How to shop smartly

Stretching your student loan and eat a healthy, balanced diet can be hard. It's even trickier when you are confronted with lots of different supermarkets trying to get your money. Below is a quick guide to UK supermarkets you can find around your student accommodation.

Good to know: smaller/local supermarkets are often more expensive than their main shops. They're handy for picking up extra bits, but avoid doing your full shop there.

Tip: yellow labels are used by most supermarkets to show a reduced price. They might be in the aisles or in special sections. These are products that will go out of date soon, so eat, drink or use them quickly.

Morrisons

Alongside aisles of food, large Morrisons have separate sections for their butchers, bakers and fishmongers. This is a great way to save money and reduce food waste, as you can ask for the exact amount you need. 

Nearest shop: there is a Morrisons local on Frenchay campus, and a full size Morrisons is on Fishponds Road (BS16 3US)

Discounts: Sign up to a More card to get extra deals (not accepted in the Frenchay shop)

Cost: ££

Delivery: You can click and collect your order or have it delivered for a small fee

Asda

The cheapest of 'the big three', Asda is great for bargain lovers. The bigger stores also have clothing, electrical and homeware sections.

Nearest shop: Abbey Wood Retail Park, 15 minute walk from Frenchay campus.

Discounts: Look out for 'rollback' offers that literally rollback the price to a cheaper one

Cost: ££

Delivery: You can click and collect your order or have it delivered for a small fee.

Sainsbury's

A bit more expensive than Tesco and Asda, Sainsbury's makes up for it with a wider selection of international products and higher quality brands. Look out for Sainsbury's Local shops to pick up extra bits and meal deals when you're out and about.

Nearest shop: Filton Retail Park, 15 minute walk from Frenchay campus. There is also Sainsbury's Local at the top of Fishponds Road.

Discounts: Nectar cards earn you points you can redeem for vouchers and give some discounts on special offers.

Cost: £££

Delivery: You can click and collect your order or have it delivered for a small fee.

Tesco

The biggest supermarket chain in the UK, you'll often hear it joked there's a Tesco on every corner. Ranging from smaller Tesco Express to the mega Tesco Extra you're never too far from being able to get what you need.

Nearest shop: There is a Tesco Express opposite Frenchay East Entrance and a bigger Tesco Metro in Broadmead. 

Discounts: Clubcards earn you points you can redeem for vouchers and give some discounts on certain items. You can have a physical card or add the app to your phone.

Cost: £££

Delivery: You can click and collect your order or have it delivered for a small fee. Whoosh deliveries are available for when you need a smaller shop quickly.

Lidl

The most student-budget friendly supermarket out there, and a personal favourite! Look out for Lidl's weekly global specials (Greek week is my highlight) and treat yourself in their fresh bakery.

Nearest shop: For Frenchay residents, you can find one in Filton Retail Park. Glenside, head down Fishponds Road for yours. There is also a smaller shop on Broadmead in the city centre. 

Discounts: Download the Lidl Plus app for personalised discounts based on what you buy. They also reward you with freebies the more you spend, and often run competitions for extra discounts.

Cost: £

Delivery: No delivery or click and collect

Aldi

Similar to Lidl, Aldi is great for making your money go further. Famous for their *ahem* lookalike products, they can supply you with cheaper alternatives to more expensive items.

Nearest shop: For Frenchay residents, you can find an Aldi behind Sainsburys/Filton Retail Park. Glenside, head down Fishponds Road for yours.

Discounts: No discount/loyalty cards

Cost: £

Delivery: No delivery or click and collect

Co-operative (Co-op)

Found more in rural areas, there are some Co-ops in Bristol. More of an expensive option, they are a convenience shop rather than one to buy a full week's worth of groceries in. They focus on local produce and you'll find different things in Co-ops across the country

Nearest shop: There is a Co-op in Cheswick Village by Boston Tea Party (BS16 1GU), and on Straits Parade in Fishponds (BS16 2LE).

Discounts: Become a Co-Op member to get special discounts. (Some UK regions might have different memberships)

Cost: ££££

Delivery: Delivery available (£15 minimum spend required)

Marks and Spencer (M&S)

One of the more expensive supermarket options, M&S is somewhere to treat yourself to something fancy. They're known for their high-quality products, especially at Christmastime. The 'two can dine' and other meal deals are a fantastic alternative to going out for a meal, but still make it feel special.

Nearest shop: The Mall at Cribbs Causeway has a full size M&S supermarket. You can also find a mini food hall in Eastville Retail Park. (There will be another M&S opening in Cabot Circus in autumn 2025)

Discounts: Sparks cards give you personalised offers and discounts in both the main shop and the food halls.

Cost: ££££

Delivery: No delivery or click and collect. Some items are pre-bookable at certain times of year.

Waitrose

Similar to Marks and Spencer, Waitrose is more of a high-end supermarket. Part of the John Lewis family, you'll find them attached to the department store as well as stand alone shops. They're by royal appointment, so really are posh!

Nearest shop: You can find a Little Waitrose at the top of Park Street, or a full-sized supermarket in Henleaze.

Discounts: MyWaitrose offers personalised discounts, a free coffee in store and deals on certain days of the week.

Cost: £££££

Delivery: Delivery available for a small fee, and free click and collect in store.

And finally...

If you can't find a specific ingredient for your meal, Bristol has lots of international supermarkets to cover almost any country's cuisine!