Eating Outside the Dining Halls

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>So this is a thread I'm surprised doesn't already exist.
Let's collect together some tips for food that doesn't come from a dining hall.
Maybe this is for that time you're sick of dining hall food or when you're tired and don't feel like leaving your room or when you need something fast or you just want something different.
Let's remember that most people are on a budget so things that are cheap are a plus.
And something healthy and cheap is a double plus.</p>

<p>Staples (things to try to always keep):
Rice
Pasta
Mac&Cheese
Water (whether in bottles, jugs, or a filter pitcher)
Canned or cups of soup
Cereal (try the off brands)
Peanut butter</p>

<p>Things you may want to try:
Instant couscous - Tends to be rather cheap where I live. A box can last you two or three meals at least and is around $1.50 here.
Chicken and/or Beef Bouillon - Makes a quick soup, helpful when you're sick. Also, a good way to change rice (or couscous) into something that isn't bland.
Popcorn kernels & paper bags - Loose popcorn is usually available for under $2. Last time I bought paper bags, it was $1 for 100 bags. Just put 3 tablespoons of kernels in the bag (about enough to cover the bottom of the bag), fold the top over a few times, and throw in the microwave for a few minutes and listen until the popping slows and you count 2 to 3 seconds between pops.</p>

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<p>I got my son the following book when he returned from the military. Prior to this he described cooking as “doing battle with food”. It’s called “Help. My Apartment Has a Kitchen!”. It’s got everything from the very basic to more complex food and has “mom hints” to help with the questions you’d normally call home about. And it’s a little humorous too. It’s also got many vegetarian recipes so there’s that. You’re right, though, OP. there SHOULD be a thread-a sticky one-about this. I’d go with broth rather than bouillon, btw. Both a very very salty but you can get low sodium broth or even make your own with none at all.</p>

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<p>How does instant couscous work? Non-instant couscous is done in under 5 minutes?</p>

<p>I posted something with a breakdown of what I did for most of my meals in college, living without a dining plan in a dorm with a kitchen. Should be on the second page of this subforum currently.</p>

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<p>I typically use bouillon or soup base because the ones I buy are low-sodium. I mean, the one I used last year was actually this amazing vegetarian low-sodium chicken-flavored powdered broth.</p>

<p>Millan, it’s sold as instant couscous where I live. I believe it’s the exact same thing because it does cook in five minutes. It’s just a weird way it’s sold where I shop.</p>