While juggling classes, work, internships and some semblance of a social life, who really has time to eat healthy, let alone cook for themselves? The availability of food delivery services and the abundance of restaurants and food trucks lining the streets only lessens one’s desire to cook. Despite the plethora of alternatives, it’s time we entertain the idea of actually cooking. Cooking can be a massive hassle and can cause more trouble than it’s worth, it doesn’t always have to be that way. Cooking in a college dorm can be easy, simple and foolproof with these quick hacks.

Breakfast

Overnight Oats

Throw together a satisfying on-the-go breakfast the night before by combining some old-fashioned oats, spices, fruit and other delicious add-ons in a jar. Just keep the mixture in the fridge overnight for a well-balanced start to your morning.

Lunch

Microwaveable Fish

Who says fish is too difficult to prepare in a college dorm? There’s no need for pans or an oven. Simply place your fish of choice — salmon and cod work well — in a microwaveable container, line the sides with some vegetables and top it off with sprinkles of seasoning and olive oil.

Microwaveable Mac and Cheese

The microwave is basically your best friend when it comes to easy cooking. All you need are pasta, cheese, milk and water. Combine 1/2 cup macaroni, 1/2 cup water and salt in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it on high power for two minutes. Stir the macaroni, and continue microwaving in two minute intervals until cooked. Stir in 1/4 cup milk and 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals to melt the cheese, stirring after each interval until creamy.

Dinner

Paninis

Want a perfectly toasted and grilled sandwich without a panini press? Break out your iron to create a makeshift press by wrapping your sandwich in foil and iron away! Another option is to use the burner on your coffee maker as a grill to cook your sandwich. Like with the iron, first wrap your sandwich in foil before placing it on the burner to cook.

Ramen Stir-Fry

If you have packs of instant ramen and you are tired of eating it the same way, spice things up by cooking ramen stir-fry. Simply cook the ramen before transferring it into a skillet on the stove. Throw in some fresh vegetables and a protein of choice before topping it off with seasoning or spices. To be extra fancy, you can poach an egg and add it to your stir-fry.

Dessert

No-Bake Oreo Bars

Instantly satisfy your sweet tooth with a three-ingredient dessert bar that requires only Oreos, marshmallows and butter. Place half a pack of Oreos into a sandwich bag and grind them evenly. Melt one standard 16 oz. bag of marshmallows and half a cup of butter in the microwave before folding in the crushed cookies. Scoop the mix into a parchment paper lined dish and let cool.

Nutella Brownie in a Mug

Of course, dorm cooking isn’t complete without a mug dessert. Indulge in a decadent brownie made for Nutella lovers everywhere. Combine equal 1/4 cup of Nutella and flour in a mug with three tablespoons of milk and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder before microwaving the mixture for a minute. Finally, top off the brownie with some ice cream and strawberries for a sugar overload!

Email Hester Yang at [email protected].