With culinary delights from around the world at your fingertips, it may be hard to settle for pre-packaged noodles and TV dinners. But don’t let your small kitchen (or lack thereof) deter you from exploring new dorm-friendly dining options — your wallet will thank you. Whether you’re an incoming freshman or a seasoned senior, these easy-to-make recipes are suited for the on-the-go college student. All you need is a microwave and a mini-fridge.

Energy Bites 

Cicek Erel

Ingredients

1 cup dry oatmeal
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 cup dried fruit
1/2 cup ground flaxseed or wheat germ
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1 tablespoon chia seeds

Directions

Stir all ingredients together in a bowl until thoroughly mixed. Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll mixture into balls of about 1 inch in diameter. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to one week.

Makes about 20 to 25 balls

Cumin-Lime Zucchini Quesadilla

Cicek Erel

Ingredients

1/2 medium-sized zucchini
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
1/2 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 (8-inch) whole wheat tortillas

Directions

Cut zucchini into thin slices and place in a bowl. Whisk together olive oil, cumin, chili flakes, lime juice and honey and pour over zucchini. Cover the bowl with a microwave safe wrap or lid, leaving one corner loose to let out steam. Microwave on high for about 3 minutes or until zucchini is tender. Let zucchini cool and layer over one tortilla. Sprinkle mozzarella over the zucchini and place second tortilla on top. Microwave on high for about 1 minute or until cheese is melted.

Makes 1 to 2 servings

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake in a Mug

Cicek Erel

Ingredients

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons fat free milk
2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
Lemon zest (optional)

Directions

Using a small whisk or fork, mix together flour, baking powder, milk, sugar, oil, lemon juice and poppy seeds in a microwave safe mug until batter is smooth. For an extra kick of lemon flavor, grate some fresh lemon zest on top and whisk into batter. Microwave on high for about 1 minute, checking to make sure top of cake is dry.

Makes 1 serving

A version of this article appeared in the 2014 Food and Fun Guide. Email Cicek Erel at [email protected].