As we begin the school year, anticipation is high for all of the new opportunities and experiences the semester will bring.
College can be a very stressful time, and it's often made more stressful by the realization that we're living on our own and are responsible for our own well-being.
As a freshman, one of the most difficult things to learn was how to cook for myself and how to create meals without easy access to a kitchen and cooking supplies.
Luckily, we have put together some quick and easy meals for college students that only require one thing: a microwave.
If you are looking for a healthier option, rice with microwavable vegetables is a quick, easy and filling meal. Almost all grocery stores should have individual packets of instant rice and frozen vegetables that are easy to store in a college dorm or apartment.
I have also seen many frozen meals available at Kroger, Target and Publix, including frozen pasta, chicken nuggets and even muffin and pancake mixes that come in microwave-friendly cups.
Of course, there are the classic “college foods" like ramen and macaroni and cheese, but these tend are not the most nutritious options. Swapping the pasta out for an alternative like chickpeas is an easy way to make these meals healthier.
Angel Buck, freshman in exploratory studies, said that she has struggled to make meals for herself since coming to Auburn.
“Adjusting to having to remember to feed myself three times a day has been a struggle, and cheese puffs have ended up being a lot of meals because I am not used to cooking for myself all the time," Buck said.
One of Buck’s favorite foods to make in her dorm has been microwavable pizzas because they are so easy to prepare and are filling enough to provide her with the energy she needs to make it through the day.
Being a college student also means that sometimes you might have to make a meal out of unconventional ingredients.
Buck said that the weirdest meal she has made so far has been nachos made with leftover meat from Jim ‘N Nick’s and shredded cheese. Buck said that although it may sound strange, it was really good and she would definitely make it again.
David Shassberger, junior in business administration, said that some of his favorite meals are often ones made in the microwave at his apartment.
“I love making hot dogs with cheese, hot pockets and chicken nuggets in the microwave, it’s a cheap and easy way to make meals," Shassberger says.
Coming to college is a fun and exciting time in a student’s life, and although it may seem daunting to be completely responsible for every meal, cooking doesn’t have to be challenging.
Living in a dorm or an apartment doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice nourishing your body properly. There are so many meals that can be made with just a few ingredients that only require a microwave.
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Kara Mautz, senior in human development and family studies with a minor in journalism, is a culture writer at The Auburn Plainsman.
