You’ve just finished moving in and now you’re thinking, “what’s next?”
After unpacking your next course of action to ensure a smooth transition in your new apartment is taking a trip to the grocery store. If this is your first time living alone or moving into a Lubbock apartment, buying groceries can be overwhelming! You may not know how to pay for your bill within a budget and must figure out the right balance to not get too much or too little food.
In order to have the best experience grocery shopping and prevent going over-budget is to be prepared. As a college student you're likely on a budget with a cheap apartment and a limited amount to spend on food. With the right planning and referencing this guide, you’ll soar through the grocery store like a pro. It’s a good idea to formulate a list of meals and snacks you like to eat as well as planning how often you’d like to go grocery shopping. By figuring out these two important details, you’ll have more efficient grocery shopping trips.
Here are a few tips for creating your shopping list:
- Choose meal options that suit your lifestyle! As a college student, you should aim to have quick lunch options and grand-and-go snacks that will make your life easier.
- Only go to the grocery store with a full stomach otherwise your hunger will make some bad decisions and break the bank.
- Pick dinner options that will allow for leftovers! That way if your crammed with schoolwork, last night’s lasagna will save the day.
Below are grocery essentials that should guide you on your first grocery shopping trip! Try not to go overboard. It’s a good idea to buy less things initially to get a good feel of how much you eat and what food options are the best for you. Your Texas Tech apartment may be tight on storage space, so be cautious overbuying if you have roommates.
Pantry & Non-Perishable Items
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Bread
- Rice
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Soup
- Canned vegetables
- Chips and crackers
- Coffee
- Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder)
- Oil (vegetable, olive, coconut)
- Condiments (mustard, ketchup, salad dressing)
- Ziplock bags
- Paper plates
- Paper towels
- Tupperware
Refrigerated Items
- Vegetables (carrots and celery are great to snack with hummus or ranch)
- Fruit
- Salad (salad kits are a quick and easy option for college students)
- Deli meat (turkey, ham, salami)
- Cheese (sliced cheese is great for making sandwiches)
- Milk (whole, almond, soy, oat)
- Eggs
- Dips
Butter
Freezer Items
- Pizza
- Microwaveable meals
- Smoothie mixes
- Fruits and vegetables
- Ice cream
- Sides (French fries, veggies)
- Meat
Cleaning Supplies
- Swiffer (with pads)
- Broom
- Vacuum
- Trash bags
- Toilet brush, plunger, and toilet bowl cleaner
- Multipurpose cleaner
- Windex
- Detergent
- Dishwasher pods
- Soap
- Personal toiletries
« TTU Student Guide