Campus food is not appetizing or edible, and if you are like me and actually want to enjoy what you eat, then you will avoid the campus cafeteria whenever possible. However, eating out every day is not only unhealthy, but it is also not very affordable on a college budget.To get out of the nasty cycle of either spending too much money at restaurants and the grocery story, or forcing yourself through a disgusting cafeteria meal, invest in a Crock-Pot.

So, I budget out my money, and spend a certain amount on groceries each month, however, before I obtained my amazing Crock-Pot, I would often spend more way more money than desired on food. After my Grandma sent me a small Crock Pot late into this semester, I have actually been able to stick with my food budget, my meals are more creative, and I am eating healthier! Also, college students have such busy schedules, that having a home-cooked dinner waiting for you at home at the end of my day is absolutely perfect. Coming home to my food slowly simmering in my Crock-Pot has become the favorite part of my day. Intrigued? Learn about all the ways that a Crock-Pot can improve your college experience.

1. Freedom to eat WHATEVER you want, WHENEVER you want.

I always struggled with getting food around campus because my busy schedule did not conform with the campus dining hours. Not very healthy or delicious when my only food option was the late night snack place that serves nothing but greasy varieties of bread. With my Crock-Pot, I can choose what I want to eat, and it will be hot and ready to go when I want it.

2. Leftovers!!

One of my favorite things about my Crock-Pot is that I always have leftovers. It is also the perfect place to experiment with leftovers from meals out. For example, I had leftover chicken and creamed spinach in my fridge. I threw both in the Crock-Pot with some cream of chicken soup, lemon, and some pasta, and had myself some creamy lemon chicken and spinach pasta for dinner!! This dish lasted me about a week! The Crock-Pot maximizes the food you eat so you get more out of the food you purchase.

3. Time Saving

My Crock-Pot saves me a lot of time. Even if I were to come home and cook something, I would be wasting about an hour of study time. Instead, when I get home, my dinner is ready to go. I threw all my ingredients in the Crock-Pot earlier in the day, set it on low, and then it is ready for me when I get home after work or class.

4. Fun

Cooking with a Crock-Pot is really fun. You get to experiment with all different flavors, and the results are always really delicious! You will never get bored eating the same thing over and over again because you can throw a variety of random ingredients from your fridge in the Crock-Pot and make something delicious. For example, I had apples, plums, and mangos that needed to be eaten. I chopped them up, and made a fruit compote to put on oatmeal, and also used the filling to make crepes! Above you see my Short Rib Tortellini!!! The options are endless!

At the end of the day, after I acquired my Crock-Pot, I have been able to save money, get more for what I spend, eat healthier, and enjoy what I eat. It is super easy, fun, and saves me time and money. It is the best investment for a college student who wants to enjoy what they eat.