Affording Off-Campus

by Anika Mahansaria 

Maximize your tight college budget with these delicious yet pocket-friendly places

Graphic by Katelyn Holland

Let’s be honest, eating at the same places every day gets boring fast. There are only so many times you can have avocado toast from Saxby’s or a bagel from Einstein’s. But as a college student, you probably don’t have the budget to eat out as often as you’d like.

Fear not! You now have access to my favorite off-campus spots, most of which are $10 or under. 

For breakfast, you have a plethora of options on Comm Ave alone. But one of my all-time favorites is Life Alive. Their small plates are packed with protein and so filling that you probably won’t be hungry until lunchtime. My go-to for breakfast is either avocado toast or hummus, both of which are under $10. Caffè Nero is also a great option to satisfy your morning caffeine cravings. They have some delicious bread, and my go-to is the chocolate croissant. Usually, I just get the croissant and grab a coffee from somewhere on campus, but they make a wicked good mocha.

Moving on to lunch, you may have to venture further from campus. El Jefe’s is my go-to spot after a long day of classes. I love to fuel up with their cheese quesadilla, which is under $6.50, not including tax. Let’s face it, after grinding all day, you deserve to reward yourself, and these quesadillas honestly make my worries disappear.

For dinner, there are so many options to choose from. Pazza on Porter is one of my favorites in East Boston, offering delicious $10 pasta on Tuesdays. You can add toppings for $1-$2, but a simple pasta won’t cost you more than $10. Thinking Cup, located on Newbury, is another great option. Even though it’s a café, I’ve found their food so filling that it keeps me satiated until the next morning. I love the grilled cheese sandwich, which starts at around $8 and can be customized to your liking.

Next time you’re hungry and tired of the dining hall, be sure to check out these restaurants. They’ll satisfy your cravings without burning a hole in your wallet!