Heading to uni means learning new life skills, like cooking, that’s why we’ve curated some cheap and easy student meals to help you eat well without breaking the bank.

From breakfast ideas to dinner recipes, you won’t be short of ideas. Plus, we’ve included some light meal ideas for lunchtime, too. 

When on campus, you’re going to be living independently and on a tight budget. But the good news is, we’ve got you covered! After all, eating well when you’re studying and cooking is an essential life skill. So, let’s dive into some quick and tasty recipes.

For breakfast 

To start your morning right, here are three easy recipes:

1. Spicy scrambled eggs in baguette

Serves 4

Cost: Less than $1.75 per serving

Top tip: Breakfast recipes don’t get much easier than scrambled eggs. They’re an excellent source of protein, low in calories and not expensive. 

Ingredients: 

6 large eggsBaguette: cut into four pieces

⅓ cup milk

2 tbsp butter

¼ cup peri peri mayonnaise

½ tsp dried chilli flakes

60 grams rocket leaves

Equipment: 

• Small bowl
• Fork for whisking
• Non-stick frying pan
• Spatula

Method:

Divide the scrambled eggs between the four pieces of bread and top with the rocket leaves. 

Divide the baguette into four pieces and cut each piece in half lengthwise. Spread with the peri peri mayo.

Whisk the eggs, milk and chilli flakes with the fork until they are well combined. 

Heat the frying pan on a medium heat and add the butter. Coat the base of the pan with butter. Don’t let it burn. 

Add the egg mixture. 

After half a minute, use the spatula to move the eggs around, making soft folds. Ensure all the mixture is cooked. 

2. Porridge with fruit

Serves 2

Cost: less than $2 per serving

Top tip: Porridge is super simple to make and is a very healthy meal. Top with your favourite fruit for good gut health. 

Ingredients: 

Mixed fresh fruit, e.g. sliced banana, blueberries

120 g rolled oats

400 g milk

Equipment: 

• Weighing scales
• Measuring jug
• Saucepan
• Wooden spoon

Method: 

Serve the porridge in a bowl and top with fruit.

Put the oats and milk in a saucepan over low heat. 

Cook until it begins to simmer. 

Stir frequently until the porridge has thickened. 

3. Overnight oats

Serves 1

Cost: under $2.00 per serving

Top tip: Preparing breakfast the night before means you’re more likely to eat in the morning. This single-serve dish is one of the healthiest breakfasts you can make. 

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup milk of your choice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• ½ tbsp chia seeds
• ½ banana sliced or berries

Equipment: 

• Jar or tupperware container
• Spoon for mixing

Method: 

1. Combine the milk, honey, peanut butter and chia seeds with a spoon in the jar or Tupperware. 
2. Add the rolled oats and mix so they are well coated. 
3. Put on the lid and refrigerate. 
4. In the morning, add the sliced banana or berries before eating. 

For lunch

Make sure you have enough energy to get through afternoon classes and pick a lunch idea from our list. They’re all fast and easy, a great last-minute meal. 

4. Cauliflower soup

Serves 8

Cost: Less than $1 per serving

Top tip: You may be intimidated by the thought of making soup for the first time, but it’s very simple. Combine with some garlic bread to add a flavour punch. 

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cauliflower, broken into florets
• 1 onion, finely chopped1 potato, grated
• 1 carrot, grated
• 2 tsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp chicken stock powder
• 1 litre water
• Pinch salt and pepper
  
  Equipment: 
  
• Sharp knife
• Peeler
• Grater
• Saucepan/frying pan
• Blender
  
  Method: 
  
• Heat the oil in the pan and add the vegetables. Cook until soft. 
• Add the water and chicken stock powder, make sure the vegetables are covered. 
• Bring the pan to the boil and then lower to a simmer. 
• When the vegetables are very soft, let the mixture cool down a little. 
• Blend with either a hand blender or pour into a jug blender. 
• You can freeze soup or store it in the fridge for a couple of days. 

5. Peanut butter sandwich

Serves 1

Cost: under $0.50 per serving

Top tip: If you’re running late for a lecture but need an energy boost, the humble peanut butter sandwich is ideal. Add some sliced banana or chocolate chips for extra energy. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 slices of bread
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp peanut butter or chocolate peanut butter
• Optional: banana or honey
  
  Equipment:
  
• Knife for spreading 
• Plate
  
  Method: 
  
• Spread each slice of bread with butter. 
• Add a generous helping of peanut butter. 
• Top with some sliced banana for extra bulk and energy.
  
  

6. Couscous salad

Serves 8

Cost: Under $1 per serving

Top tip: If you’re looking for a great vegetarian recipe, add your favourite vegetables or cheese to this simple lunch dish for a tasty, mid-day meal. 

