Food is one of the daily expenses that international students can actively manage. By combining university cafeterias, home cooking and affordable food choices, students can reduce living costs while maintaining balanced meals.
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EAT AT THE UNIVERSITY CAFETERIA
University cafeterias usually offer rice, main dishes, vegetables, soup and simple meals at student-friendly prices.
If your university has a cafeteria, check the daily menu and prices before choosing where to eat. It is particularly convenient on busy study days when you do not have time to cook.
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COOK YOUR OWN MEALS TO CONTROL COSTS
If your dormitory or rented accommodation has a kitchen, cooking for yourself is one of the easiest ways to manage your food budget.
Simple meals include:
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Rice + eggs + vegetables
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Rice + chicken + vegetables
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Fried rice
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Noodles + eggs + vegetables
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Tofu + meat or eggs
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Simple soup with rice
Buy groceries for several days at a time and divide them into meals to reduce food waste.
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CONVENIENCE STORES – A QUICK OPTION WHEN YOU ARE BUSY
Convenience stores offer many choices, including lunch boxes, rice rolls, boiled eggs, milk, salads and noodles.
They are useful when you return from university late or do not have time to cook. However, ready-made food should not become your main meal too often.
You can combine a rice roll or lunch box with eggs, milk or fruit for a more balanced meal.
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AFFORDABLE KOREAN DISHES TO TRY
Vietnamese students can consider:
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Bibimbap
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Gimbap
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Tofu soup
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Kimchi soup
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Bean sprout soup
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Rice with meat
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Ramen
Prices vary depending on the area and restaurant, so check the price before regularly eating at a particular place.
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WHERE CAN YOU BUY GROCERIES?
Supermarkets: Suitable for buying rice, eggs, meat, vegetables, milk and other food for several days.
Markets: Useful for buying fresh vegetables, meat, fish and other ingredients.
Convenience stores: Suitable for quick meals.
Vietnamese food shops: Convenient when you need familiar ingredients or seasonings, although some products may be more expensive.
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5 WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR MONTHLY FOOD EXPENSES
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Cook some meals during the week.
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Use the university cafeteria when prices are reasonable.
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Buy groceries for several days at a time.
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Limit food delivery.
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Reduce daily spending on drinks and snacks.
Students should also record their food expenses during the first week to identify where most of their money is going and make adjustments.
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SAVE MONEY WITHOUT NEGLECTING NUTRITION
Try to include carbohydrates, protein and vegetables in your meals. Eggs, tofu, chicken, seasonal vegetables and commonly available Korean ingredients can help you prepare simple meals at a reasonable cost.
Avoid relying only on instant noodles or fast food for a long period simply to save money.
For more information about living costs and managing your budget, you can also read:
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Can Part-Time Work Income Cover the Living Expenses of International Students in South Korea?
https://tohoku.vn/thu-nhap-tu-viec-lam-them-cua-du-hoc-sinh-han-quoc-co-du-trang-trai-chi-phi-sinh-hoat -
Which City Should You Choose for Studying in South Korea: Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daejeon or Daegu?
https://tohoku.vn/du-hoc-han-quoc-nen-chon-thanh-pho-nao-seoul-busan-incheon-daejeon-hay-daegu -
How to Communicate with Korean Teachers, Landlords and Managers
https://tohoku.vn/cach-giao-tiep-voi-giao-vien-chu-nha-va-quan-ly-nguoi-han
CONTACT INFORMATION
Songda Tohoku Joint Stock Company
Address: L02-L01, Area A, Duong Noi Urban Area, Duong Noi Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotline: 0989 044 852
Email: tohokusongda2014@gmail.com
Website: tohoku.vn