Hi, my name is Kateryna 👩🏼 As an international student from Ukraine studying in South Korea, managing my budget while maintaining a balanced diet has been a key concern 💰

Living abroad, especially in a vibrant and sometimes expensive city, can put a strain on finances.

Here are some of my personal tips for meal prepping that fit both my budget and student lifestyle ~~

Take Advantage of Evening Discounts at HomePlus

👉 One of my favorite strategies for saving money is shopping at HomePlus in the evening. After 7-8 PM, they offer significant discounts on ready-made meals like sushi, chicken, bibimbap, kimbap, and more, which is perfect for those nights when I don’t have time to cook.

👉 In addition to the meals, HomePlus has special shelves with products nearing their expiration date, where the discounts are even larger. These items, such as yogurt, bread, and snacks, often have 1-2-3 days left before their expiration. It's a great way to find bargains without compromising quality.

👉 They also have dedicated sections for discounted fruits and vegetables. Despite being sold at a lower price, these fruits and veggies are still of good quality, though they may not have the same appearance as the premium-priced ones. This is a fantastic way to stock up on healthy ingredients at a reduced cost.

Utilize University Cafeterias and Convenience Stores Smartly

💚 I regularly take advantage of my university’s cafeteria, which offers a variety of delicious and budget-friendly meals. The best part is that even the most expensive dish is no more than 5,000 won. The meals are not only affordable but also filling and nutritious, which is perfect for students who need energy for a long day of classes. Whether it’s a hearty soup, a satisfying rice dish, or a quick snack, the cafeteria provides great options without breaking the bank. Whenever I have a full schedule, I rely on the cafeteria to save both time and money, allowing me to eat well without having to leave campus.

☘️ In addition to the cafeteria, there’s a GS25 convenience store nearby, which is my go-to spot for quick and affordable meals. They offer a wide selection of items such as ramen, triangle kimbap, and other ready-to-eat meals that are perfect for grabbing on the go. I often stop by to pick up drinks, snacks, or even a light meal when I need something fast and inexpensive. The store also has a good range of sweets and beverages at reasonable prices, making it easy to stock up on snacks for between classes. Whether I need something quick for lunch or a snack for later, the convenience store is always a reliable option.

I have discussed the products from the GS25 store in more detail in my other review, if you are interested in tasty and inexpensive food from the GS25 store, please read this review:

GS25 Tasty Savings: How "Real Price" and "YOUUS" Became My Go-To Brands | K-campus (kcampus.kr)