The best supermarket for students: Unwritten rules you need to know
By Hello Student
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Navigating the aisles of a British supermarket for the first time can be an experience. From figuring out which loyalty card saves you money to understanding why everyone suddenly goes quiet when someone tries to skip the queue, there’s a lot to learn. But fear not! By the end of this, you’ll be shopping like a local.
Finding the cheapest supermarket for students
As a student, every penny counts, and your choice of supermarket can make a massive difference to your weekly budget.
Budget supermarkets: Aldi, Lidl, Asda
If you’re looking for the lowest prices, then Aldi, Lidl and Asda are going to be your go-to spots. Seriously, you’ll be amazed at how much further your money goes here. They are perfect for basics like pasta and rice.
Mid-range options: Tesco & Sainsbury’s
Sometimes you want a bit more choice, or perhaps a specific brand that the budget chains don’t stock. That’s where supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s come in – they are probably the UK’s most well-known supermarket giants. You’ll find a much wider range of products, including more international foods and familiar brands. They are ideal for meal deals and for balancing price and quality.
When to splurge: Waitrose & M&S
Visit Waitrose and M&S (Marks & Spencer) for special occasions: They are known for their high-quality produce, delicious ready meals, and generally more luxurious items. Check their reduced sections for deals. You can pick up some amazing bargains on posh nosh from Waitrose and M&S if your timing is right.
Maximising supermarket student discounts
Beyond just choosing a cheaper supermarket, there are several tricks to get more bang for your buck.
Loyalty programs:
Collect those points!
Most of the big supermarkets have loyalty programs that are free to join.
Digital discounts:
In this digital age, there are even more ways to save.
- Download your supermarket’s app.
- Don’t forget to check websites like VoucherCodes or HotUKDeals for supermarket coupons or special offers before you shop online or in-store.
- Consider cashback apps like CheckoutSmart or Shopmium which give you money back on specific products after you’ve bought them and uploaded a photo of your receipt.
Sign up for the loyalty cards of the supermarkets you use most often. It’s free money/discounts!
The British meal deal
We’ve mentioned it before, but it’s worth reiterating. The meal deal (usually a main like a sandwich/wrap/salad, a snack, and a drink for a fixed price) is a student institution.
Check the individual prices of the items. Sometimes the “deal” is much better value than others.
Timing your shop:
The art of the yellow sticker.
This is where you can get some serious bargains. Supermarkets reduce the price of perishable items that are close to their sell-by or use-by date.
Learn when your local supermarket typically starts reducing items. This is often in the evening, a couple of hours before closing, but can vary.
Smart shopping for international students
Beyond the general tips, there are a couple of extra things that might be particularly helpful for you as an international student.
Finding home foods in internal aisles
Missing flavours from home? Most larger supermarkets (especially Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda) have “World Food” aisles. You might be surprised to find familiar brands, spices, and ingredients from your home country or region.
Discovering UK products: Be adventurous!
While it’s great to find familiar foods, part of the fun of being in a new country is trying new things!
Try some classic British products. Whether it’s a Melton Mowbray pork pie, some cheddar cheese, a packet of Hobnobs (biscuits!), or even Marmite (you’ll either love it or hate it!), give it a go.
Essential supermarket etiquette for students: the do’s and don’ts
British people can be a bit particular about certain things, especially when it comes to shopping.
Queueing properly: The unspoken national sport
This is a big one. Brits love to queue, and they expect it to be done in an orderly fashion.
Join the back of the queue. If there are multiple tills open, people will generally form separate queues for each one. Whatever you do, don’t “cut in” or “push in” line. This is a major social faux pas and will likely earn you some tutting, stern glares, or even a polite (or not-so-polite) comment.
Bag rules: The 5p (or 10p) question
Since 2015, larger shops in England have been required to charge for single-use plastic carrier bags. This has now been extended to all retailers and the charge has increased.
Most people now take reusable shopping bags (often called “bags for life” which you can buy for a small cost and get replaced for free if they break). Be ready to pack your own bags.
Self-checkout tips: Navigating the machines
Self-checkout machines are common and can be quicker if you only have a few items, but pay attention to the on-screen prompts. They’re usually quite straightforward.
Don’t get flustered if it says “unexpected item in the bagging area.” This happens to everyone. Just remove the last item you scanned and try again, or wait for a member of staff to help. They’re used to it!
Alcohol purchases: Prove your age!
If you’re buying alcohol (or anything else age-restricted, like lottery tickets or some medicines), be prepared to show ID.
Remember, the key is to find a balance that works for your budget and your needs. Don’t be afraid to try different stores to find the best supermarket for students, always keep an eye out for those yellow stickers, and embrace the queue, it’s all part of the British experience!
Happy (and savvy) shopping!
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