Food is a very serious topic, and when it comes to food, I don’t mess around. However, being in college and constantly needing to provide food for yourself can be a huge financial challenge. So, when I have food, I don’t play with it, but I do find creative ways to save money on food. While dining halls are pretty disgusting, if you look hard enough, there are a few convenient tricks for saving money using your dining hall, you just have to get a little creative. Here are some of my favorite tricks for using the dining hall to save money, and have access to yummy food even when its closed.

1. To-go containers are your best friend. Always ask for one when you go into the dining hall even if you are planning on eating there. You can fill it up with yummy snacks for later! Chips, bread, a sandwich, anything you might want later in the day.
2. Coffee cups also serve as a great tool, and not just for keeping your coffee warm. I often times fill up a coffee cup with salsa, hummus, goldfish, peanut-butter, cereal or soup, and when I get to my room, I tape the holes and put it in my mini fridge to make sure it stays fresh.
3. Water bottles. Reuse your recyclable bottles or just fill your personal water bottle up with milk, coffee, tea, or whatever else your dining hall has to offer. Then you stick it in your fridge and can drink it whenever you want! One of my favorite things to do is get a water bottle of milk and a coffee cup of cereal. It is perfect for a quick snack when studying after dining hall hours.
4. Fruit. There is usually a fruit station somewhere in the dining hall. I always make sure to grab a few apples or bananas to keep in my room for a healthy snack whenever it is convenient.

These are my top 4 tips for getting creative with saving money on food. While you do pay for access to the dining hall, there are many times when you want food, but it is closed. So, instead of spending more money somewhere else, keep a few snacks on hand and you’ll be set! But be careful, some dining halls aren’t huge fans of students taking advantage of what they have already paid for. :). Food