So, now that you are home for break, and you are realizing how much you are tired of the food in your school cafeterias. It is hard to cook if you are in the dorms, whether because you don't have access to an actual kitchen or because you don't have a lot of cookware or utensils. I have been in that position, but here are some things I figured out how to make with what I had available with the minimum amount of cookware.

1. Supplies

This is really important; you don't need five frying pans, six pots of different sizes, and four cookie sheets to cook, especially if you don't have access to a kitchen. Many of these things can be done without an oven because even if your dorm has a community kitchen, who knows how clean it is.

I suggest having:

-A larger microwave-safe bowl and plate

-A set of metal utensils (forks, spoons, knives)

-A large mug, like a cappuccino mug

-Measuring cups and spoons

-Salt and Pepper--bland food isn't fun

-Microwave

-Dish soap and a sponge--wash your dishes, don't be gross

2. Microwave Mac & Cheese that isn't Easy Mac

1/3 cup pasta
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup 1% milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Recipe here.

3. Basic Rice

Your best friend, instant rice. Just follow the directions on the package. Good additions would be soy sauce, chopped chives, or #9. This is super easy and versatile.

4. Noodles not from a package

This can be done with pretty much any type of boxed pasta and a microwave. Recipe here.

5. Homemade Oatmeal Mix

This is a super convenient add water mix. I would suggest preparing this mix in bulk while you are at home and putting it in a cereal container. Recipe here. You can have a lot of fun with additions here as well: chocolate chips, peanut butter, dried fruit, fresh fruit, you name it!

6. Microwave Popcorn that doesn't have all the chemicals of packaged

1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
1 tsp. vegetable oil
salt to taste

This one requires a brown paper bag, but it is so much better for you and so easy. Recipe here.

7. Microwave Cheese Quesadilla

Again, another super easy thing to make! You just need 1-2 tortillas and some cheese. Microwave for 30 second increments until cheese is melty and gooey. Sour cream, hot sauce, guac, and salsa are optional add ons to take it to the next level!

8. "Baked" Potato/Yam

This works for either a normal potato or a yam (sweet potato)! Use a fork and CAREFULLY poke a bunch of holes in the potato, wrap in damp paper towel, put on a plate, and microwave for approximately 10 minutes (it depends on the size of the potato). And then top/fill it with whatever you want: butter, salt, pepper, sour cream, cheese, veggies, etc.

9. Microwave Egg

This one might sound a little funky, but you make do with what you have! You can cook your eggs in a microwave pretty much any way you would on the stove! Check out this link for more details.

10. Depending on your housing policy, look into appliances like a George Foreman grill.

These work great as a panini press, tend to be easy to clean, and heat up really quickly for that busy weeknight dinner. I would also suggest things like a hot water kettle, an air popper for popcorn, and a small (like 4 qt.) crockpot. Again, that is only if you are allowed to have these things in your room; if not, I am sorry.

I hope you enjoy these ideas of alleviation from your campus dining hall! If you have any comments or other recipe/hack suggestions, comment down below!