Hello! I am Inta from Canada, studying a BA (Hons) International Hospitality & Tourism Management at BU. I know from experience that healthy eating while at uni isn’t always the easiest thing to do. As a Canadian living in the UK, healthy foods aren’t exactly part of the British cuisine although it is getting better!

When I first lived in England, my diet mainly consisted of bread, fried food and beer. But I’m not trying to discourage you because it is possible to eat well! In uni especially, as much as you’re craving that Domino’s take away at 11 pm (I’ve definitely been there), you need to remember something your mom probably said to you as a kid “eat your broccoli, it’s brain food.” It is so true, healthy eating is in direct correlation to brain function, and I personally have felt a huge difference in my studying/concentration habits when I’ve made the conscious decision to eat well.

Now, how to do it while at uni and probably on a budget? My greatest advice is to plan your meals!

1. Each week I’ll make a list of the meals I’m having for the week and what I need to get. I like to cook simple things but I enjoy mixing it up so I don’t get bored of eating the same thing over and over again.

2. I’ll do a food shop at the local grocery store (usually the ASDA in Bournemouth) each week and make sure that the majority of what I’m purchasing is fruits and vegetables.

3. My rule is that when I’m doing this shop it only consists of healthy foods, the take-aways or midnight chocolate are 100% going to happen and needed (especially when you’re stressed and its exam time) but I never plan to have those foods as part of my meals for the week.

4. I also try to limit myself on eating out for health reasons and to save money because when eating out I find you can sometimes get very carried away!

5. Finally, the best advice I have is research online meals you know you can cook and are healthy but still tasty. Make sure you try and incorporate them into your everyday schedule because once you start doing it, it’ll only get easier and your grades at uni will thank you for it too!