Students spending £500 a month on takeaways as they reveal their dream dinner

It’s a rite of passage for thousands of students every year. ButFreshers’ Week isn’t all about late nights, new mates and dodging the dreaded flu. For many it’s also the first time they’re cooking for themselves on a regular basis.

And though they may arrive at halls with shiny kitchen kit, new research confirms students are swapping saucepans for delivery apps with 78% ordering takeaway at least once a week.

One in five admit having three to four a week spending an average of £30.50 a time which can stack up to a whopping £488 a month, according to the survey by Papa Johns. Meanwhile, 61% said they’d rather never drink again than give up their favourite meal

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With 45% of students saying that pizza and Indian would be their dream culinary combo, Papa Johns is bringing back its cult-favourite Tandoori range in time for Freshers’ Week. It includes Tandoori chicken and Bombay spice pizza, chicken poppers and potato tots.

Rebecca Carroll, marketing director at Papa Johns said: “We know Freshers’ Week is a whirlwind of new experiences – but some things never change, like students’ love for a good takeaway.

“Our research shows that pizza and Indian cuisines are the ultimate pairing for many students, so bringing back our Tandoori range is about giving devoted fans the bold flavours they crave.

“We’re passionate about using top-quality ingredients and pushing flavour innovation, and we’re thrilled to revive a true cult favourite to fuel everything from late-night study sessions to flatmate pizza parties.”

The survey found that students at the University of Birmingham, Brunel University London, and Manchester Metropolitan University top the list of takeaway lovers.

Papa Johns will be handing out free Tandoori pizza to new students at these universities during Freshers’ Week. To get your hands on one sign up with your university address between September 4 and September 22.