University life often prompts students to embrace new skills, as was the case with Mia Jones from Anglesey. Upon starting her studies in London, Mia realised her existing cooking habits were not sustainable, as living on pasta and ready meals was too costly, at £45 weekly, and not viable in the long term. Determined to change, she began purchasing fresh ingredients and learning to cook through online videos, which eventually halved her food costs and improved her energy levels for lectures.
From Novice to Instructor
Following the completion of her master’s degree, Mia decided to share her culinary skills online, targeting students who might be struggling with healthy eating on a budget. She began promoting recipes that are both simple and affordable. Her starter pack idea allows students to set up a basic store cupboard for under £13, with each meal costing an additional maximum of £2.50. This approach ensures meals are both cost-effective and suitable for meal prep.
Mia’s Budget-Friendly Recipes
Mia is particularly fond of her chickpea curry, which she describes as nutritious and affordable. Another favourite is a versatile udon noodle dish that can be customised with tofu or chicken and is ready in about 10 minutes. Adding a touch of chilli oil can elevate the meal on special occasions.
Students Discover Cooking
Other students share Mia’s journey from culinary inexperience to proficiency. Jayda Otuo-Mensah, a physiotherapy student at Coventry University, balanced her 40-hour hospital placements with learning to cook wholesome meals, often using TikTok as inspiration. Her favourite dish includes crispy teriyaki mince tacos for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Meanwhile, Rob Medhurst, a Nottingham Trent University graduate, began with the classic student dish, spaghetti bolognese. He uses this versatile recipe as a launching pad for other dishes and favours meal prepping and batch cooking for convenience.
Emphasising Kitchen Essentials
Chef and author Claire Thompson advised that when students leave home, stocking up on spices and essentials can provide flavourful, nutritious meals at a low cost. Her suggestion involves combining simple ingredients, such as adding chickpeas to a tomato sauce, to create a meal that’s both nutritious and affordable.
Reporting based on coverage first published by bbc.co.uk.