For many first-year students, university may have been more hectic than once expected; you've likely experienced everything from budgeting, messy morning afters, and food thieves! But you’ve got just under three years left and there’s a lot more learning to do!
We can’t do your essays, wake you up for lectures or help you organise the cheapest nights out, but we can help you navigate your way through the kitchen. Here are some vital ingredients for quick meals that will last you until the next loan drops.
1. Salt and Pepper
Salt and Pepper is vital, and you can add it to any meal (within reason) to enhance the flavour sensations! A word of advice from us, keep these handy at all times!
2. Cheese
Everyone loves cheese (unless you’re intolerant or vegan), however, it can sometimes be a rarity in the student household. For us, it was often stolen by friends or poured on takeaways after a heavy night with our mates. A good idea would be to invest cheese sauce powder, just add water and BOOM, tasty goodness.
3. Cornstarch
The perfect cooking essential for when you’re reaching the back of the cupboard; cornstarch can thicken sauces, soups, and stews. Not only does it fill you up more than the average soup would; it also helps you survive until the next loan drop!
4. Baking Soda
After a hard day of lectures sometimes you just need a sweet treat, which is where baking comes into play. Whether it's cookie dough or a full-blown Victoria Sponge, always ensure you have a tub of this hiding out in the cupboard for special occasions.
5. Garlic and Onion
You’ll cry tears of joy (literally) as soon as you add some garlic and onion to your pasta dishes. But if you don’t want to go through the fuss of crying into your cooking, then you can buy pre-chopped onion and garlic from the supermarket.
6. Naan Bread
Have you ever made Naan bread pizza? By far one of the best and cheapest meals to throw together with kitchen cupboard scraps. Channel your inner Gordon, Jamie or Gino and pour some tomato purée and cheese onto this tasty bit of bread!
7. Stock Cubes
You can mix these into soup, sauces, gravy, and pasta. Stock cubes are an unsung hero of the kitchen!
8. Sweetcorn and Tuna
Two ingredients for a fundamental student meal; tuna mayo sandwiches are a favourite for most and the fact that tuna comes tinned means it lasts ages!
9. Beans and Rice
If it works for ITV’s 'I’m a Celebrity Get Me Outta Here!', it can work for you!
10. Harrisons
I mean, it would just be silly if we didn’t add Harrisons Sauces to this list right? Whether you want to dip it, pour it, squeeze it or season it, Harrisons have it! We offer an unbeatable combination of affordability and variety, so you always have the perfect condiment for any meal.
Shop our magnificent range of sauces here!