The packing list - The food edition
For a university student heading off for the first time it's great to have affordable, versatile and nutritious food staples that are easy to store and cook.
This list is allergy dependant and can be adapted to all dietary requirements and preferences
For those who have no cooking experience this
Recipe book
is recommended time and again #affiliate link

Spices and condiments
Olive oil/sunflower oil for cooking
Stock cubes - chicken, beef and vegetable to add flavour
Vinegar, ketchup, brown sauce, mayonnaise, soy sauce, hot sauce and tomato puree - all useful condiments to liven up meals
Salt and pepper
Basic spices - paprika, chilli flakes, mixed herbs, cumin, curry powder, garlic
Tip: make a list together of favourite dishes and write out recipes and make sure you have all of the basics needed
Grains and pulses
Pasta
Rice
Microwaveable rice (Aldi has some of the cheapest packets and they are a great staple)
Lentils, chick peas, kidney beans
Porridge oats and instant porridge pots for late starts, granola bars or protein bars can also be handy to shove in your bag
Bread
Wraps
Tins & jars
Soup
Beans
Tomatoes
Pasta sauce
Noodles
instant noodles - super quick to make and affordable
Tuna/ salmon
Fridge/Freezer
Yogurts, Milk, Cheese (can be plant based)
Meat/ quorn alternative
Frozen fruit for smoothies and frozen vegetables, the bonus is they keep for ages to ensure no food waste and some source of vitamins are available!
Fresh fruit and vegetables - a small amount to get started
Last but not least
Tea/coffee and sugar
Instant Hot Chocolate
Coffee mate for when you run out of milk
This list will help to create a variety of meals without breaking the bank. You can mix and match ingredients for stir-fries, pasta dishes, sandwiches, or soups.
Any other recommendations please add them below
For a university student heading off for the first time it's great to have affordable, versatile and nutritious food staples that are easy to store and cook.
This list is allergy dependant and can be adapted to all dietary requirements and preferences
For those who have no cooking experience this
Recipe book


Spices and condiments
Olive oil/sunflower oil for cooking
Stock cubes - chicken, beef and vegetable to add flavour
Vinegar, ketchup, brown sauce, mayonnaise, soy sauce, hot sauce and tomato puree - all useful condiments to liven up meals
Salt and pepper
Basic spices - paprika, chilli flakes, mixed herbs, cumin, curry powder, garlic
Tip: make a list together of favourite dishes and write out recipes and make sure you have all of the basics needed
Grains and pulses
Pasta
Rice
Microwaveable rice (Aldi has some of the cheapest packets and they are a great staple)
Lentils, chick peas, kidney beans
Porridge oats and instant porridge pots for late starts, granola bars or protein bars can also be handy to shove in your bag
Bread
Wraps
Tins & jars
Soup
Beans
Tomatoes
Pasta sauce
Noodles
instant noodles - super quick to make and affordable
Tuna/ salmon
Fridge/Freezer
Yogurts, Milk, Cheese (can be plant based)
Meat/ quorn alternative
Frozen fruit for smoothies and frozen vegetables, the bonus is they keep for ages to ensure no food waste and some source of vitamins are available!
Fresh fruit and vegetables - a small amount to get started
Last but not least
Tea/coffee and sugar
Instant Hot Chocolate
Coffee mate for when you run out of milk
This list will help to create a variety of meals without breaking the bank. You can mix and match ingredients for stir-fries, pasta dishes, sandwiches, or soups.
Any other recommendations please add them below

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