Eating healthy, saving money, and saving time when studying abroad in a foreign city can be challenging. However, I found a great way to do all three of these things without worry! In this blog, I will share what I usually eat during a day in Melbourne – from breakfast, to lunch, dinner, and snacks in between! Alongside, I will share tips to use in your own study abroad city.
Breakfast
The tip for a great breakfast abroad is to make something that not only you can smile at – but one that smiles back at you! In this picture, I have a delicious glass of Australian chocolate milk, two pieces of chocolate chip toast, a banana, an orange, and some Special K brand cereal. Everything in this picture I got from Aldi’s, which is a very cost-effective store for buying groceries. It is always the best idea to find stores such as Aldi’s where lower cost foods can be bought.
Lunch
For lunch, I visited a spot that my study abroad advisor brought me to during orientation – Centro Espresso. If you ever come to Melbourne, grab lunch here. I know my breakfast was hard to top, but this place hits the spot. For just $12 AUD I got a soda and chicken sandwich. Finding spots like this that you can come back to and save money when going out is perfect when studying abroad. You can cycle through some spots that you love and even bring friends!
Snacks
Buying snacks in bulk is a great way to save money. Otherwise, you may end up overpaying at local convenience stores. For instance, in Melbourne, you can pay $3 for a 6 pack of granola bars at Aldi’s. Or, at a convenience store you will end up paying around $4 for one bar. If you are studying abroad, you are going to be here for quite some time. Buy snacks in bulk as you will save money in the long run.
The snacks I usually have are protein bars, fruit bars, and Powerade’s – which especially come in handy when it is hot because you sweat a lot and need to replenish your electrolytes.
Remember, buy in bulk and at discount!
Dinner
I know, this looks like a 5-star meal from one of Melbourne’s finest restaurants. However, I made this in my kitchen using groceries all from Aldi’s. In total, the meal cost roughly $8. However, if you go out, you will likely pay upwards of $30 for this meal. So, when in doubt, just cook at home! You can develop your cooking skills as well as save money. And, it is fun!
Ryan Nickerson, University of New Hampshire, is studying abroad in Australia with TEAN.
