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When mom said to grocery shop for necessary things for home, you ignored her. You said, “I’ll do it later,” or thought, “ It’s not important right now.” However, now that you are studying abroad in a city like Manchester, it’s a whole different story. Now, you are the one who is taking all the responsibility and stocking up your student accommodation. No more procrastinating—it’s time to tackle your first big shopping trip. Trust us, the tips in this blog will definitely give you a clear idea of how to shop and ease your life in Student Accommodation in Manchester.
Make Your Meal Plans
Always remember to plan your meal according to your eating habits and patterns before you go grocery shopping. This will help you save money and reduce food waste. If you plan your meals and list down the needed items, you will not squander for unnecessary purchase.
Consider Batch Cooking
As a student, you won’t have enough time to cook daily. Here, batch cooking helps students a lot as they can cook in bulk for a group of friends. For that, Allen Court, Manchester—a brand new student living gives you the best culinary experiences with a well-equipped kitchen area. While preparing your list of items to buy, consider doubling the amount as you will cook in large amounts. Moreover, if your flatmates have the same tastes in cooking, then it will be the cherry on the cake. You can shop for groceries and cook together, making bonds and developing friendships.
Budget, Budget!
If you think that creating a budget is only the responsibility of the country’s Finance Minister, then you are mistaken here. As a study abroad student, you also must decide on a monthly budget plan to avoid excessive spending.
Purchasing is never about how many aisles you have visited in the supermarket to choose the right groceries. It is also about how you manage to buy things in a given amount. For that, check for discounts and special offers. Some supermarkets also offer student discounts—take advantage of it!
Treat Yourself Within the Limit, of Course!
It is okay to have food cravings sometimes. After all, you all are juggling the race from the university and studies to hostels and socialising. Hence, you deserve the treat. It is very tempting to order something from the shop around the corner or Uber Eats or Food Hub. However, this might add more expenses to your budget. Instead, you can buy them from a supermarket where you can get great discounts.
Try the Inhouse Brands
As buyers, we are sometimes stuck with specific food brands that can be expensive. Of course, these brands have established quality standards and trust factors. However, supermarkets have their own food brands with comparable quality, the same taste and lower costs. These items are sometimes manufactured by the same companies that produce the branded food items.
For example, Tesco’s Finest or Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference lines provide premium quality at a lower price. Moreover, everyday items like pasta, cereal and cleaning products can be bought from the in-house section. By switching to supermarket brands, you can minimize your purchase cost and do budget-friendly shopping.
If You See OFFER, Buy Essentials
Shopping for essentials quickly becomes expensive as they are always in demand. So, if you see any discounts or offers on branded toiletories, consider stocking up for future money-saving. Also, visit discount stores like Home Bargains and Pound Stretcher, where you can find affordable products anytime.
List of WHAT to BUY
In order to plan proper meals and a list to groceries, here is the list of items to reduce your tedious task.
- Carbohydrates: Pasta, Rice, Potatoes, Cereal, Bread, Grains, Starchy vegetables, Tortillas
- Cupboard Foods: Tuna, Tomatoes, Beans, Canned fruit, Corn, Soup, Tomato sauce, Olives, Spaghetti hoops, Red kidney beans, Vegetables
- Fresh Fruit and Vegetables: Apples, Carrots, Grapes, Oranges, Cabbage, Corn, Peppers, Bananas, Onions, Berries, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Avocados, Lemon/lime, Cauliflower, Peas
- Spices: Salt and pepper, Sugar, Olive oil, Sunflower/Vegetable oil, Stock cubes, Gravy granules, dried herbs, Spices
- Dairy Items: Milk, Eggs, Butter/spread, Mayonnaise, Cheese, Yoghurt
- Protein: Beef or soya mince, Chicken, Fish/shellfish
Best Supermarkets in Manchester
Now that you are ready with your shopping plan, you also must know the places where you can get all the items. That too with discounts. Let’s have a look at the best supermarkets in Manchester:
- ALDI: Aldi remains at the top of the list as one of the budget-friendly supermarkets in the UK. A German retailer, Aldi cuts down on branded products by providing budget-friendly alternatives that closely resemble the original. Their online shopping service is becoming increasingly popular as well.
- LIDL: Lidl ranks as the second most affordable grocery store in the UK. It is also a German food retailer company having 12000 outlets around the European continent and the USA. Lidl’s food items are just a fraction higher than ALDI’s.
- ASDA: Asda stores, AKA ASDA, is a British supermarket and petrol chain. Headquartered in Leeds, England, its market share in the UK’s economy is 12.6 per cent. Residents, as well as study abroad students, consider ASDA a cost-friendly supermarket that provides compensation for grocery items.
- Tesco Express: Tesco PLC is a British multinational supermarket chain and groceries and general merchandise in the UK. The brand has a 100-year legacy and has outlets in various countries like Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia.
- Sainsbury’s: Sainsbury’s is a famous and affordable retail chain for students to buy groceries and food items. You can easily shop from there with their self-checkout, delivery, etc.
Final Thoughts
The first shopping as a study abroad student can be a tedious and boring task. However, it can be a newfound experience for students. For optimum purchase experience, you should make strategic meal and cooking plans, avail different offers and student discounts from time to time. Famous for its education and lively living experiences, Manchester is full of affordable supermarkets and shops. You can make your living experience in Student Accommodation in Manchester easier and more comfortable by choosing a good list of supermarkets.
