15 Easy Recipes for College Students on a Budget

Young adults heading off to college are often learning how to do common household duties for the first time. Basic tasks like laundry, cleaning, and cooking can be tricky to get right and require a bit of trial and error.

Some college students have grown accustomed to having a parent or guardian cook for them throughout childhood, and upon moving into a dorm room, aren’t sure where to start in preparing meals for themselves.

But healthy college meals can be simple! Today, we’re providing guidance on equipment and ingredients to use, plus easy recipes for college students to make during jam-packed days.

Basic equipment to have on hand

With such limited space, college students don’t have the luxury of keeping every kitchen gadget on hand. Basic kitchen equipment can be used for a variety of college recipes.

Mini-fridge

Keeping perishable items cold is a must, and since many dorm rooms don’t come with refrigeration, it’s helpful to have your own. Choose a refrigerator that is compact enough to squeeze in a tight space and can store your ingredients for making healthy college meals.

Microwave

Ideal for late night study sessions and mornings on-the-go, a microwave is a life saving tool for college meal prep  when you’re an active and busy student.

Utensils, bowls and plates

No need to go overboard! A simple set of forks, knives, and spoons will do for enjoying easy college meals. Opt for a plastic set, which will last longer and not chip as easily as porcelain or ceramic.

Portable blender

Perfect for days on the run to class, a portable blender quickly makes nourishing smoothies, sauces, and soups from scratch.

What makes a good recipe for college students?

When you move away from home for college, you’ll often find yourself in need of quick and easy meal solutions that fit your new, hectic schedules. A great recipe for college students strikes a balance between nutrition, ease of preparation, and affordability. 

Here’s how certain dishes make the cut:

• Easy preparation: College recipes that require minimal cooking equipment and can be made quickly fit perfectly into your lifestyle.
• Nutritional value: Balanced college meals that offer a mix of protein, carbs, and essential nutrients help fuel those long study sessions.
• Affordability: Ingredients that don’t break the bank are crucial especially since you’re likely on a tight budget.
• Versatility and taste: Healthy college meals that can be easily varied to prevent boredom and are delicious make it easier to cook consistently.

15 easy recipes for college students

Now that you have the equipment to rock dorm room meal prep, now all you need are a few easy college meals to make on your own!

Pizza quesadilla

First up on our list of easy recipes for college students: a pizza quesadilla.  It’s great for times when you’re craving pizza but looking for an alternative to a greasy by-the-slice!

Basic ingredients for one of our favorite college meals include whole wheat tortillas, a jar of pizza sauce, and your choice of cheese. Lay 1 tortilla flat on a microwaveable plate and top with pizza sauce and cheese, plus any toppings. Try breaking Sea Salt Beef Chomps sticks up into small pieces for a pepperoni-like pop of flavor.

Better-for-you ramen

Noodles are one of the staples of easy college meals known and loved by busy students. But the flavor packets that come with most ramen noodles are filled with sodium … not exactly the most nutritious option.

However, ramen can easily be made into healthy college meals with a couple of simple ingredients! Try swapping the flavor packet with a soy sauce / sriracha sauce combo. Then, heat up a can of mixed veggies in the microwave, and add to your ramen! For an extra serving of protein, enjoy a Chomps stick of any flavor on the side.

Pesto and turkey sandwich

Pesto, meet turkey … and turkey, meet pesto. If you’re a college student who stocks their lunch with a plain old sandwich, listen up! You can add variety to your college meal prep of even the simplest of sandwiches by adding dressing.

Pesto is a great sandwich addition because it goes perfectly with most types of meats, cheeses, and toppings. Purchase a jar of pre-made pesto and spread a small amount on both sides of the bread. Then include any other ingredients, like turkey, sliced tomato, and microwaveable bacon for a made-in-the-dorm-room-style BLT. It’s one of our favorite easy recipes for college students!

Overnight oats

For students who are accustomed to having ample space in their kitchens at home, moving to a small dorm room with no kitchen can be a major adjustment. Especially for those who love breakfast and cooking morning favorites like pancakes, french toast, and hashbrowns.

