For all the new students just arriving in Spain, are you wrestling with the ultimate daily questions: ‘What should I eat today?’ and ‘How much will it cost?’ As someone who’s been there, I’m here to break down the main options for your daily meals and their approximate costs while studying at a Spanish university. Hope this helps you out!
University Canteen (Comedor)
This is the top choice for most students, especially newcomers. Spanish university canteens typically offer very affordable set meals, the famous Menú del Día, in line with standard Spanish university meal prices. A complete menu usually includes:
- Primer Plato: Usually salads, soups, pasta, or lentil stews.
- Segundo Plato: Typically grilled chicken, fried fish, steak, or stewed meat, served with fries or vegetables.
- Postre: Fruit, yogurt, pudding, or a small cake.
- Bread and a drink: Water, wine, or a soft drink.
In terms of price, depending on the city and university, a single meal costs between €5.50 and €8. Many universities also offer a Bono (meal plan pass), where buying 10 or 20 meals at once gives you a discount, potentially lowering the price to just €5 per meal. It’s truly great value for money!
Pros and Cons of the Canteen
Objectively, the canteen has its pros and cons.
The advantages are clear: it’s convenient, time-saving, cheap, and a great place to meet new friends. You don’t have to shop for groceries, cook, or wash dishes, which is a lifesaver for students with a busy class schedule or those living in student residences.
But there are downsides: the menu is often limited and can get repetitive; the taste is very ‘Spanish,’ which can mean a bit salty or oily for some; and the quality at some university canteens can be inconsistent, so you might get a disappointing meal now and then. Sometimes, looking at another plate of beans will really make you miss the deliciousness of Chinese food.
Cooking for Yourself
This is the best choice for students who are confident in their cooking skills and for those who miss the flavors of home. The biggest advantage of cooking for yourself is FREEDOM! You can cook whatever you want, control the flavors completely, and in the long run, it’s arguably the most economical way to eat. Spanish supermarkets offer a wide variety of ingredients at reasonable prices. Generally, if you cook all your meals and buy some snacks and fruit, your weekly grocery bill can be kept between €30 and €50. Over a month, you’re looking at about €150-€200 for food, which is significantly cheaper than eating out or getting takeout for every meal.
| Expense Category | Approximate Monthly Cost |
|---|
| Meat, Poultry, Eggs & Dairy | €60 - €80 |
| Vegetables & Fruit | €40 - €60 |
| Staples & Other | €30 - €50 |
| Total | €130 - €190 |
Other Options and Conclusion
Besides the canteen and home cooking, the university café is another option. You can grab a croissant and coffee in the morning or have a Bocadillo (a traditional Spanish sandwich) or a Tapa for a quick lunch. It’s an inexpensive way to get a light meal, costing around €3-€6. Of course, restaurants near the university also offer a Menú del Día, but they are pricier, typically ranging from €12 to €18. In summary, the most cost-effective strategy is a combination: cook for yourself most of the time, use the canteen when you’re busy, and go out to a restaurant with friends when you want a treat or to socialize. This way, you can save money, enjoy a variety of foods, and satisfy your cravings for familiar flavors!
What’s the canteen like at your university? How much do you spend on food each month? Feel free to share your dining experiences and money-saving tips in the comments below!
