Shopping and saving: Most students look for cheapest and pre-packaged food.
Shopping for groceries is something almost every new and experienced college student must deal with.
Buying food on their own is an entire new experience for college freshmen. Many students wonder where to shop and what to get.
The first time a freshman goes to the refrigerator, they realize they have to go out and get the basics. They have to buy things they may have always been able to take for granted, such as milk, cheese and eggs. Also, non-food items such as toilet paper, paper towels and cleaner are often included on their shopping lists.
Bonnie Anderson, an undeclared freshman, said she likes to shop at Maceys Food and Drug and Wal-Mart. She also said she likes to buy fruit snacks, popsicles and mini pizzas.
“I like to buy cheap things – foods that can be prepared, but don’t take much time like potato’s or rice. Peanut butter is a good thing. You can always do mac and cheese, and Top Ramen, bread and milk,” said Nathan Parrish, a junior studying computer engineering said.
He said he generally shops at Maceys, and shops the sales and uses coupons.
Marci Malone, a freshman studying music therapy, said she likes to buy popsicles, bread, Top Ramen and green beans. She said she likes to shop at Wal-Mart.
Ice cream, cereal and candy bars are some items Sheri Stephens, an undeclared freshman, looks for when she shops. She said she usually goes to Albertsons to do her grocery shopping.
Saving money seems to be a concern for many students. Most students decide what their necessities are, then try to scrimp and save by buying only items they need. Choosing a store to shop at is also an important attribute to shopping. As students become more comfortable and familiar with a certain store, the easier and more convenient their shopping trip will likely be.
Comparing the total of six general items, at four different stores, the cheapest stores to the most expensive on average are: Wal-Mart; Smith’s; Albertsons; and Maceys. The six general items were bread, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, Top Ramen, and tuna fish. All items were regularly priced.
Students who check sales seem to be better off, and end up getting better products. Watching for sales can be quite simple. Sale advertisements are found in newspapers, mailboxes and on television.
“I shop the sales and use coupons,” Parrish said.
Many students agree that collecting coupons and making sure to keep them on hand can end up saving quite a bit on groceries when added up. But remembering to use coupons can be hard, so keeping them in a place where they’ll be noticed or keeping them with purses and wallets can help.
“I like to use coupons because it makes me feel as if I’m saving money while I shop,” said Amanda Hawkins, a freshman in speech communication.
Location is a major factor in shopping for college students. Many students don’t have cars and travel by bicycle or walk. So, some think finding the store closest in location is sometimes the best way to shop.
Whatever store meets a students needs most is the place for the student to shop, because it will help make college life a little easier.
-amysueh@usu.edu