15 Super Basic Dorm Cooking Hacks That'll Save Your Life All Semester

"There are SOO many different meals you can make, from breakfast to dessert. Throw the ingredients in, go to class, come back to deliciousness." —mikaylal3

"Best-tasting cheap dish ever: two jars of Trader Joe's salsa verde and a pack of chicken breast. Grab some tortillas and it will feed you three meals. Salsa is like $1.79 each and the chicken is like $7. Cook it until it's shreds, and load a taco. Bonus: white onion cilantro and lime." –sjblades

"A great way to use the Crock-Pot is by making stews — veggie, chicken noodle, lentil, white bean, navy bean, barley — pretty much anything! Also, stock up on quart-sized freezer bags!! If you end up making more than you can eat in a meal or two (which I always, inevitably, do) you can freeze your leftovers for later. Best way to keep from wasting all your delicious goodies." —pantoponrosey

Microwaving eggs with shredded cheese for 2 minutes in a mug, scrambling them with a fork and then adding avocado.

—anderka

"I buy pouches of miso soup mix and extra firm tofu. I put a couple tablespoons of mix in a bowl with water and cube in a couple ounces of tofu. Then I zap it for two minutes in the microwave. Super cheap, calorie-wise. And delicious!"

–Made-of-stars

"Baked potatoes are easily doable in the microwave. One of the cheaper foods you can get and very healthy. Add microwaved broccoli for the green veggie and then something for flavor like cheese, butter/sour cream (if you have a fridge), salsa, or a can of chili." —Teerlys

"Waffle mix and water and an electric waffle maker! I made waffles all the time and had different toppings in my room." —clarissaa488338cde

"Get a Keurig coffee machine! I got one within my first semester and it was a life-saver! I saved so much money on buying coffee and never had to deal with cleaning a coffee pot, which is almost impossible to do in a dorm bathroom sink."

—corinneb42e678228

"I had a small rice cooker that you put in the microwave (the kind you plug in weren’t allowed) and I used it at least three times a week. I always made white rice because it was the cheapest, but you could make brown rice, quinoa, or even steam some vegetables if you’re feeling ambitious." —ashleyw472385b29

"Buy whole roast chicken. It's already cooked and you can use it for lots of stuff and several meals. Slice the breast for sandwiches, chicken salad, pick the meat off more difficult spots for mixing in with veggies. If you won't use it all in a few days, you can pull it apart and freeze portions." –idhavetocharge

"Pro tip: Are you a super lazy cook? Cook a pasta meal fit to feed a family of four, then you don't have to cook anything for a couple of days or a week. Microwave pasta is underrated and everyone will think you're the best cook." —moiartworks

"Buy staples like rice, potatoes, beans and lentils — all pretty cheap, last long and healthy. If you have access to a freezer, buying frozen veggies, greens and berries is a cheaper and longer lasting option than fresh produce."

—cat4d35566ca

"Broke but craving something sweet? Put Nutella on flour tortillas (like a quesadilla). Heat in the microwave for 15 seconds. Boom! You have a fancy chocolate crepe! Well not exactly, but it tastes good."

—moiartworks

"Mix hot chocolate powder in with instant oatmeal for a sweet pick-me-up while studying!" —katyr402172915

"Keep Pop-Tarts on hand, cause you know at 3:30 a.m. you’ll be glad you have them, particularly if you’re drunk." —dianep13