To eat or not to eat?
On a tight budget it's no wonder students have such a hard time eating out.
Choosing a cost effective interesting eatery can be difficult, especially at the risk of wasting money.
Most student cities offer a wide range of cuisine and restaurants to suit everyone, but where to start?
Hopefully, this review of common, nationwide restaurant branches should be of some help to the confused and overwhelmed.
Wagamama
For something a bit different Wagamama is an excellent choice.
As a fond lover of oriental cuisine, it is one of my personal favourite restaurants of all time!
Reasonably priced, with a carefully selected collection of East Asian dishes, Wagamama combines fresh cooking with strong flavours and spices.
The Ramen soup noodles are super healthy, extremely tasty and guaranteed to keep you full for many hours.
And with 20% student discount until 7pm, you really can't complain!
Subway
As a slightly healthier alternative to McDonalds and Burger King, Subway offers tasty submarine sandwiches, wraps and salads.
Although more expensive than some other fast food retailers, Subway's subs are great value for money and choice.
With a different "sub of the day" every day of the week, you can get a six inch sub for only £1.99 which is great news for us students.
For the health conscious eater, you choose how much salad you want and can cut out the cheese or swap full fat sauces for lighter options.
Not the most upmarket restaurant but cheap enough for lunch in the go and very addictive!
If you enjoy eating out then keep an eye out for fab student deals - many places offer money off or loyalty cards. Don't be afraid to ask!Rachael Moores
La Tasca
Like taking a holiday to Alicante, without the packing, flying and expense (almost), La Tasca is an authentic Latino tapas bar and restaurant.
Granted, it isn't quite as good as the real thing, but it offers the best paella this side of the Med.
Often rustically decorated with a homely feel and Spanish speaking staff, La Tasca strives to bring a bit of Spain to England (if only we go the weather too!)
However, it can be pretty pricey so make sure you take plenty of spends to make the most of your night out.
The ideal treat for a special meal or book your own area of the restaurant for a fantastic fiesta.
Brewers Fayre
If repeatedly warmed up, bland meals are your thing then here's the place to go.
For good pub grub at the price it should be Brewers Fayre wins no prizes.
It seems the food has come straight from the freezer into the microwave - not quite the Sunday roast I remember my Mum making.
As a disappointing, overpriced establishment Brewers Fayre offers nothing for students and is primarily marketed at families anyway.
At the risk of sounding unfairly harsh, I did not enjoy my experience at Brewers Fayre and would not recommend it unless you like being ripped off for something you could have made better (and quicker) at home.
In conclusion, that about sums up my favourite and least favourite restaurant branches in the UK.
Of course, this is only my opinion so do not be afraid to try something new.
If you enjoy eating out, keep your eye out for fab student deals, many places offer money off or loyalty cards, don't be afraid to ask!
And if you can't afford to eat out like the majority of us, then takeaways and ready meals are always an easy option for those lazy days.
