Cooking on a budget

Plan a budget - decide how much you're going to spend on food each week and stick to it or you'll end up eating baked beans every day for the last few months of term.Keep basic essentials like pasta, couscous, rice and tinned tomatos in your cupboard. You can easily make a meal with them.

Buy food that keeps - for example buy dried herbs rather than fresh ones.Cook your own meals - processed food and ready meals are expensive. Its much cheaper and often better for you if you by basic ingredients and make it yourself.Buy bulk - this is easy if you live in self catering halls.

Get everyone to chip in to buy big bags of rice or pasta and share it with your flat mates.Shop around - Compare prices.

You'll often save a few pennies by buying supermarket's own products, rather than the big brands.

Fridge and storecupboard must-haves

Beans - yes we've all heard the joke about students and baked beans but they are the ultimate student stand by.

Tinned Tomatoes - can be used to make sauces and soups.

Tinned Tuna or Salmon - great with pasta, jacket potatoes or salads. They're also high in protein and omega 3.

Cheddar cheese - great source of calcium and it's delicious with almost anything.

Dried herbs and spices -chilli and mixed herbs are a must-have!Eggs - ideal protein food.

If you've only got two eggs and a lump of cheese in the fridge you can always make a delicious omlette.

Pasta, Rice and Couscous - cheap and tasty and can be eaten cold the next day!

Stock cubes - great for curries, stews and soups.Oats - mix with some milk and honey as a great filling meal to start the day, especially during the winter months

.Fruit Juice - opt for the concentrated ones which are much cheaper than the fresh, chilled kind. Great way to stockup on your five a day.