As the semester progresses, the weather gets colder and our meal plan balances get lower. Personally, my motivation to go to dining halls or the Student Union starts to decrease as fall sets in. Over time, I’ve learned how to make surprisingly good food in a college dorm — all without breaking the bank.
For students who live on campus, you might be luckier than you think when it comes to cooking options. Several residence halls at the University of Connecticut — including McMahon, Garrigus, Busby, Hale, Ellsworth and Shippee — have communal kitchens available for student use. These kitchens can be a game changer if you want to save money or just crave a home-cooked meal after too many dining hall meals. Even if your dorm doesn’t have a kitchen, there are still ways to make quick, tasty meals right in your room using just a microwave and a few simple ingredients.
Access to a kitchen gives such a wider scope for meals. One of the easiest meals to make is garlic butter pasta. All you need is a pot of cooked pasta, a little butter or olive oil and garlic. Toss it all together with salt, pepper and a handful of frozen spinach or broccoli, and you’ve got a warm, satisfying dinner that costs just a few dollars.
Rice is a great base for almost any meal. Beans, chicken and vegetables are all relatively simple to make and create alongside rice. CVS and Price Chopper both have rice that can be traditionally cooked on a stovetop or MinuteRice that can be cooked in a microwave.
If you’re looking for something cozy that lasts a few days, chili is your best friend. Combine canned beans, tomatoes, corn and a spoonful of chili powder in a pot, then let it simmer for about twenty minutes. You can eat it as it is, or add rice, cheese or leftover vegetables to stretch it into even more meals. It’s one of those dishes that somehow tastes better the next day, which makes it perfect for busy weeks.
Breakfast can be made easy with some simple meal prep as well. Overnight oats or oatmeal can be made with a large bin of plain old-fashioned oats and can be elevated with cinnamon or chopped fruits.
Cooking in college doesn’t have to mean eating the same thing every day. Once you get comfortable, it’s fun to mix and match ingredients to make your meals more exciting. Add hot sauce or garlic to your pasta, switch up the vegetables in your stir-fry or experiment with spices — the possibilities are endless, even on a budget.
Of course, finding affordable groceries around UConn helps make all of this possible. The Price Chopper in Mansfield is a student favorite for its weekly deals, and if you haven’t already, sign up for their AdvantEdge card. It’s completely free and gives you discounts on tons of everyday items. If you’re looking for lower prices, ALDI in Windham is another great option, especially for pantry staples and frozen foods. For quick grocery runs, Cumberland Farms and Storrs Center Market have snacks, drinks and basics when you don’t have time to take the bus.
Cooking in a kitchenette isn’t just about saving money — it’s also a great way to unwind after a long day. Whether you’re stirring pasta on the stove or baking a quick tray of roasted veggies, making your own meals can be comforting and rewarding. With a few ingredients, some simple recipes and your trusty AdvantEdge card, you can eat well, stay warm and keep your budget intact all semester long.
For those without kitchen access, the microwave can become your best friend. Believe it or not, you can make more than just instant ramen. One of my favorite hacks is upgrading ramen by adding eggs, frozen vegetables or leftover chicken. You can also make mug recipes — like mac and cheese or a brownie in a mug — in just a few minutes.
Microwave quesadillas are another dorm classic. Just grab a tortilla, sprinkle some cheese and any leftovers you have and heat it up for about a minute. For breakfast, microwave oatmeal with fruit or peanut butter is filling and affordable. Prepackaged microwave rice and canned beans can also make an instant burrito bowl when you’re short on time and money.
Cooking in college doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a little creativity — and maybe a microwave or communal kitchen — you can make delicious, comforting meals that fit both your schedule and your budget. As the semester goes on, don’t be afraid to experiment with recipes or try new ingredients. Who knows? You might even find that cooking becomes one of your favorite college hobbies.