Moving into Ohio University off-campus housing is one of the first times many students have access to a full kitchen. While eating out in Uptown Athens is convenient, relying on restaurants and takeout for every meal can quickly become one of the largest expenses in your monthly budget. Learning a few basic cooking skills can help you save money, eat healthier, and make your apartment feel more like home.
This guide goes over how you can make affordable home-cooked meals throughout your entire college stay.
Why You Should Cook at Your Athens Student Rental
A typical takeout meal in Athens can easily cost anywhere from $10–15 once taxes and tips are included. With everything from gas to household essentials getting more expensive each month, it’s a good idea to learn how to cook.
Buying ingredients for a simple homemade meal often costs way less when you make stuff in batches. If you replace just five takeout meals per week with home-cooked meals, you can save almost $200-300 per month, which can be used for your rent, utilities, or other weekend activities.
Start With a Budget-Friendly Kitchen Setup
You do not need a fully stocked kitchen to cook well in an apartment. Focus on a few versatile essentials first. Setting up a functional kitchen doesn’t have to break the bank, and you don’t need all the fanciest kitchen equipment right off the bat. Here are a few essentials to get started:
- A medium pot
- A frying pan
- Baking sheet or oven-safe casserole dish
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
- Wooden spoon
- Food storage containers
- Air fryer
Many students moving into homes in Athens with roommates can save money by splitting the costs for kitchen equipment and avoiding buying duplicates.
Doing Groceries on a Budget and Shopping Smart
Athens has several grocery options within a short drive, bus ride, or walk from Ohio University. Choosing the right store for the right type of purchase can help college students save a surprising amount of money over the course of a semester. From ALDI and Kroger to the local Athens Farmers Market, you can find low prices and a good variety of grocery items. The Athens Farmers Market is a fantastic option for seasonal produce. Buying a few fresh items each week from the market can improve meal quality without dramatically increasing your food budget.
Also, check out coupons and loyalty programs wherever you plan to shop.
For students without a car, try planning a larger grocery trip per week. This helps you lower impulse purchases and be more intentional about the ingredients you’re buying.
Meal Prepping Keeps You Fed During Busy Weeks
One of the biggest reasons students order takeout is lack of time. Meal prep solves that problem. You can find student-friendly meal prep ideas. It’s a good idea to meal prep during the weekends and cook batches of breakfast or lunch items.
These are some meal ideas that you can try out:
- Rice bowls
- Stir-fried dishes
- Pasta dishes
- Breakfast burritos
- Roasted vegetable dishes
- Hearty soups
- One-pot dishes
Storing these in portioned containers makes it easy for you to reheat and enjoy a meal in between classes. This will be a lifesaver during midterms and finals when cooking every night feels unrealistic.
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be worthwhile. Start with two or three easy meals, repeat them until they become routine, and gradually add new recipes over time. Most students find that the hardest part is simply getting started.
Reduce Food Waste in a Small Apartment
Food waste is one of the hidden costs of apartment living. To avoid throwing money away, keep everything stored properly. Freezing extra bread, meat, and cooked meals can extend their shelf life.
Use up vegetables or produce for your dishes throughout the week. Label leftovers and plan your meals before you go grocery shopping.
Keep Emergency Meals in Your Athens Apartment for Busy and Tiring Days
Every student has nights when cooking isn’t realistic. Keep a small “emergency meal” stash so you’re not forced to order delivery. Inexpensive food options include:
- Instant oatmeal
- Microwavable rice meals
- Canned soup
- Instant ramen
- Frozen burritos
These can serve as a quick and easy meal whenever you’re too tired to cook and want to save money. You can definitely make these instant meals a little bit healthier by adding some vegetables or fruit.
Living in an Apartment Near Ohio University Gives You More Freedom
When you move into OU off-campus housing, you get a lot of freedom with how you want to enjoy your college experience. One of the benefits of off-campus living is having access to your own functional kitchen, where you can learn to cook filling and healthy meals that keep you fueled.
You can find a comfortable Athens student rental where you can study, recharge, and build life skills by checking out Kleinpenny Rentals’ available housing options.