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Even a starving student has to eat. Or should we say "especially" the starving student? But with limited amounts of time between classes, and meager available funds, sometimes it might seem easier to just skip meals. Easier maybe, but it can't be good. There are other options.
Dirt cheap or less
Did you know you can eat for free at Concordia? And we don't just mean you can bring your own lunch and eat it (although that's a definite option, especially considering the microwaves freely available for student use.
The People's Potato offers hearty vegan meals to students on the seventh floor of the Hall building from 12:30-2:00, every school day. Meals are free, although donations are welcomed. (A meal costs about $2.50 for them to prepare). They're funded through a small portion of your student fees and user donations, so if you can spare a little, give them a hand. If you can't, they're there to give you one. Occasionally, particularly before breaks and holidays, they've been known to give away fresh produce along with their meals. This eco-friendly non-profit collective doesn't use disposable dishes or cutlery, so participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable containers. (They have a limited supply of plates and cutlery for those who don't). If you've got your own container, you can even take something home.
The Tim Horton's counters on campus offer free hot water to students who bring their own mugs. If you want one of their cups, they charge 12c (These prices are uncertain, and seem to depend a little on the server, but we've never paid more than 12c). Bring instant coffee, hot chocolate, or a teabag to school and you have yourself a hot beverage for pennies! Spending a couple of bucks a day adds up. Instead, why not invest a bit of the money you'll save in a nice insulated mug, and save the cappuccinos for special occasions?
These aren't your grandmother's coupons...
If you have to buy your own groceries, why not bring a few coupons to the store to save some money? Sure, it's a good idea to clip coupons out of your grocery ads, but this is the age of the internet. You don't have to stop there. Save.ca and Websaver.ca are good sources of coupons for brand-name products. Pick the ones you want, fill in a form, and they'll mail the coupons to you, for free.
Cooking can be fun. Really!
When you're at home, we suggest mastering at least a few simple recipes,
French fries seem to be a student staple. Why not try making (baking) your own? Even if you just buy them in a bag and bake.
Go a step further, buy a bag of potatoes the grocery store, and make your own. First preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Peeled or unpeeled, slice the potatoes into fries, and put them in a bowl of cool water while you finish cutting. Then drain and dry, add a few tablespoons of oil, salt (& pepper if you like) and mix. Put the fries in the oven for 20-30 minutes (check on them), turn once halfway through (unless you have the french fry pan) and that should be it!
(There are techniques for actually frying them too, but we're happy with the healthier baked version.)
Cheap meals off-campus
We're not going to tell you where the McDonald's and Burger Kings are. They have multi-million dollar marketing schemes to do that. And besides, there are much better options near campus. We've started to compile a list of spots downtown. Have a favorite not listed? Tell us about it.
Subway
All over the city (click for locations)
Subway is everywhere nowadays! There's even one inside Concordia's MB Building (at Guy-Concordia metro). Get 6" submarine sandwiches and classic 12" sandwiches for about $5. Their food is everywhere, it's good, it's cheap, and it's healthy. What more can we ask for?
Noodles Express
1510 deMaisonneuve W.
Right across from the library building on the corner of Mackay, Noodles Express offers a selection of Chinese courses. Lunch specials are about five or six bucks, and plates are piled high with food. Cash only, but taxes are included.
Wok Café
1845 Ste-Catherine W.
Another Chinese restaurant, Wok Café is slightly further away, but offers slightly better food. Lunch specials are about $6-7$, tax included (cash only), and portions are extremely generous. Their general tao chicken has been rated as one of the best in the city. The bill is presented with a complimentary fortune cookie.
Al TaÏb
2125 Guy (2002 Maykay--Al Taib Express)
Also nearby, Al Taib offers a selection of pizzas, maanakish and zaatar sandwiches/wraps. They also have a salad bar, sold by weight. Don't let the foreign-sounding names scare you away, the zaatar and maanakish are delicious, and only two or three bucks. Orders are taken at lightning speed, so be ready and speak clearly. The express location gets its food from the one on Guy, so head to the source for the freshest food.
Boustan
2020a Crescent
Another Middle Eastern spot, Boustan is famous for its Shish Taouk. It's also home to a highly regarded veggie pita and falafel.
Any more suggestions?
Entertainment: All work and no play makes... umm... Well that's no fun!
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