As all of us 'starving students' have come to realize, cafeteria food gets boring and it gets boring fast. I was all excited about not having to make my own meals for first year, I could just go to the cafeteria and get whatever I wanted. I was sick of it within the first month of moving into residence. I know different universities come with different kitchen appliances, but for my specific residence building, all my floor has to offer is a kettle and a microwave. My floormates and I have had to use our brains when it comes to trying to make food just using those two things. Here's a list of some favourite meals and snacks that are easy to make!
1. Easy-Mac
This is for the person who just doesn't want to give up their beloved KD. Kraft Dinner makes these little bowls that are called Easy Mac, and if you haven't heard of them by now - how can you call yourself a true uni student?! All you have to do is fill up to the line with water, microwave for 3:30 and then ta-da, there's your dinner or lunch or snack! If you want to get even fancier, try putting grated cheese on top!
2. Popcorn
Popcorn is a favourite on my floor, it's pretty much our trademark smell. It's easy, fast, yummy, and works as an excellent midnight snack (or later... don't worry, here at Surviving The Freshman 15 we don't judge those who need a little snack at 4 am while writing their paper)
3. Nachos
Another easy snack to make is nachos! Whether you have just a microwave to work with, a whole kitchen, or nothing, you can make nachos! All you need is so tortilla chips, some shredded cheese, and whatever other topping that you want! For us, we just pop 'em in the microwave and there you have it, instant snack or lunch! If you want to get really fancy and have the appliances, you can add ground beef, chicken, or even beans - Nachos allow you to add some individuality to your meal.
4. Fruit
An apple a day keeps the doctor away ...right? Okay, well maybe some of us are lacking in the fruit department, but it never hurts to keep some fruit in your room! I usually have some apples or grapes in my fridge (I really recommend getting a mini fridge - it's probably the best thing that I brought to university!) and sometimes if the cafeteria has some, I'll even get the pleasure of having some watermelon or pineapple. Fruit is a good snack that you can have anytime, and it even works if you're looking for breakfast on the go.
5. Hot Dogs
Probably one of the easiest meals you can make is the beloved classic: hot dogs. While they might not be grilled on that family barbecue, they don't taste that bad from the microwave either. Just put them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, and there you have it! ...Just remember to poke them or cut them a bit or else they could be exploded hot dogs before you know it.
6. Soup
Whether you're sick with a cold, or you just want a warm bowl of something to warm you up, soup is a nice easy meal! There are so many options to choose from, just pick what you want and microwave it or put it in a pot and heat it up! You can even get Cup of Soup packages, that way all you have to do is pour it into a bowl or your favourite mug and add the hot water!
7. Rice
There are so many different types of rice out there, and many of them are available in microwaveable packages for convenience! Just zap it for however long the package says and there you have it, an easy meal! (There's even these things called minute rice, its already in a bowl and you just heat it for 60 seconds!)
8. Granola/Protein Bars
Something quick to grab on your way to class, or a snack to scarf down in between classes, these things are great! They're tiny so that not only do they not take up very much space in your room (because we all know how amazingly big dorm rooms are... not.) but you can also throw a few in your backpack or purse for when you're on the go. Not only are they yummy, but some of them can actually be fairly healthy too!
9. Candy/Chocolate
Sometimes in life, there's times when you just deserve to eat that chocolate bar that has been tempting you for the past week. You deserve it. University is stressful enough without having to deal with choosing what to eat and worrying about a diet - so if you want that chocolate or candy, go for it! Lucky for me, our cafeteria actually has a section where you can buy stuff like that... Which is awesomely terrible. But really, if you don't let your body have what it's craving, then you're more likely to binge on it later, so go ahead, and eat what you want.
10. Instant Noodles
Did you really think that I could make a university food list without mentioning instant noodles? Psh, nope, impossible. While they're not exactly the most gourmet thing ever, and they also aren't the yummiest or healthiest, they're still what a lot of university students live off of. They're cheap, and easy, and only require some hot water or a microwave, instant noodles are the go-to meal. If you're feeling really daring, you can even microwave some frozen veggies and mix them together!
While those are 10 easy meals, you can't forget about the drinks! Here are some good non-alcoholic choices:
- Coffee (It just had to make the top of the list)
- Tea & Hot Chocolate (Good alternative to coffee for those of you who aren't a huge fan of coffee - me included!)
- Juice Boxes
- Pop
- Water Bottles (Or get a Brita Filter, that way you can be sure the water your drinking is clean!)
Tips:
- Invest in a mini fridge!
- Get some plastic plates and cutlery
- Buy a sponge and some dish soap... Everyone on my floor forgot that for about the first 2 weeks and we were all stuck washing dishes with hand soap - it was not a pretty sight
- Get creative! There are so many possibilities for things that you can make!
- Buy a Brita filter or a Brita water bottle - who knows what that water is like coming out of that tap!
Have any other good ideas for food to make in your dorm room? Send in a comment and share your knowlegde!
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