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Eating Well

Understand why eating well matters and explore ways to make healthy eating easier at university.

Practical tips to help you eat well at university.

Eating well is about giving your body and brain the fuel they need to thrive. At university, it can be challenging to eat regularly or cook balanced meals, especially if you are living away from home for the first time or juggling a busy schedule. But eating well does not need to be complicated or expensive. Small changes can have a big impact on your energy, mood, and ability to study.

Why does eating well matter

Eating well is important for both your health and wellbeing. Balanced meals help your body get the nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy. They support your immune system, keep your energy levels steady, and improve focus for studying. Eating well can also improve your mood and reduce stress, helping you feel more positive and able to enjoy student life.

On the other hand, skipping meals or relying heavily on takeaways can leave you tired, irritable, and less able to perform at your best. By prioritising balanced eating, you can support both your physical health and mental wellbeing.

Common challenges with eating well at university are:

Time pressure:
When lectures, assignments, and social plans fill your week, cooking can slip down the priority list. Grabbing snacks or skipping meals may feel easier but it often leaves you tired and unfocused.

Budget limits:
Many students live on tight budgets and assume healthy food is expensive. In reality, with some planning, simple staples and seasonal foods can make balanced meals affordable.

Lack of confidence in cooking:
If you are cooking for yourself for the first time, it can feel daunting to plan and prepare meals. Relying on takeaways or ready meals may seem easier, but learning a few quick recipes can save money and boost confidence.

What can you do to help now

There are practical steps you can take to eat well even with limited time and money:

  • Plan ahead: Write a simple shopping list and try meal prepping once or twice a week.
  • Choose budget-friendly staples: Oats, pasta, rice, frozen vegetables, beans, and eggs are budget-friendly and versatile.
  • Cook in batches: Make extra portions you can refrigerate or freeze for busy days.
  • Stay hydrated: Keep a refillable water bottle with you. Dehydration can affect concentration and energy. Avoid fizzy drinks as they can drain your energy in the long run.
  • Eat regular meals: Skipping meals often leads to overeating later. Aim for 3 balanced meals a day.
  • Balance, not perfection: It’s okay to enjoy treats and takeaways occasionally. Try to balance them with nutritious meals most of the time.
  • Learn a few simple recipes: Stir-fries, pasta dishes, and curries are cheap, filling, and quick to make.
  • Come to a cooking class: We run cooking classes throughout the year to help you learn the basics of cooking. See what classes are available on the Wellbeing activities page.
  • Join a Society: Some student groups offer free meals or cooking classes as part of their membership including Foodsoc, Christian Union and Vegetarian Society.

If you are concerned about your own or a friends relationship with food the Eating disorders page explores signs and where you can get support.

Helpful videos

The following videos offer practical tips and real-life examples of how students eat well on a budget:

Helpful Apps

  • The Am I Hungry app is a powerful tool for making more mindful decisions so users are more in charge of every decision without having to resort to rules and restrictions.
  • Lifesum app is a digital self-care app that helps users reach health goals through better eating.
  • AteMate is a visual, mindful, and non-judgemental app that helps users to uncover the why behind their choices and discover how foods make them feel.
  • Too good to go is an app that lets you search for shops selling off food at cheaper prices. This can be a good way to pick up healthy food or ingredients for less.

Helpful podcasts

These podcasts are useful if you want practical nutrition advice and relatable conversations while cooking, commuting, or studying:

Helpful websites

These websites and blog can help you to eat well on budget and make healthier eating habits as a student:

People you can talk to

If you’re finding it challenging to eat well, or are simply looking for ways to improve your eating habits, there are people and services available to support you.

  • Student Support Advice Team: can support you if your mood or stress is impacting your diet.
  • If you are in financial hardship and unable to afford food to eat well our Money Advice Service can discuss financial support funding or budgeting advice.
  • If your eating habits are affecting your health or mood, your GP can offer advice, discuss treatment options, or refer you to a dietitian.

Eating well is a skill you can build over time, and you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out for support whenever you need it.

Final thoughts

Eating well at university does not need to be expensive, complicated, or time consuming. By making small, realistic changes, you can build healthy habits that support your studies, social life, and overall wellbeing. Remember, balance matters more than perfection, and support is always available if you need it.

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