Ingredients:

• 500 g couscous
• Pack of feta cheese 
• 1 cucumber
• 1 lemon
• Chickpeas (optional)
• Additional veg of your choice

Equipment: 

• Saucepan
• Sharp knife for chopping
• Chopping board

Method: 

1. Bring a pan of water to the boil and add couscous. 
2. Cook for 5-8 minutes until tender. 
3. Meanwhile, dice the cucumber and cut the lemon in half. 
4. Drain the couscous and add to a bowl. Allow to cool. 
5. Add the diced cucumber and crumbled feta. 
6. Squeeze over the lemon juice. 
7. Mix well and add seasoning if needed. 

For dinner

After a long day on campus, the idea of cooking can be off-putting. Instead, make one of our quick and simple dinner ideas and save some money. 

7. Tomato soup pasta bake

Serves 4 

Cost: Under $3.00 per serving

Top tip: Make enough for two nights so you don’t have to cook two evenings in a row. Or share it with a mate, and they can cook it next time. 

Ingredients: 

• 450 g tomato soup
• 1 ½ cups short pasta
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• ½ tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup grated cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup extra cheese, grated

Equipment:

• Sharp knife for chopping
• Frying pan
• Saucepan
• Spatula
• Mixing bowl
• Lasagne dish

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 C
2. Boil a pan of water and add the pasta. 
3. Put the vegetable oil in the frying pan on a medium heat. 
4. Fry the onion and bacon until browned. 
5. Mix the tomato soup, milk and cheese in a bowl. 
6. Add the cooked bacon and onion. 
7. Drain the cooked pasta and add to the bowl. Mix well.
8. Pour the contents of the bowl into the lasagne dish and top with the extra cheese. 
9. Put in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. 

8. Chicken stir fry

Serves 4

Cost: $3 per serving

Top tip: Add whatever vegetables you like to this dish. If you don’t like broccoli, put in some chopped spring onion or add some sliced red pepper instead. 

Ingredients:

• 500 g healthy chicken breast or thigh fillet, cut into strips or cubes
• 200 g broccoli, separated into florets and trimmed 
• 100 g mushrooms, sliced 
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Jar stir fry sauce or soy sauce 
• Stir fry noodles for serving

Equipment: 

• Sharp knife for cutting
• Non-stick frying pan
• Spatula 

Method:

1. Heat the oil in the frying pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes. 
2. Add the vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes. 
3. Pour in the stir fry sauce or a splash of soy sauce and stir. 
4. Cook the noodles according to the instructions. 
5. Add the noodles to the chicken and vegetables. 
6. Mix them together and serve. 

9. Chilli con carne

Serves 6

Cost: under $3 per serving

Top tip: Make a large batch of chilli as comfort food and serve with one of the many interesting rice recipes available. 

Ingredients:

• 500 g beef mince
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Can black beans
• 300 ml beef stock
• 400 g can whole peeled tomatoes
• ½ – 1 tsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Rice to serve 
• Optional: Coriander (also known as cilantro) or parsley

Equipment: 

• Deep frying pan
• Saucepan 
• Chopping board
• Sharp knife

Method: 

1. Heat the oil in the frying pan over medium heat. 
2. Brown the mince and then remove it from the pan. 
3. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. 
4. Return the cooked beef mince to the pan. 
5. Add the chilli powder and cumin and cook for 1 minute. 
6. Add the beef stock and canned tomatoes. 
7. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. 
8. Simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. 
9. Add the drained black beans and cook for another 10 minutes.
10. Cook the rice and serve with the chilli. 

Why is it important to eat well? 

Moving away from home and living independetly is a big step. At this stage in life, learning to cook and eat well becomes more than just a practical skill – it’s a key part of thriving at uni.

There are many reasons why eating well is important:

• To start with, it gives your brain energy and improves concentration, which improves your focus and allows you to excel academically.
• Moreover, eating properly maintains your physical health, which is important when you’re studying. 
• In addition, your mood and mental health are closely linked to the vitamins and minerals in your diet.

FAQs

How do I eat healthily on a student budget?

Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a lot to eat well. There are plenty of cheap and easy meals that are full of nutrition, such as a chicken salad, baked potatoes or veggie-packed stir-fries.

Is batch cooking a good idea at uni?

Absolutely! Batch cooking is one of the smartest ways to save time and money. For example, cook a big pot of vegetable curry or pasta bake and enjoy it over a few days – that way, you’ll reduce trips to the supermarket and avoid last-minute spending.

What quick meals can I make if I’m running late?

If you’re behind schedule, don’t skip meals or eat junk food. Instead, make something quick yet wholesome. For example, scrambled eggs or a peanut butter sandwich. 

Where can I find recipes for students? 

The good news is, there are plenty of online resources for finding easy student recipes like chicken fajitas, sausage pasta or easy vegetarian recipes. 

Should I learn how to cook before going to university?

Yes, it’s a good idea, as knowing just a few recipes will give you a head start. Learn some easy recipes like mac and cheese or fried rice. That way, you’ll step into uni life ready to take care of yourself.