Living in student accommodation in Perth means juggling work, study, and social life while trying not to survive on instant noodles alone. But who has time to cook elaborate meals every day? Meal prepping is your secret weapon—saving you time, money, and the stress of deciding what to eat. Here are some simple, budget-friendly meal prep ideas that will keep you full and focused without breaking the bank.
One-Pan Meals: Because Who Likes Doing Dishes?
When you’re busy, the last thing you want is a pile of dishes staring at you from the sink. One-pan meals are lifesavers, requiring minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor. A simple go-to is a roasted veggie and chicken tray bake. Just chop some potatoes, carrots, and capsicum, toss them on a tray with chicken thighs, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic. Bake for 30 minutes, and boom—lunches for the next three days are sorted!
Another easy one-pan wonder? Stir-fried rice with eggs and frozen veggies. Just toss pre-cooked rice in a pan with soy sauce, add a scrambled egg, and mix in some frozen peas and corn. It’s quick, tasty, and way cheaper than ordering takeout.
Mason Jar Salads: Fresh & Ready to Grab
If you think salads are boring, it’s because you haven’t tried making them the right way. Mason jar salads keep ingredients fresh and crisp, so you can prep a few in advance and just grab one when you’re in a rush. The trick? Layering. Start with the dressing at the bottom (so nothing gets soggy), then add firm veggies like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers, followed by proteins like chickpeas or grilled chicken. Top with leafy greens, seal the jar, and shake it when you’re ready to eat.
You can mix it up with different ingredients depending on what’s cheap at the store. One week, go for a Greek salad with feta and olives; the next, try a Mexican-inspired bowl with beans, corn, and avocado. Your future self will thank you.
Make-Ahead Breakfasts: Because Mornings Are Hard
If you’re the type to hit snooze until the last minute, prepping breakfast can be a game-changer. Overnight oats are the ultimate lazy student meal—just mix oats with milk or yogurt, add some honey, and throw in whatever toppings you like (banana, peanut butter, or even chocolate chips). Leave it in the fridge overnight, and you’ve got a filling breakfast ready to go.
For something warm, egg muffins are a great grab-and-go option. Whisk some eggs, mix in spinach, cheese, and chopped capsicum, pour into a muffin tin, and bake for 15 minutes. Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have breakfast sorted for the week!
Best Grocery Stores for Student Deals – Where to Shop for Budget-Friendly Food
When you’re trying to find a room for student accommodation Perth that fits your budget, every dollar counts—including the ones you spend on food. Grocery shopping in Australia can be expensive if you don’t know where to go, but don’t worry—Perth has plenty of places where students can snag great deals on fresh and affordable groceries. Whether you’re living in a shared apartment or a student dorm, knowing the right stores can help you save big while still eating well.
Aldi – The Holy Grail of Cheap Groceries
If you haven’t discovered Aldi yet, you’re in for a treat. This discount supermarket is a student’s best friend, offering low prices on everything from fresh produce to pantry staples. Their home-brand products are just as good as the big-name brands but cost way less, so you can stock up without burning through your weekly budget.
Aldi also has amazing weekly specials where you can find discounted snacks, frozen meals, and even random household items you never knew you needed. If you’re sharing a place with roommates, consider pooling money for bulk buys—it’ll stretch your budget even further.
Spud Shed – Cheap, Fresh, and Open 24/7
If you love fresh fruits and veggies but hate supermarket prices, Spud Shed is the place to go. This family-run chain is famous for selling fresh produce, meat, and pantry staples at ridiculously low prices. Living in student accommodation Perth means budgeting wisely, and Spud Shed helps you stretch your grocery dollars further. The best part? Many locations are open 24/7, so you can grab groceries whenever it suits your schedule.
Spud Shed also has bulk discounts, which means you can split big purchases with your housemates and get more for your money. Need a whole box of bananas for less than a coffee? You’ll find it here!
Asian & International Supermarkets – Hidden Gems for Cheap Staples
Sometimes, the best grocery deals aren’t in big supermarkets but in smaller specialty stores. Asian supermarkets like Yee Seng Oriental and MCQ Supermarket sell essentials like rice, noodles, tofu, and sauces at much lower prices than regular grocery stores. Plus, you’ll find unique snacks and ingredients to spice up your meal prep without spending extra.
If you love Mediterranean food, check out European delis and Middle Eastern stores for cheap bulk grains, fresh herbs, and delicious dips like hummus and tzatziki. Shopping at these stores can add variety to your diet while keeping costs low.
