
Staples for student cupboards

Protein
Unless you’re dead into fitness and one of those people committed to tracking protein and necking protein shakes, it can sometimes be overlooked. But (without sounding like a wannabe influencer), protein is really important. It’s full of nutrients that help repair and build body tissues, keep energy levels going and the brain working. So whether you’re planning to hit the books (or Google), or to hit the gym, protein is critical. Protein is the main part of most meals, which primarily consists of meat & fish (or alternatives, depending on your diet type). Chicken is a very versatile form of protein – you could have it in soup, you could put some in pasta or a curry, among many other things. Additionally, the NHS recommends eating 2 portions of fish a week, 1 being an oily fish. Salmon is a great, albeit a little more expensive, option for an oily fish – it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids. I would recommend getting two forms of protein per week, but enough that you could add to multiple meals – so a couple of chicken breasts and a pack of two salmon, for example.Fruit and veg

Dairy
Dairy is another important part of your daily diet. They have calcium in them and we all need strong bones, right? Milk (or alternative) is always a useful thing to have in your fridge, especially if you’re a coffee drinker. Eggs can be used in a variety of different meals, from an omelette to a quiche. Cheese is another flexible ingredient – you can have a cheese toastie, you could add it to an omelette or put it on top of some pasta. Eggs, cheese and coffee are great for a hangover fry-up, so be sure to stock up on what you need!Treats
Of course, you need to treat yourself every so often, both in terms of having a balanced diet and also just because you need it sometimes (any final years currently in the midst of writing your dissertations, you get me). Crisps, specifically a multipack of crisps, makes a great option, as you could pair them with a sandwich for lunch or have them as a snack, but the multipack means you don’t have too much. Similarly, you could pair something chocolatey with some fruit to have a treat while still having something healthy (my recent discovery – Maltesers and strawberries go very well together).Others
Of course, there are some other things that you may need in a weekly shop that don’t fall into one of these categories. Students practically run on coffee, so buying some powder to make at home will save you money rather than buying some from campus. Cooking oil (olive, sunflower or vegetable) is a very useful thing to have in your cupboard as it is useful in almost every type of cooking. And if you need things like ketchup, mayo, salad cream etc., these can be meal-changers!The ultimate shopping list for students

- 1 loaf of bread
- 1 bag of pasta
- 1 bag of rice
- Pasta sauce
- 1 box of cereal
- Pack of 4 chicken breasts
- Pack of 2 salmon
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Carrots
- Peas
- 1 bottle of milk
- 1 pack of eggs
- Cheese
- Multipack of crisps
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Cooking oil
Authors
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Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.
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