All About Food: Tips for International Students in the UK

About to kickstart your study journey in the UK? If you want to enjoy the British experience, food is the best place to start. 

In the UK, the adventure begins once you venture into the kaleidoscope of British foods. Once you glide through a spectrum of exotic and delectable tastes, there’s no going back. 

But the myriad of dishes sometimes comes with an unsavory price tag. High costs of dining out can leave a sour taste in your mouth (and pocket!).

If you want to enjoy the best of British food, you have to be a smart consumer. Here are some tips you can follow about buying and consuming your food in the UK while studying abroad:

Target Local Food Markets To Save More

Worried about going over your grocery budget? Why not visit a food market near you and enjoy much lower prices of food items?

Fresh vegetables and fruits are generally costly in the UK. In local food markets, you can get a great deal to concoct a healthy snack.

Wherever you are in the UK, there are plenty of local food markets you can visit. There’s the Swansea Market in Wales and Borough Market in England. 

If you’re in Scotland, you can buy your goods at Kirkwall Farmers’ Market in Orkney. But if you’re in Ireland, St George’s Market in Belfast is the best place to go.

Make Your Own Meals From Recipes Online

If your accommodation allows cooking, take advantage of this privilege. Those who scored a place with a full (or half) kitchen can revel in various recipes to try. 

As long as you hand-pick your ingredients, you may save more in making meals than dining out. You can also cook large servings and keep them in a container for later consumption.

If you’re staying with roommates, make sure to get them aboard with the preparations. They can also throw in some cash to contribute to the ingredients you need.

Opt for Catered Halls of Residence

One of the best benefits of choosing on-campus accommodation is the inclusive meals. If you opt for a catered hall, you won’t have to worry about your meals throughout the day.

This is also a great way to bond with your roommates while you enjoy a nice meal. Catered halls often serve breakfast and dinner from Monday to Friday.

Use Your Student Discount Card

Having a student discount card unlocks perks that can help you save money. You can even use your discount card in restaurants or when checking out your groceries.

In some cases, you also have to ask the place if they offer student discounts. You can try asking in cafes or in mid-range restaurants in the city.

To fully enjoy your perks as a student, don’t forget to buy an ISIC to get more discounts on accommodation, food, and travel. Having a discount card like this lessens the worry of paying too much for your valuables.

There are plenty of options you can try to save on food in the UK. Here at MSM Unify, we offer more tips on how to live as a student in different study destinations. Be sure to check them out to learn more.