College Money Talk: Doing Your Own Groceries

Now that you’re in college, you’ll be in charge of doing your own grocery trips since mom won’t be there to do it for you. College students do their groceries because they have to provide for their basic necessities. But groceries do more than that. They help you save on your daily budget. The only trick you have to learn is how to spend your money wisely. You can start doing this by creating a shortlist of the items which you need to buy.

Here are some items that must be included in your grocery list:

Toiletries. Consider your main bathroom needs: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, facial wash/moisturizer, and lotion. These are things you can buy only once a month since you’ll be using them for a long period of time.

Canned/microwavable food. You can cook these foods in your dorm room, and they save you from spending bucks on fast food meals. These foods also come in handy when you’re in an emergency cramming situation. Eating keeps you up all night.

Paper towels. They are always handy, from wiping tears to cleaning up the mess. Get a pack good enough for a month’s use.

Cleaning materials. If you have items that need to be washed, such as plates or microwavable containers, then you need to have your own cleaning stuff, i.e. soap and a sponge. They keep your food holders clean at all times.

Vitamins. Remember, you need to stay healthy despite all the stress you’ll be facing in the days to come. It’s best to take a regular dose of multivitamins to keep you energized (consult your doctor first before doing so).

These are items which can keep you a good week’s (or even a month’s, depending on how you consume them) supply of your basic needs. Doing a regular grocery keeps you from impulsive buying since you’re ensured of your necessities. Thus, you not only get your needs on time, you actually save money as well.

Is your allowance not enough to pay for your groceries? A scholarship may actually help you out with that.