As an international student, living by yourself is a great responsibility. You will be responsible for your well-being, managing your time, setting a budget for yourself, and of course, you have to cook your meals most of the time.

Let’s be honest, take-out might sound appealing; however, you have to cook for yourself if you don’t want to break the bank. Therefore, here are some quick and easy college student recipes to inspire you.

1. Banana Pancakes

This is definitely a student’s favourite! Blend one egg, one banana, baking powder, and some oats. Then cook them like a regular pancake, and when you finish, you can add a topping of your choice along with some syrup or some butter. 

2. Microwave Cake

Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt in a microwave-safe mug; stir in milk, canola oil, water, and vanilla extract. Cook in the microwave for about 1 minute 45 seconds, et voila!

3. Omelette 

Whisk 2 eggs, salt, and pepper. Get a non-stick skillet, spray it with cooking spray or melt a cube of butter, and then add your eggs. Cut some veggies on the side, such as bell peppers and tomatoes, and add them to the pan when the eggs are almost done. You can also add some cheese, olives,  mushrooms, or even parsley. 

4. Granola with Yogurt 

This one is a good choice if you’re looking for a healthy college student recipe. Put some granola in a bowl with your favourite yoghurt and pair them up with some fresh sliced fruits of your choice. You can add bananas, strawberries, raspberries, etc. You can also add some honey, peanut butter, or milk to give it an extra delicious taste. 

5. Apple Cinnamon

Cut a big apple into four quarters and splash some cinnamon all over it. Put it into your microwave/oven for 3 minutes, and you will be amazed by its delicious taste and warmth! 

6. Roast Sausages and Vegetables 

This recipe is the one-tray wonder you’ve been looking for! It’s perfect for you if you’re not a fan of chopping and frying for hours. Get a roasting or baking tray and pour a tablespoon of olive oil on, then gather whatever leftover veggies you have and add them to the tray along with the sausages and sprinkle with some mixed herbs, toss in the oil and roast for about 15 minutes, and there you have it! 

7. Baked Potatoes

Turn your oven to 425*F/ 220 C. Wash the potatoes, then poke each one three times with a fork. Microwave the potatoes on high for 6 minutes. Then put the potatoes in the oven, and cook for 20 minutes or until the skin feels crisp. Remove from the oven and cut a slice right away at the top of the potato to free it from the steam. Squeeze from the ends to fluff up, and add buttered sweet corn for extra tastiness!

8. Burgers and Chips

Yes, it’s nice to have a burger and chips when you’re out, but you can cook this yourself and have it for half the price! Get your bread and toast it on a pan with some butter, then fry your burger on medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until brown all over. Then time to assemble! Place your patty on the bun and top with whatever you like, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onions, pickles, etc.. then add your choice of sauce. Finally, place on a plate with your chips as a side and enjoy! 

9. Flatbread Pizza

Get some pizza sauce and spread over your flatbread along with some basil, add the veggies of your choice with some cheese, and finally, add some meat or chicken. Grill briefly until golden, and that’s it! Enjoy your pizza! 

10. Cheesy Garlic Bread

Cut your french bread or your Italian loaf bread into rectangle-shaped pieces and cover with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, parsley, and parmesan cheese, then bake for 20 minutes until golden and puffed; and there you have it!

These are quick and easy college student recipes you can try during your time at university. If you would like to test your skills and prepare an elegant meal, though, try some of Le Cordon Bleu recipes in this PDF. If you live in student accommodation near Le Cordon Bleu, you might be one of the lucky ones with a flatmate who is a real cook, ask your flatmate for cooking advice and bribe him/her to grace you with a taste of their cooking,