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Everything is more expensive in London, especially food. Cooking at home became an essential part of my daily routine, not only to have a mental break from academics, but also to save money. Finding a routine that worked took a few trials and errors, but I eventually figured out a good system.  

Saving money, meeting locals 

I do most of my big grocery trips at Lidl because it’s cheap. But my best find was Whitechapel Market on Whitechapel Road. I walk by it weekly to reach my class at the Whitechapel campus, so it was super convenient. The fruits and veggies there are usually more affordable than what you might find at a grocery store, and shopping is a lot more interesting than walking down a supermarket aisle. Plus, interacting with local vendors gives you a much better feel for the neighborhood than staring at a self-checkout screen.  

Be ready to experiment  

The main challenge was figuring out what to make with my limited supplies. Produce doesn’t stay fresh for long, and cooking for one made it difficult to maintain variety and not waste food. This was especially tricky during weeks when I had travel plans. I didn’t want to leave a fridge full of food behind before hopping on a plane for the weekend, so I had to be strategic. I learned to mix and match a few different meals using a handful of versatile, basic ingredients that keep without spoiling. 

I also started using shortcuts—like cooking rice in the microwave—so I’m not spending hours cooking a meal or rushing before traveling on weekends. It’s not the traditional way to do it, but with only one pot, cooking rice in the microwave saved a ton of time and cleaning. Figuring out how to manage my kitchen setup and grocery spots ended up being a rewarding part of settling into the city. It takes some adjusting, but mastering your everyday routine makes you feel at home.  

Quintina Z. | Colby College | Queen Mary University of London, England | Spring 2026