Comments/random thoughts
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If you will have freezer space, you will be able to do more and save money.
Soups, stews, and casseroles can be made cheaply and frozen in individual containers. It may seem that you will spend a little more to put it together, but several meals later it will save you money. The crockpot idea is great. Plan to separate into portions for later.
Also, find out what items freeze well so that you can have certain ingredients on hand...such as shredded cheese. Make some taco meat and freeze in baggies. When you feel like some just thaw and reheat. This is where the frozen shredded cheese works well, too, You can take out just what you need. If you need to buy a tomato and lettuce for this meal, plan to use the leftovers the next day as a salad. Planning will save money, too. Tortillas are pretty cheap and can be used in the traditional mexican meals as well as for roll ups. They seem to last a long time in the fridge and can also be frozen, but I find they sometimes don't come apart as easily once they have been in the freezer. Maybe it depends on the brand. A tortilla filled with scrambled eggs is a great breakfast, too!
Do you have roommates? Or maybe some friends who might want to cook/eat together? If you took turns making a meal you all could benefit!
Are you a good cook or a beginner? It would be nice to know what you already make. I mean, are you mainly a ramen cook or do you like to use spices and really make something?lol Do you live on hot dogs or lasagna?
Are you a big eater? Are you able to grill?
Baked potatoes are great in the microwave!
A salad can be a meal. Jazz it up with grilled chicken from a previous meal.
Pasta with different sauces...
If you do eat out on occasion, you may want to save any condiments that might come your way. I am talking about McDonalds sweet and sour sauce or maybe the soy sauce from take out places or whatever. Something like that could help you out when you don't want to buy a large amount.
I like the idea of bartering. Maybe someone could provide a meal for you in exchange for tutoring. Or something like that.