Save Money on Student Meals.

Living away from home and in student accommodation at Uni is a challenge in itself, let alone having to think about saving money for basic every day living.

Money is bound to be short and anything that is designed to save time and effort as well is welcome. You don't have to be a Student to need to save - just read on and pick up some tips for really cheap meals.

Just to prove that student food need not always be the traditional fry-up, take a look at the recipes below. This 'fry-up' is not always the healthy option and can be quite expensive.

Have a browse around and see what tickles your taste buds!

Here is a real student meal that makes that old stand-by mince go further and will save money.

1. Fry some chopped onion, add the mince, and stock cube dissolved in water. Cook mince in the usual way but add a couple of tablespoons of porridge oats at the final simmering stage. This will bulk up the meat but is still nutritious and filling. Don’t forget to add plenty of thinly sliced carrots, swede and parsnips, or whatever left over vegetable you have available. The oats will take on the flavour and consistency of the meat.

Ringing the changes by adding a can of chopped tomatoes is another version. Also try adding pearl barley instead of porridge oats.

You can also use 'Veggie' mince, ‘quorn" style meat substitute for vegetarians in the same way which is full of goodness. (Check first though for any wheat allergies!) This product is also low fat. Contribution from Chrissie from Chelmsford, Essex. Thank you.

2. For another really easy student meal using creamy mashed potato:

Beat two eggs together in a cup, add these in the final mashing with a little milk, butter, chopped chives, if available. Top with grated cheese. Place under a hot grill until brown. Chopped tomatoes and lightly fried onion can be added for extra taste!

To get your dose of Omega 3 oils, serve with sardines across the top of the browned cheese before serving. Yummy! Another contribution from Chrissie M. Chelmsford. Essex. Thank you.

Money is tight - so before buying any ingredients for these meals, take a look at this super site and save even more.

Another quick and cheap student meal again based on creamed potatoes is as follows:

3. Cream the potatoes with butter, milk and grated cheese. Place in an ovenproof dish, make two hollows in the potato mix with the base of a spoon and crack an egg in each. (Bang goes the cholesterol level!) Place in a warm oven and cook until the eggs are set. Serve with baked beans or a healthy salad. The choice is yours! Contribution from Helen in Essex. Thank you.

4. Eggy Bread. Beat two eggs together in a cup or bowl with seasoning. Tip on to a plate. Dip thick sliced bread into the mix coating each side and fry these in a frying pan with a little olive oil in the base. Let each side turn golden brown. Remove from pan and keep warm. Serve with baked beans and fried tomatoes. A delicious supper that will fill a hole and save money!

5. Left-overs soup. Buy a can of Heinz tomato soup, or Campbell’s vegetable soup. Add some thinly sliced sausages that have been left over from a previous meal, plus any left over vegetables such as tinned sweet corn, baked beans, sliced, cooked potatoes. Heat thoroughly, serve with some crusty bread and enjoy. A good way of clearing up 'left-overs' and it can be a very filling meal.

Do you know of a good food tip? Why not pass it on to us via the Contact Us page

For more good money saving ideas, take a look at

Recipes to Save Money at Cook's Corner
NEW Meat Free Meals to Save Money
Students Save Money with Top Ten Tips