Five delicious dorm recipes that are budget friendly

Home cooked meals are what I miss most while away at school. When the dining hall food just doesn’t cut it for you either, try out some of these budget (and dorm!) friendly recipes.

$6 Mug Mac & Cheese: 

½ cup of elbow noodles or small penne 

¼ cup of shredded colby jack

¼ cup of cheddar cheese  

1 cup of water 

A pinch of salt and pepper 

¼ cup of milk (your choice) 

First add your noodles, salt and water into a microwave safe mug. Heat the noodles in the microwave for 6-8 minutes, stirring after every minute until noodles are cooked. 

Once the noodles are cooked, add your shredded cheese, milk and pepper, then stir. Microwave for 15-30 seconds to melt the cheese.  

Finally, add some more shredded cheese to top off your mac and enjoy! 

$8 Bacon Breakfast Burritos: 

1 tortilla 

2 eggs, beaten   

Salt and pepper 

¼ cup cooked bacon  

¼ cup shredded cheese (your preference)  

¼ cup premade chopped onions  

Salsa (optional) 

Milk (optional) 

First, beat the eggs in a microwave safe mug and add salt and pepper to taste. Then add the cooked bacon, cheese and onions to the egg mixture (you may add a splash of milk to fluff up the eggs). Microwave egg mixture for 30 second intervals until cooked. Place one tortilla on a plate and transfer the eggs onto the tortilla. Serve with sprinkled shredded cheese and salsa.  

$9 Vanilla Banana Overnight Oats: 

1 cup plain oats 

½ cup of milk (your choice) 

1 tbsp vanilla extract (imitation vanilla extract works well also) 

1/4 cup of greek yogurt 

Half a banana  

Salt (to taste) 

To start, add oats and milk into a mason jar and stir until saturated. Mix in the vanilla extract, salt and Greek yogurt. Place the jar into the fridge overnight.  

Take out the jar in the morning, cut half a banana, add it to the oats and Bon Appetit!  

$10 Everything Nachos: 

Tortilla chips (enough to fill any size plate)

1 cup of shredded colby jack cheese  

½ cup of premade diced onions  

½ of premade diced tomatoes  

1/3 cup of canned refried beans  

Sour cream (optional) 

Guacamole (optional) 

Salsa (optional)  

First, place your desired amount of tortilla chips onto a microwave safe plate. Place shredded cheese all over the chips and heat in microwave for a minute, checking in 15 second intervals (if the cheese still isn't melted, add 15 second intervals until satisfied).  

After the cheese is melted, instantly put the refried beans on top. Then put the chopped onions and diced tomatoes on top.  

Serve with sour cream, guacamole and salsa if desired.  

$11 Watermelon Salad: 

1 package of precut watermelon 

Feta cheese crumbles 

1 cucumber  

1 tbsp lemon juice 

Mint leaves (optional) 

First, wash and dice your cucumber and put aside.  

Then add watermelon, feta cheese, cucumbers and lemon juice to a bowl and mix carefully.  

Lastly, add mint leaves to garnish.