Staying Fit and Healthy on a Student Budget

Cook your meals at home

Eating out or buying prepared meals can be expensive. As an alternative, why not cook your meals at home? Whipping up a storm in the kitchen can save you a lot of money plus it can help improve your skills and confidence in the kitchen. Our best advice? Start simple, using affordable ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes like three-ingredient pasta dishes, veg-dense stews and warming curries. These types of recipes are also great for bulk cooking. Try doubling the quantities in a recipe and keep any leftovers for other meals during the week or pop them in the freezer. 

Cooking at home also gives you more flexibility. Even on a tight budget, you can still find healthy ingredients that are affordable and have the potential to be cooked into something nutritious and delicious. If you’re stuck for ideas of ingredients to buy, refer to affordable shopping lists online that give you a guide of what to look out for when you’re at the supermarket. 

Another advantage to cooking at home is the social aspect. It’s fun to share the shopping and cooking with flatmates, plus it means you can take turns doing the washing up! Cooking for a group is also cheaper and it’s more efficient for the environment if you’re using one pan instead of seven. 

Exercise

Exercise can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle. However, there is scientific research to show that it can help to reduce stress, boost your mood and improve your physical health. Regular exercise has also been proven to improve cognitive function, including memory, attention and information processing, which can help you perform better in lectures and written assessments.

The best part? You don’t have to spend tons of money on gym memberships or expensive workout gear. All you need is an open space, a pair of trainers and something comfortable enough to wear while moving your body. 

If you want to combine exercise with being social, how about joining an outdoor fitness group or club? These offer a great chance to meet new people, plus you’ll be more inclined to go back if there’s a gang of people you enjoy hanging out with.

There are also plenty of free workout videos you can follow along with from the comfort of your student room. Search YouTube for pumped-up cardio sessions or dance workouts that will get your heart pumping. If running is more your thing, why not sign up for your local Parkrun? You don’t need any experience to join the 5km route, just some enthusiasm and a pair of comfortable trainers. 

Stay hydrated and cut down on sugary drinks

Two and three litres of water a day sounds like a lot but drinking enough water is essential for maintaining good health, as well as improving your energy levels. 

The best way to make sure you’re drinking enough water is to drink a little and often. Buy yourself a reusable bottle and keep it topped up so you have water on hand throughout the day.

If you usually reach for a fizzy drink, replace them with water as a healthier and cheaper alternative. And if you still have sugar cravings, try squeezing half a lemon or lime into your water. 

Sleep

Don’t underestimate the power of a great night’s sleep. It’s essential for both your physical and mental health, plus it can improve your productivity. Getting a good night’s shut-eye will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, which is important when your brain is busy hitting the books. 

When you can, aim to get between 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Our best tip? Develop a consistent sleep routine and try to avoid distractions like your phone or computer before bedtime.

Utilise campus/on-site resources

You may or may not know that most student health care is covered by the NHS. It’s also worth checking what resources and facilities your university offers such as counselling or discounts for health services and products. 

Don’t overlook on-campus clubs and sports teams. They often have free events and activities for students that are geared towards helping your health and fitness. 

If you want to know more about life at university, Project Student is available to answer any questions you may have. Simply contact us via email or give us a call on +44 (0)333 050 0099.