As I stood in the aisle of my local grocery store, staring at inflated prices of vegetables, the reality of my newfound independence hit me like a ton of budget cookbooks. No longer did I have unlimited access to a fully stocked fridge and pantry courtesy of Mum’s grocery runs. I was faced with the ultimate test of adulthood — living healthily without breaking the bank. I’ve gathered a bunch of tips on food, exercise, and overall wellness to save you from the endless loop of instant noodle dinners.

Eating healthy on a budget

• Bulk buy staples such as rice, pasta, lentils, and frozen goods to save money and reduce the need to make frequent purchases.
• Shop seasonal produce. Not only will this be cheaper, but you can take advantage of markets or take some friends for a fruit-picking outing.
• Meal plan, batch cook, and freeze food to save time during the weeks and avoid the temptation of ordering fast food.
• Bring packed lunch to university to limit impulsive spending on campus. If the kebab shop calls your name like it does mine, this tip will save you from the temptation of spending money on lunch every day.
• Set a grocery budget and stick to it!
• Write a shopping list. Whether you are clicking-and-collecting or shopping in person, keeping a shopping list prevents you from picking up excessive food that rots your wallets and rots in your fridge. This will also help you stick to your budget.
• Click and collect your groceries. While you may have a small delivery fee, click and collect services allow you to keep track of what you add to you cart and how much your groceries will cost you, so you don’t get a surprise when you go to pay.
• Eat before you shop so you aren’t tempted by every snack in sight.
• Schedule meat-free days. Your wallet and the planet will thank you.

Staying fit on a budget

• Use the Murdoch Active Gym. A student gym membership on campus is cheaper than most commercial gyms. Murdoch University students can also access the gym for free on certain weekday hours. Check the Murdoch Active Gym website for updated information.
• Sign up to university social sports. Check out this website for opportunities. Alternatively, grab a group of friends and hire out some of the sporting facilities on campus for a few hours.
• Start a group running club with your friends to hold each other accountable or make new friends.

Other tips to stay healthy on a budget

• Take advantage of student discounts! Check out Murdoch Guild’s list of student discounts. Don’t be afraid to also ask shops whether they offer a student discount.
• Take advantage of Murdoch’s services such as the Murdoch University Medical Service and Murdoch Counselling. As a Murdoch student, you have access to 6 free counselling session per year.
• Catch up with friends. Never underestimate the importance of social health. Engaging with friends and participating in community events can boost your mood and offer support networks. Murdoch also runs various community events to help you connect with similar students. These include the Den and the International Café.
• Schedule rest and relaxation. Block this time out in your calendar and follow it to avoid feeling guilting for resting.

Healthy living on a student budget is not just about what you eat or how you move; it’s about nurturing a balanced lifestyle. It’s about making informed choices that benefit your body, mind, and wallet. With these strategies, you can navigate your student years healthily without breaking the bank.