Mom's cookbook is really too stuffy for a cool college kid. I mean, really, who has the time to recreate her roasted duck and garlic asparagus? Certainly not a student with five classes and work study! From dorms to student housing apartments, I know we've all seen these meals whipped up on more than one occasion. Don't be surprised if you're headed to the pantry now to realize you're a college kid cliche. Trust me, if you've never had any of these while enrolled in college, you're from another planet.

The Ramen Noodle

The HOLY GRAIL of all college foods is Ramen Noodles. It's cheap, it's easy and not to mention delicious. You have variety with several different flavor-packet options, and all you need is hot water. After a long study session or on a long day of classes, Ramen is sure to fill you up.

The Peanut Butter and Jelly

A nice peanut butter and jelly sandwich reminds everyone what it was like to be a kid and, now that you're away from home, what it feels like to be a struggling college student. This meal can last you a full week if you play your cards right, and the thickness of the peanut butter paired with the sweetness of the jelly will ensure hunger satisfaction for the better part of the day.

The Frozen Pizza

Microwave or oven, whichever is at your disposal, will solve your hunger needs with these frozen pizzas. They don't come close to calling a pizza spot for delivery, but they'll do the trick every time.

The Ready Quick Mac and Cheese

For the life of me, I could not understand why anyone would want mac and cheese that was cooked in an instant, until I came to college. No, it's nowhere near your aunt's triple-cheese concoction that you eat at holiday parties, but it's a nice substitute. Hey, a kid can dream, can't they?

The Boxed Cereal

It's not just for breakfast anymore; it's for whatever time of the day you do so desire. The beauty of Cereal is that you can eat it with milk, or you can grab a handful on your way out as you're headed to study hall. Have a bowl before your morning classes start, make your mother proud.

The Soup Can

The ultimate stomach filler and money saver on the list. Soup is so hearty and flavorful for little to no money at all. Could this be why this is such a pantry staple for college students? I think yes!

The Lunch To Go

What do you call one box filled with a meal, drink and dessert for just one low price? Perfection. This is grade-A nostalgia for a college kid, and boy does nostalgia taste good.

So obviously these meals aren't the fanciest, nor are they the healthiest, but that's the sacrifice you have to make for the price of convenience. Between managing the workload of classes and budgeting wisely, these meals help the struggle of college taste that much sweeter. To those of you not away from home with cabinets filled with a few of these items, your secret is safe with me.