parents, you could go see them around dinner time.
February 3rd, 2010 | #
and lunches for students I feel should be affordable to all students.
February 3rd, 2010 | #
I feel being a college student and learning to balance school, priorities and diet are very important.
February 3rd, 2010 | #
THAT WAS GREAT!
February 3rd, 2010 | #
I think this is a good idea, i lived of campus for two years and found my food budget to be a real task. Then again i did not have to eat all my meals at school!
February 3rd, 2010 | #
I think the comment above is a great idea…however, those who don’t have financial aid will be seaking it just so they could get free food, when those who REALLY need F.A. for food don’t get it. For example I only qualify for $3,500/year, and my fiance gets $10,650/yeah. He lives at home, and I’m busting my hump to make rent payments. I don’t get to eat everyday, where as he gets to eat like a horse. Food prices are high no matter where I try to go for some grub. It’s just not fair for those who work really hard to get an education and who seek to get help don’t get any. But those who tend to slack off here and there get all the help in the world.
February 3rd, 2010 | #
When I was a student at SDSU I ate healthier once I had to budget for food. At the food court I ate as many sweets as I wanted cause the nutritious food was available as well when I wanted that. Once I had to pay for my food I didn’t have enough money for the junk food.
February 2nd, 2010 | #
Colleges should provide free meal programs if the student is being aided by financial aid because the student has strived to do well in high school in order to get in that specific prestigious college, and he should not be shut down due to an expensive meal plan.
February 2nd, 2010 | #
i agree with Yasmeen. Or if a student has a work study at the college
February 2nd, 2010 | #
I agree with Yasmeen. Or for those who have a work study at the college.
February 2nd, 2010 | #
At the college my daughter attends they can either have a food plan wether or not they live on campus. Check to see if they have a plan for commuters.
February 2nd, 2010 | #
Colleges that offer meal plans give families once less thing to worry about.
February 2nd, 2010 | #
I think if your son apply for enough scholarships and fiancial aid then he wouldn’t have to worry about food.
February 2nd, 2010 | #
If campus students refrain from eating out and work out a budget deal considering the lunch program their financial status should remain decent. However, I do agree with Yasmeen that anyone who receives financial aid services should be able to work with a free lunch program at the school.
February 2nd, 2010 | #
The lunck at colleges should be free. We already paid all that tuition. The food should be included so we don’t have to spend so much just to buy food.
February 2nd, 2010 | #
often students receive refund even when pay for meals.
February 2nd, 2010 | #
I think that colleges should have a free lunch program for students who recieve financial aid services. This way a majority of students will be able to afford to live on campus as well as a healthy meal plan.
February 2nd, 2010 | #
i really need financial help
February 2nd, 2010 | #
I’m just a senior in high school, but this information could be useful in the near future. Thanks!
February 2nd, 2010 | #