As a young college student, food is of utmost importance. Even with limited paychecks, the need to go grocery shopping and re-stock empty dorm cupboards (at least every once in a while) is undeniable. Midnight snack options, after all, are a must-have when midterms or finals season comes around. 

However, figuring out cost, travel, and time amidst a busy school schedule means grocery shopping is often a bigger struggle than would be ideal. It is crucial to understand exactly which grocery store fits a student’s personal needs most efficiently, and there are many options.

Number one on the Consumer’s Checkbook survey of grocery stores for cheapest prices in the Chicago Area, Walmart is a classic choice. A guaranteed stop on bus Routes 17 and 18, it is both accessible and affordable. According to the survey, prices at Walmart are 13% lower than average and 13% off anything goes a long way to those battling college tuition.

Just down the street is Target, a bit more expensive than its neighbor and with a much smaller produce section. However, Target is also Target. Worshiped by Gen Z instagrammers, Target is an experience, a voyage into Neverland (don’t fall prey to the siren-song of its LEGO section or get hypnotized by its summer clothes). Be honest with yourself. Do you really need a reason to go to Target?

One of the closest options to campus, just a few minutes ride on Route 17, Jewel Oscos is unfortunately a more expensive option, according to the Consumer’s Checkbook. However, Jewel Oscos is special for the homeland and Huskie pride it facilitates. Founded in Chicago in 1899, Jewel Oscos is Illinois’ own supermarket contribution. Furthermore, its location in DeKalb never fails to show its love for NIU students, with the famous Jewel Jamboree event highlighting the start of every school year. 

Automatically gaining points for its location beside Goodwill (another college-kid favorite), Schnucks is a cheap option accessible through bus Route 19. With a good selection of savings coupons, Schnucks is more than just a fun name to say aloud. In fact, its origin story is rather wholesome, as it has remained a completely family-owned business unique to the Midwest, since the early 1900s.