Moving out for the first time this September? Between settling into your course at the University of Greater Manchester, meeting your flatmates, and getting used to life in your new student accommodation in Bolton — learning how to cook might feel like a challenge.
But don’t panic! Cooking for yourself doesn’t have to mean endless noodles and frozen pizzas. With a few cheap ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can eat well and save money.
Here are five easy student meals to help you survive (and thrive!) in your self-catered accommodation this year.
1. Pasta Bake 🍝
A classic for a reason — the pasta bake is the ultimate easy student meal. It’s cheap, filling, and perfect for batch cooking.
All you need is pasta, a tin of chopped tomatoes, and whatever toppings you fancy — cheese, veggies, chicken, ham, or even a sprinkle of chilli flakes. Mix it all up, throw it in the oven for 20 minutes, and you’re done.
🔗 Try this simple BBC Good Food Pasta Bake recipe for inspiration.
2. Homemade Soup 🥕
Soup is one of the cheapest, healthiest meals you can make — and it’s easier than it looks.
Grab some veggies (fresh or frozen), chop them up, and simmer with stock, herbs, and seasoning. If you’ve got a blender, give it a whizz for that smooth, cosy texture.
Minestrone or tomato soup are perfect options for new cooks, and you can freeze leftovers for quick meals later.
🔗 Check out Jamie Oliver’s easy soup recipes for some simple ideas.
3. Traybake 🍗
Traybakes are ideal when your fridge is looking a little sad and your budget’s running low. Just throw whatever you’ve got — chicken, potatoes, peppers, onions, broccoli — onto a baking tray, drizzle with oil, season, and bake.
No faff, no washing up mountain, and loads of flavour. You can even make veggie versions or use BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
🔗 Try a Student Eats traybake recipe for more ideas.
4. Jacket Potato 🥔
Simple, cheap, and comforting — jacket potatoes are the ultimate lazy-day meal.
Just bake your potato (or microwave it if you’re in a rush), and load it with whatever toppings you fancy: beans and cheese, tuna mayo, or leftover chilli.
It’s quick, filling, and easy to customise — perfect for busy uni nights when you can’t face cooking from scratch.
🔗 Here’s a guide to perfect jacket potatoes from BBC Good Food.
5. Omelette 🍳
Eggs are a student’s best friend — they’re cheap, full of protein, and super versatile.
Whisk a couple of eggs, season, and pour into a frying pan. Add any fillings you’ve got — cheese, spinach, mushrooms, or ham — and cook until golden.
You’ve got yourself a quick, healthy, and easy student meal that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
🔗 Need ideas? Try BBC Good Food’s omelette recipes.
Master Your Meals at Orlando Village 🍴
Now that you’ve got your go-to easy student meals, all that’s left is finding the perfect place to cook them!
At Orlando Village, our self-catered kitchens are fully equipped, clean, and spacious – ideal for trying new recipes and sharing meals with flatmates.
We’re proud to be the only student accommodation recommended by the University of Greater Manchester, offering a range of modern, affordable rooms just a short walk from campus.
Explore your options:
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Bronze Room – from £139 per week
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Silver Room – stylish and modern
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Gold Room – ensuite luxury with a mini fridge and LED lighting
👉 Book your room today and make Orlando Village your new home for September 2025!
