TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Budgeting for groceries can be difficult for any consumer, but especially college students.

Student Qunicie McCall has seen the effects of the rising costs of grocery store prices.

“Let’s say you do run out of points on your Trojan Card, it is hard to have to continue to keep buying groceries because it is so expensive,” McCall said. “I really just like to go get things that I like that aren’t expensive that I will still eat and just get a multitude of. Even if you get tired of eating the same thing every day, it’s just better than having to go spend more and more money.”

John Dove, an economics professor at Troy, recommends students take a similar approach to McCall and limit the number of trips to the store.

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“Try to put together one list each week and do your grocery shopping at that one time,” Dove said.

Dove also urges against impulse buying.

“If you’re walking into the store multiple times a week and you happen to see those items that normally you wouldn’t buy but there you were and you end up throwing more things into your cart than you were expecting.”

According to a study by Consumer Affairs, online grocery shopping increased 8% from last year as people fought the urge to get items they didn’t need.

“They have online apps that you can get to make your own grocery lists and provide the coupons right there,” Dove explained. “So you can find easy, quick ways to add additional savings by adding that to your weekly plan.”

Dove says eating the same meal multiple times a week can help lower grocery costs as well.

“Leftovers are always a good option. Actually preparing food in bulk and then eating the same meal two or three times a week can definately help cut down those costs.”

Lastly, Dove recommends students look online for easy recipes they can cook at home.