College: It is the best time of your life. College is all about fun and games (some studying too), but soon enough you have to look at your bank account and reality sinks in. Food costs money. Alcohol costs money and food. Costco can help.
Yes, you have to obtain a Costco membership, but it’s not as hard as it sounds. If you have a family member who already has a membership, ask them if they will add you. Costco will add up to two people total per membership so this is an easy way to take advantage of an existing membership. If you don’t have family member to mooch off, consider heading over to Costco to sign up. Yes, it is just another expense for a broke college student, but it is a year worth of the following benefits:
Pre-Made Meals
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There will be times where you crave a nice meal, but do not have the time or the willpower to cook. Pick up one of Costco’s pre-made meals, throw it in the oven, and enjoy. The meatloaf, calzones, chicken alfredo, and chicken noodle soup are tasty and have that homemade feel. Check out their salads and wraps if you feel the need for healthier options. If unhealthy is the way to go, pick up rotisserie chicken.
The Bakery
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Are you a breakfast person? Costco muffins are super tasty, huge, and made fresh daily. They’re perfect for days when you’re rolling out of bed and dragging yourself to your 9:30. The bakery also has other wonderful delicacies, from cookies to pies to dinner rolls.
The Meats
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Giving a shout-out to the meat department is also a must. Just like the bakery, each location cuts and packages their own meats. The quality is great and the fact that you can buy it in bulk is essential for gatherings and bigger meals. Have a tailgate coming up? Really like making tacos? Ready for that warm stew to survive the cold? Check out the meat department for your next meal.
The Booze
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You’re in college, so of course you will always have a need for booze. Costco has large quantities of booze available at cheap prices, and their Kirkland Signature brand doesn’t taste half bad. From cases of beer to handles of hard liquor, Costco provides the booze needed for your weekend.
The Snacks
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Drunk you will need food when the partying is over. Costco has you covered. The only size Costco knows is bulk, which means endless amounts of pretzels, chips, beef jerky, and even pizza rolls. Stock up on your munchie of choice and never wait in line for that drunk food again. Even sober, everyone loves snacks.
The Hangover Cures
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Load up on cheap, mass quantities of hangover necessities. Buy in bulk and stash a couple of bottles around any potential places you might wake up in the morning. Hungover you will be thankful. Wake up, roll over, chug some fluids and be on your way to recovery for the next night.
The Concession Stand
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I call it the concession stand, but it actually is a one-stop college dining experience. Full carry out pizzas (amazing and on par with any pizza joint), hot dogs, chicken bakes, shakes, and smoothies all at an easy-to-grab counter.
The Free Samples
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This is what it’s all about. You can and should be going to the store for all the above, but on top of that you get a full meal just for shopping. You get to taste the world. One aisle might have steak tips, the next chips and salsa, another smoothies, all you have to do is walk around and try each. Then you can make another loop around the store and pick out your favorites to try again. These are free samples people. Free.
There are many many other great advantages to Costco, so get out there and start using them immediately.