How to Cook in a Small Shared Kitchen – Space-Saving Hacks for Student Apartments
Living in a shared student apartment is an adventure—until you realize the kitchen is the size of a closet. When you finally find a room that fits your budget, you might not get the dream kitchen you imagined. But don’t worry! With a few clever hacks, you can cook delicious meals without turning your tiny space into a disaster zone. Here’s how to make the most of a shared kitchen without losing your mind (or your Tupperware to mysterious disappearances).
Keep It Minimal: Less Stuff, Less Stress
The biggest mistake students make? Hoarding kitchen gadgets they never use. When space is tight in student accommodation Perth, stick to multipurpose essentials like a frying pan, a saucepan, a cutting board, and a sharp knife. A single pan can cook everything from scrambled eggs to stir-fry, so you don’t need an entire cookware collection cluttering up the kitchen.
Storage is another battle in a shared apartment. If your kitchen cupboards are already full, collapsible bowls, stackable containers, and hanging racks can help you store more without taking up valuable space. And if your roommates like to “borrow” your stuff, keep a small storage bin with your essentials so nothing mysteriously disappears.
Master the Art of One-Pan & One-Pot Meals
When your counter space is the size of a textbook, meal prep needs to be simple. One-pan meals and one-pot dishes are lifesavers because they require minimal chopping, cooking, and—most importantly—washing up.
A classic student-friendly option is a one-pan veggie and chicken stir-fry. Just chop some bell peppers, onions, and carrots, throw them in a pan with chicken and soy sauce, and boom—dinner is ready. Another easy favorite? Pasta with a no-fuss sauce. Cook your pasta, drain it, then toss it back into the pot with some olive oil, garlic, and whatever veggies or cheese you have. No extra dishes, no stress!
Claim Your Space & Set Kitchen Rules
Cooking in a small shared kitchen isn’t just about space—it’s about keeping the peace with your roommates. Set simple kitchen rules like cleaning up after cooking, not leaving dirty dishes for days, and labeling personal food.
If your kitchen only has one stovetop, work around peak hours by meal prepping early in the morning or late at night. And if fridge space is tight, stick to small portions and stackable containers so you’re not taking up half a shelf with a giant pot of soup.
Eating Out on a Budget in Perth – Student-Friendly Restaurants and Discounts
Between studying, working, and trying to find a room for student accommodation Perth that doesn’t cost a fortune, cooking every meal at home isn’t always realistic. Some days, you just want to grab a meal without draining your bank account. Luckily, Perth has plenty of budget-friendly restaurants, food deals, and student discounts to keep your stomach full without breaking the bank. Here’s where to go when you’re craving good food but still need to stick to a student budget.
$10 Feeds – Cheap & Tasty Eats for Students
Finding a meal under $10 might sound impossible, but Perth has plenty of hidden gems where you can grab a delicious, filling meal without spending a fortune. If you’re living in student accommodation Perth, affordable dining options are a must. Taka’s Kitchen is a student favorite, serving up massive portions of Japanese food for as little as $8. Whether you’re in the mood for teriyaki chicken, tempura, or katsu curry, this place has you covered.
If you’re more of a burger fan, Varsity Burgers offers cheap deals throughout the week, including $5 cheeseburgers on Mondays. And if you’re craving something quick and satisfying, Jaws Sushi has sushi plates starting at just $3—perfect for a light meal or a quick study break snack.
Student Discounts – Flash Your ID & Save
Your student ID isn’t just for exams—it’s your secret weapon for saving money on food. Many cafes and restaurants offer student discounts, but they don’t always advertise them, so it never hurts to ask! Grill’d offers a student deal where you can grab a burger and drink for a discounted price.
If you love pizza, keep an eye out for Domino’s student specials, where you can score discounted pizzas with your student card. Some food courts and takeaway spots near universities also offer student meal deals, so if you’re ever unsure, just show your ID and see if you can get a little extra off your bill.
All-You-Can-Eat Deals – Maximum Food, Minimum Cost
When your hunger levels are at “I could eat everything in sight,” nothing beats an all-you-can-eat buffet. If you love Asian cuisine, Tao Café has an unlimited sushi and hot food buffet for around $30—perfect for treating yourself after a long week.
For an affordable Indian feast, Maya Masala offers budget-friendly thali sets with multiple curries, rice, and naan for under $15. If you split it with a friend, you can enjoy a feast without overspending.
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