Let’s face it: dining halls will never be as tasty or inexpensive as a home cooked meal. They’ll probably never be as healthy, either. But what if home cooked meals weren’t restricted to your trips home during break? What if you could bring the home cooked meal to your dorm room?

I’m not talking about loads of Tupperware and reheating, or even the tempting idea of a hotplate (which is strictly prohibited). I’m talking about your cooking yourself an actual meal in your dorm room— and no illegal appliances are required.

Cooking can be a daunting task, especially when you are limited in your resources. But there is hope. Your dorm room at UK is equipped with a mini refrigerator and a microwave, two appliances that can work in your favor and can help you make a wide variety of food. 

Want to cook some pasta? Grab a large microwave safe bowl, pour your favorite pasta in until half full, fill with water until the pasta is covered and beginning to float, and microwave for 10 minutes (or until tender). And now you have cooked pasta! Add your favorite toppings, dressings, or even throw it in a salad. You can also make it ahead of time and keep it in a container in the fridge then throw it in your lunch bag the next day.

Another great cooking tip is using pre-prepared grocery store items. Walmart and Kroger both offer delicious types of protein, like rotisserie chickens. These are a very versatile option for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can de-bone the chicken, put it in a container in the refrigerator the night before, and then use the meat for wraps, fajitas or add it to some pasta.  

Lastly, remember items that don’t need any prep work at all, like fruit and pudding cups. There are also options like granola bars or cheese cubes. A good rule of thumb is to remember what you liked to eat when you were a kid and make it your best friend again. College is great, but it’s even better when you’re not sleep deprived and starving.