College is the first time that many students are away from home, living on their own and navigating college. The road to adulthood is difficult, especially when it comes to cooking.
However, money is sometimes an issue for many college students. Part-time jobs only pay so much, and groceries can get expensive, especially if you have dietary restrictions. While dining halls are convenient, they often end up costing much more than cooking at home.
“I would say that cooking is easier than having a meal plan: it’s easier to stay on budget because groceries are cheaper,” Catalina Ardila, junior in engineering, said.
Take note of what your favorite meals or ingredients are and use that to find interesting recipes. Whether it’s something your parents make or your favorite meal at a restaurant, knowing what you like to eat will make cooking more enjoyable. There are even websites specifically tailored to college students. A simple internet search will turn up hundreds of easy, quick and budget-friendly recipes.
Alternatively, search for recipes that revolve around one or two key ingredients. This allows you to focus on a main component of the meal, use what you already have and not get overwhelmed.
“I would say to try to look for meals that are easy to prepare,” Consuela Duran, senior in entrepreneurship, said. “As soon as you know what you plan on making, buy what you need instead of a bunch of random ingredients.”
