By Katie Mallalieu


Just because you’re at uni and you’re a student, you should'nt miss out on Christmas dinner with your friends! It has become more and more popular over the recent years that students come together, in their houses, for a festive meal-student style!

There are obvious cut backs and certain items that can stay in the supermarkets (aka sprouts), but nevertheless you can still enjoy probably one of the biggest meals that you will have cooked yourself whilst being at Uni.


It’s a chance for you to put your own spin on a traditional meal. You might be one of those unlucky ones at home where your Mum puts sprouts on your plate, regardless of the fact that you haven’t eaten them since you were 3 years old. Or you could be someone that is a sucker for pigs in blankets. If that’s the case, pile them on – who is there to stop you?!


Well, there is one hindrance that you could face. The budget. It’s rapidly become a swear word amongst student vocabulary, but on the other hand it always has an effect on what you buy. It might not turn out to be the biggest banquet that you’ve ever feasted your eyes on but it’s worth it, so worth it. Christmas is a time for eating as much as you can, so here are a few hints and tips on the best way to enjoy your Christmas dinner. 


Frozen vegetables. It might not be your first choice and let’s face it, everyone prefers fresh greens, but it’s a simple compromise that can ensure you still have each of the components to a perfect Christmas dinner.


No brands required. We all know that a Christmas dinner is not complete without the full set of condiments that traditionally accompany this roast, but forget about Ocean Spray Cranberry sauce, this can be replaced with the supermarket own equivalent. The same applies to gravy and bread sauce. Both essentials, but from a packet is much cheaper and, sometimes, just as delicious.


And finally, it is time to re-discover the ‘young teen’ within you. Lambrini. Need I say no more? It may not be on par with a bottle of Veuve Cliquot, but it is the most exciting cheap alternative for students. Spice things up with a range of juicy flavours, but if I really cannot persuade you with this one (tough crowd!), you can often pick up a bottle, or two, of Prosecco. Stay classy this Christmas!


No-one likes a Scrooge at Christmas, so if you really haven’t thought about a festive dinner at Uni, don’t be a fool and get your Santa hat on immediately! We all know it’s a time to be merry, so shop wisely and you won’t even taste the budget.