Overnight oats are an excellent solution for college meal prep. They’re great for students whose favorite meal of the day is breakfast. This overnight oats recipe includes ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, and a teaspoon of honey. Toppings like bananas, strawberries, or blueberries help add flavor to one of most simple and healthy college meals for students

Bacon mac ‘n cheese

Who doesn’t love a cozy bowl of macaroni and cheese?! College can be stressful, and sometimes eating a favorite comfort food can be a nice study break. As far as easy college meals go, Evol mac & cheese is pre-portioned and packed with 13 grams of protein to keep you full.

If you love the taste of bacon on top of mac and cheese but are looking for an easier swap, Chomps beef jerky sticks are a tasty bacon substitute. Just break any flavor of Chomps stick into small pieces and stir into cooked mac and cheese.

Microwave veggie rice bowl

Speedy and nutritious, this microwave veggie rice bowl is ideal for busy college schedules. Just mix pre-cooked rice with frozen vegetables and your favorite spices in a microwave-safe bowl for a wholesome meal in minutes. Perfect if you’re seeking healthy college meals minus the fuss.

Simple stir-fry noodles

For a quick, flavorful dinner, toss pre-cooked noodles with a bag of frozen vegetables and a splash of soy sauce. This simple stir-fry should be a staple among your collection of college recipes for its ease and versatility.

Tuna salad wraps

Create a quick and satisfying meal with tuna salad wraps. Mix canned tuna with mayo and celery, then wrap in a whole wheat tortilla with lettuce. It’s a smart pick for nutritious, easy college meals because they’re great for on-the-go eating.

Chickpea salad

Next up on our list of healthy college meals for students is something refreshing and packed with nutrients. This chickpea salad mixes canned chickpeas, fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and onion with a dressing of olive oil and lemon juice. It’s an ideal choice for college meal prep because it requires little effort and planning.

Omelet in a mug

Quickly whip up an omelet in a mug by beating together eggs, milk, cheese, and your choice of vegetables. All you need to do is microwave for a speedy, protein-packed breakfast. It’s one of the best easy college meals for students who need a nutritious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Peanut butter banana smoothie

Blend together a ripe banana, a generous spoonful of peanut butter, and a cup of milk for a deliciously creamy smoothie. This is one of the most delicious college recipes for students seeking a quick, energy-boosting meal. Keeps you full and focused throughout your busy day!

Overnight chia pudding

Mix chia seeds with almond milk and a touch of honey. Then, let it sit overnight in the fridge. In the morning, top it with fresh fruit for a delicious and nutritious breakfast. It’s one the best college recipes to try if you’re ever in need of a grab-and-go option in the morning.

Greek yogurt parfait

Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a quick and healthy breakfast. This easy college meal offers protein, fiber, and vitamins that are essential for starting your day right. Customize with different fruits and nuts to keep it interesting and nutritious throughout the week.

Pita bread pizza

Spread marinara sauce on whole grain pita bread, top with cheese and your favorite vegetables or cooked meats. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This simple and delicious recipe provides balanced nutrition you want out of the best healthy college meals.

Black bean salad

Combine canned black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. Toss with lime juice and olive oil for a refreshing and nutritious salad. It’s one of our favorite college meals for students that’s rich in protein and fiber. You’re guaranteed to have a healthy and satisfying option ready to go for lunch or dinner.

Resources for more college recipes

For dorm room chefs looking to try even more easy recipes for college students, there are several websites that provide information for those navigating campus kitchens.

Spoon University

We love that this website is written by real college students and provides an approachable food community. With college recipes for the microwave, 5 ingredients, snacks, and more, there’s something for every occasion a student may encounter.

Budget Bytes

College students don’t always have much money to spend on groceries, and that’s okay! Most easy recipes for college students can be made cheap, and Budget Bytes caters to shoppers who want to eat well but not break the bank.

Cooking in College by Declan & Erica

This blog is a great resource for couples who are living together for the first time, or those who are living with roommates and looking to combine kitchens! Declan and Erica are masters of savvy grocery shopping and live off of just $10 per day of food.

College students, your focus should be on getting good grades, hanging out with friends, and soaking in the best 4 years of your life … not spending tons of time with college meal prep! We hope this guide to easy recipes for college students was helpful and leaves you feeling empowered to try new college meals from the comfort of your dorm room.