A student’s diet is often stereotyped as takeaways and bland microwavable meals. However, the food culture at UK universities is much more complex and varied than you might think.
From the classic baked beans on toast combination to recreating a dish from back home, in this blog, we’ll discuss the diverse diet of a student in the UK.
- Easy dishes that require limited preparation and cooking time
- Cooking in big batches for convenience
- Delicious meals that remind you of home
- Dining out with new friends you’ve made at university
Easy dishes that require limited preparation and cooking time
Sometimes, a simple dish that requires little effort is exactly what you need. Whether it’s a quick snack before attending a society meeting or study group, these dishes are ideal. They're usually inexpensive and can be planned into your budget.
These dishes are enjoyed because of their easy preparation and basic ingredients that can be purchased at all supermarkets. Some supermarkets will even have their own cheaper version of the ingredients, so it’s worth trying those if you want to manage money.
Here are some of the UK’s quickest dishes that students eat:
- Beans on toast - tinned beans in tomato sauce warmed up on toasted bread
- Pasta - boiled pasta with any sauce you like. Can even be eaten cold the next day for lunch (try adding some cucumbers and cherry tomatoes to make a pasta salad)
- Noodles and rice - good on their own or can be a versatile base for lots of dishes
- Scrambled egg in the microwave - usually prepared in a pan, however, the microwave method is quicker and there’s less washing up. You only need a mug and a fork!
- Cereal - a large supermarket will even cater for milk alternatives like soy and almond
- Soup - great to have in the cupboard for an easy lunch meal and perfect with a couple of slices of bread
These quick-fix meals can be as basic or flavoursome as you want them to be. You can always make ingredients like pasta sauce and soup yourself for a healthier alternative too.
Cooking in big batches for convenience
It can be difficult to cook the right amount for yourself sometimes. Eating with friends in your student accommodation or cooking in a batch can avoid food wastage.
Batch cooking consists of making a large amount of one dish in a pot, portioning it out for future meals and freezing it. Cooking in bulk means you have lots of servings and guaranteed meals for the next couple of days. They're also easy to warm up and eat when you’re hungry.
By just putting in a small amount of effort at the beginning of the week, you'll spend less time cooking different meals every evening. It might even be worth purchasing a slow cooker.
Here are some of the easiest and most versatile batch meals to make:
- Minced beef in tomato sauce - add some spices, kidney beans and pair with rice for chilli con carne or with pasta for a delicious spaghetti bolognese
- Casserole - this is the perfect way to combine lots of ingredients you have. Together, they make an appetising meal that tastes just as good warmed up
- Curries - Chinese, Indian and Thai are just some of the yummy curries that are ideal for batch cooking
Delicious meals that remind you of home
If you’re feeling a little homesick or simply wanting to enjoy a dish from back home, there are ways to create meals with the flavours that you love.
If you can’t find the components of the meal you want to make at the local supermarket, then explore the city.
For example, here in Newcastle, we have a thriving Chinatown with Asian delicacies and Chinese groceries. So you might be able to pick up that all-important spice for the dish or a delicious dessert for after.
Embracing your culture can be a great way to make friends too. Cooking your favourite dish for the other students you share accommodation with is a wonderful way to show your personality. You may even create a new dish you enjoy if they want to add flavours from their favourite recipe.
Dining out with new friends you’ve made at university
Don’t feel like cooking tonight? Dining out with friends in the fantastic city you study in has many benefits. Not only do you get to experience the culture and cuisine in a new place but it’s perfect for a break away from studying.
Now you know the food culture at UK universities, from the classic beans on toast to dining out with friends, you need to learn about what a city like Newcastle has to offer.
