Cheap Campus Meal Prep: $20 a Week for College Students

College is already expensive enough—your meals shouldn’t be. Whether you’re living in a dorm with a microwave or sharing a small apartment kitchen, you can eat healthy, filling meals for just $20 a week with a little planning and creativity.

Here’s how to prep meals that won’t break the bank or burn you out.

Sample Meal Prep grocery list

🍳 Sample $20 Meal Prep Plan (No-Fridge? No Problem)

Breakfast Options:

• Oatmeal with Banana (5x/week)
  Add a spoon of peanut butter for protein and flavor.

• Toast + Peanut Butter (2x/week)
  Quick, no-cook, and energy-packed.

Lunch Options:

• Rice + Beans + Frozen Veggies
  Cook once, portion out for the week. Add hot sauce or seasoning for variety.

• Egg Salad Sandwiches
  Hard boil eggs for the week—great protein boost.

Dinner Options:

• Pasta + Sauce + Veggies
  Easy to cook in bulk and store.

• Fried Rice (leftover rice, veggies, and eggs)
  Stir fry with a little oil and seasoning.

Snacks:

• Apples, carrots, or bananas

• Toast or a spoon of peanut butter

✅ Money-Saving Tips for Student Meal Prepping

1. Buy Generic Brands: You’ll save up to 30% just by avoiding name brands.

2. Use a Mini Fridge Smartly: Store eggs, cooked rice, and veggies in reusable containers.

3. Share Bulk Items: Split costs with roommates for oats, rice, sauces, or oil.

4. Meal Prep on Sunday: Cook large batches to avoid daily cooking stress.

5. Keep It Simple: Repeat meals throughout the week to minimize waste and cost.

💡 Bonus: Dorm-Friendly Prep Hacks

• Use an electric kettle for boiling eggs or instant oats.

• A microwave steamer makes veggies in 3 minutes.

• Rice cookers double as slow cookers—perfect for beans, pasta, and more.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Eating well in college doesn’t mean spending big. With just $20 and a plan, you can stay full, focused, and fueled for classes, exams, and everything in between.

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