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8 cheap and easy recipes for uni students
Looking for cheap recipes for students that actually taste good? You’re not alone. Whether you’ve just moved to campus, are cooking for yourself for the first time or want to save money on food during uni, having a few go-to meals can make all the difference.
These affordable and easy recipes for students are simple to follow, use ingredients you can find at any supermarket and don’t require fancy equipment (or serious cooking skills).
From one-pot pasta to overnight oats, these are the uni student recipes you’ll come back to again and again — because they’re cheap, flexible and taste like something you’d actually want to eat.
Easy coconut curry
This coconut curry is a go-to uni student recipe because it’s fast to whip up and packed with flavour. Start with coconut milk, curry powder and garlic, then toss in whatever vegetables and legumes you’ve got on hand. Think sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, frozen peas or a tin of lentils.
It’s perfect with rice, delicious with naan and even better reheated for lunch the next day.
This coconut curry is super easy to make and store – pop it in the freezer and you can have it over and over again!
Soy sauce pan-fried noodles
These soy sauce pan-fried noodles are the kind of meal that tastes like takeaway but costs next to nothing. All you need is soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic and your favourite variety of noodle. From there, toss in some vegetables, tofu or any other protein if you’ve got it.
Everything cooks in one pan, and it takes around 15 minutes from start to finish. A definite win for late-night cravings or in-between-class dinners. Plus, it’s so easy to clean up afterwards!
The great thing about this soy sauce noodles recipe is that there are heaps of options for you to tweak things to your individual tastes.
One-pot vegetable pasta
If the thought of doing dishes makes you want to give up before you’ve even started, this vegetarian pasta dish is for you. Everything goes into one pot — the pasta, garlic, onion, stock and veg — and it all cooks together into a creamy, satisfying meal.
It’s affordable, super easy to customise, and makes great leftovers. A classic in the easy recipes for students category.
Is there anything better than a simple and nourishing pasta?
Simple egg fried rice
This simple egg fried rice is the ultimate fridge cleaner. Use leftover rice (ideally a day old) for the best texture. Combine it with eggs, garlic, soy sauce and whatever bits and pieces are hanging around in your kitchen.
This is one of the best cheap recipes for students who want something filling and quick. Plus, it only takes about 10 minutes to whip up.
Fried rice is a fantastic way to make sure nothing in your kitchen goes to waste.
Overnight oats
Overnight oats is the perfect breakfast for people who don’t have the energy to think about breakfast. The night before, mix rolled oats, yoghurt or milk, chia seeds and your fruit of choice in a jar, like an apple or currants. Let it sit covered in the fridge overnight, and you’ll wake up to a cool, ready-to-go meal.
It’s healthy, affordable and easy to change up depending on what’s in your pantry.
You have probably seen these all over your TikTok feed, and for good reason!
Nachos
Nachos for dinner? Absolutely. Especially when you make them this way. Load up your chips with refried beans, salsa, cheese and avocado — or add some cooked mince if you’re in the mood for something extra.
This one’s perfect for sharing with housemates or making for a group study night. Just don’t be surprised if it becomes a weekly tradition.
Nachos is always satisfying and the ultimate finger food.
Corn fritters
These corn fritters are light, crispy and made with just four ingredients: canned corn, flour, eggs and spring onion. You can have them for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even as a snack between classes.
Top them with guacamole, a drizzle of your fave hot sauce or whatever else you’ve got. It’s one of those affordable recipes that’s also surprisingly satisfying.
Fritters can be done so many ways and make perfect stacks. Think of them like savoury pancakes!
Nicoise salad
Don’t underestimate a good Nicoise salad. This one’s made with tuna, eggs, green beans and potatoes — ingredients you probably already have. It’s protein-packed, easy to prep in advance and surprisingly filling.
Great for meal prepping a few days’ worth of lunches without spending a heap of money. Plus, it looks fancier than most student meals, which is always a plus.
This classic French salad has the ideal mix of different flavours and is super easy to put together.
Quick tips for making money (and time) in the kitchen
- Use frozen or tinned vegetables and legumes: They’re cheap, last longer and save time.
- Double your recipes: Cook once and eat throughout the week.
- Keep pantry staples stocked: Rice, pasta, curry powder, tinned tomatoes and soy sauce go a long way.
- Don’t overthink it: Most recipes can handle a missing or swapped ingredient. Do what feels right.
- Cook with friends or housemates: It saves money and makes mealtimes a bit more fun.
Start small and build confidence
You don’t need to be an expert to cook good food. All it takes is a few easy wins and a willingness to try something new. These cheap recipes for students are a great starting point, whether you’re learning the basics or just want to spend less on food. Pick one and give it a go — or make a batch of overnight oats and call it a productive day.
And if all else fails? There’s always nachos.
Discover the fresh produce at the Canberra Food Co-op. Members get a discount and you can buy some things by the weight, to save money and avoid wastage.
