Cooking College Meals on the Cheap
You have textbooks to buy, tuition to pay, and “board” in whatever form you have chosen. Whether you’re in a dorm or are sharing an apartment with others, chances are you have more costs than you do income. Eating doesn’t have to be a budget buster if you keep the following menu items on your shelves:
1. Pasta with Sauce, Mac … Cheese, Ramen Noodles. Everybody love carbs, right? Let’s face it, you’re walking a lot more than you used to and you can probably use the energy anyway. These handy meals are easy to microwave and will warm you up on a cold day. With plenty of options in packaged ramen noodles, you could probably choose a different flavor every day and not get bored. Add some fruit and a little salad and you’ve got your nutritional bases covered.
2. Breakfast foods. Who said you can’t have cereal for dinner? Or waffles for lunch? Did you know you can scramble eggs in the microwave? The point is, most breakfast foods are easy on the wallet but go a long way in satisfaction. Forget popcorn at the movies too and put some dry cereal in a baggie to munch on instead.
3. Sandwich night. Some whole wheat bread and a package of deli meat will go a long way. It’s easy to get your vegetable fix in there too if you just pick up a tomato and a head of iceberg lettuce once a week. If you grow weary of ham or bologna, don’t forget that a can of tuna and some mayo can make enough tuna salad for a few sandwiches. Also, an egg sandwich is a delicious alternative to lunch meat.
4. Gone are the days of ordering giant pizzas. You can, however, pluck a few from the freezer section at the store and cook them in your apartment instead. They’re hotter when they reach your mouth and you don’t have to tip anyon0l. A little parmesan or Romano cheese can make all the difference.
The money you save on eating on the cheap can be better spent on other things. You can get your fill of good food on school breaks when your mother is cooking for you. Meanwhile, hang onto your money and pat yourself on the back for being so smart. Enjoy.
Ryan Sullivan is an instuctor at a leading online colleges. He holds two online degrees and a degree from a traditional university program.
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