Section 2: Going Grocery Shopping
Grocery shopping in college is in many ways different then shopping at home. If you are far away, you may only have access to unfamiliar grocery store chains that may not carry exactly what you want. You may also not have the transportation availability or the time to simply run down to the grocery store for one or two things. In this section we are going to cover different kinds of shopping, making a thorough list and having a plan and the modes of transportation available to you as a college student.
Unlike at home, going to the grocery store may not be feasible or easy. For that reason there are many different options for grocery shopping. If you choose, you can go the old fashion way. You can go to the store, get what you need and be on your way. If the store does not have exactly what you want, you can ask the manager about ordering the brands you rely on. If going to the store takes too much time, there are now options for online grocery shopping. Online grocery shopping gives you the convenience of shopping from home and gives you a wider array of products than may be available in the store. Online grocery availability vary by area so keep that in mind. If you plan to do online grocery shopping, keep in mind it will take time for your groceries to be delivered and that it is important to check the ingredients in the foods carefully before ordering. There is also a hybridized way to do it by buying your specialty items online while going to the store for your more mainstream every day staples.
No matter your method, it is important to go shopping with a plan. The last thing you want is to come home from the store realizing you forgot a key ingredient in your recipe. Try planning your meals in advance of shopping so you know exactly what you need to buy. Also as you run out of things it is easy to write them down so you don’t have to try to remember what you have and what you don’t have. On your final list, it is helpful to group food by category so you can go aisle by aisle without having to run back and forth. It will save you time and keep you from forgetting items. Have both a paper version and an electronic version so if you lose the paper, you have it on your phone and if your phone dies you have it on paper.
Getting to the grocery store can sometimes be the hardest part of the entire process. If you live in a city where there are busses, try using google maps to help plan your route. It will tell you exactly what busses to use, when they come and where to get off. If you are taking a bus, a wheeling cart is definitely a good investment. Another options is cabs. Although more expensive than busses they will take you door to door and you don’t have to worry about getting lost. If you can provide proof of needing a car, your university may allow you to keep a car on campus even if freshman typically aren't allowed. Keep in mind, parking may come at a price - as high as $900 a semester - and if you are going to school where winters can bring lots of snow and you will not be driving your car for a few months this might not be the best option for you. Lastly, some universities have ZipCars. Once you are 18 and have a valid license, you can rent a ZipCar. These are less expensive than cabs but more expensive than buses. Only use this option if you feel confident driving to the grocery store and know where you are going.
Unlike at home, going to the grocery store may not be feasible or easy. For that reason there are many different options for grocery shopping. If you choose, you can go the old fashion way. You can go to the store, get what you need and be on your way. If the store does not have exactly what you want, you can ask the manager about ordering the brands you rely on. If going to the store takes too much time, there are now options for online grocery shopping. Online grocery shopping gives you the convenience of shopping from home and gives you a wider array of products than may be available in the store. Online grocery availability vary by area so keep that in mind. If you plan to do online grocery shopping, keep in mind it will take time for your groceries to be delivered and that it is important to check the ingredients in the foods carefully before ordering. There is also a hybridized way to do it by buying your specialty items online while going to the store for your more mainstream every day staples.
No matter your method, it is important to go shopping with a plan. The last thing you want is to come home from the store realizing you forgot a key ingredient in your recipe. Try planning your meals in advance of shopping so you know exactly what you need to buy. Also as you run out of things it is easy to write them down so you don’t have to try to remember what you have and what you don’t have. On your final list, it is helpful to group food by category so you can go aisle by aisle without having to run back and forth. It will save you time and keep you from forgetting items. Have both a paper version and an electronic version so if you lose the paper, you have it on your phone and if your phone dies you have it on paper.
Getting to the grocery store can sometimes be the hardest part of the entire process. If you live in a city where there are busses, try using google maps to help plan your route. It will tell you exactly what busses to use, when they come and where to get off. If you are taking a bus, a wheeling cart is definitely a good investment. Another options is cabs. Although more expensive than busses they will take you door to door and you don’t have to worry about getting lost. If you can provide proof of needing a car, your university may allow you to keep a car on campus even if freshman typically aren't allowed. Keep in mind, parking may come at a price - as high as $900 a semester - and if you are going to school where winters can bring lots of snow and you will not be driving your car for a few months this might not be the best option for you. Lastly, some universities have ZipCars. Once you are 18 and have a valid license, you can rent a ZipCar. These are less expensive than cabs but more expensive than buses. Only use this option if you feel confident driving to the grocery store and know where you are going.