Eating on the cheap is an essential skill all students need to know and with that in mind, here are seven ways to cutting costs when it comes to takeaways and fast food.

Compare!

It’s not just car insurance you can compare nowadays: A range of fast food comparison websites are now available with Hungry House and Just Eat by far the most popular. Pop in your postcode to see nearby restaurants, sort by type (e.g. Chinese, Pizza, etc.) and see which menu items are the cheapest.

…But try going direct

Once you’ve made your selection on one of the comparison websites, rather than ordering through them try going direct. You’ll probably get a cheaper deal because the restaurant won’t have to pay any extra fees to the middle men.

Don’t be too lazy

Save a few quid on delivery by going to collect your order if you can, it’ll probably only be a short walk away and the extra calories you burn won’t make you feel so guilty about making that order in the first place!

Use vouchers

Look out for vouchers for cheaper and free meals. You’ll probably have leaflet after leaflet shoved through your letter box every week from local takeaways but also look online. Burger King have their own deals page which is updated each month with new offers to download and take advantage of.

Get a student discount

Lots of places offer student discounts so be sure to ask. This is also why you should try going direct, as you’ll be unlikely to take advantage of these offers via a comparison website.

Make it yourself

Truth be told, takeaways are often pretty expensive for what you get and in the time that it takes for it to be ready you can make it yourself for half the cost (and usually half the salt and fat content, too). Check out our sister Student Recipes website for some ideas.

Buy from a supermarket

If you’re not prepared to go all the way and make it yourself from scratch, try the supermarkets who will usually sell prepared takeaway products that you just need to cook and heat up. Some shops (big Tescos, Asdas and Sainsburys) also now have their own takeaway counters that sell ready to eat takeaway grub too.