Congratulations, future university star! Whether you're moving into your first student digs or embarking on shared accommodation adventures, one thing is certain, you've got to eat! While the allure of the takeaway and ready meals is real (hello, pizza cravings), your wallet and body will thank you for learning to cook. Fear not; we’ve got your back with a simple guide to kitchen essentials and shopping tips. Let’s turn your kitchen into a hub of deliciousness!
Step 1: The Basics – Kitchen VIPs
These are your ride-or-die ingredients:
Sunflower Oil: Affordable and versatile for most cooking.
Olive Oil: Fancy up salads or drizzle over bread but save it for non-cooking uses.
Salt & Pepper: Grinders for the table, tubs for cooking.
Stock Cubes: Veggie stock works for most recipes but go wild with chicken or beef if you prefer.
Step 2: Spice Up Your Life
Keep your food from tasting bland with these flavour boosters:
Cinnamon (great for sweet dishes)
Paprika (smoked or regular)
Chili Powder or Cayenne Pepper (for that little extra heat 🌶️🌶️🌶️)
Ground Cumin and Coriander (adding depth to your dish)
Curry Powder (because we all love a curry right!)
Mixed Herbs (a one-pot wonder)
Vinegar (balsamic and white wine for zing)
Don’t forget staples like ketchup, mayo and brown sauce, plus your faviourate spreads like honey, jam or marmite (if you love it!)
Step 3: Carb Central
Fuel your study sessions with these store cupboard heroes:
Pasta: Penne and spaghetti are must-haves.
Rice: Basmati is a solid choice.
Wraps & Bread: Freeze a loaf and defrost as needed.
Couscous/Quinoa: Healthy and versatile.
Noodles: Quick, easy, and perfect for stir-fry night.
Step 4: Tinned Treasures
Don’t underestimate the humble can:
Chopped Tomatoes: The base of so many meals.
Beans (Kidney/Chickpeas): For curries, salads, or stews.
Baked Beans: A classic with toast.
Pesto: Green or red, a pasta lifesaver.
Step 5: Fridge & Freezer Must-Haves
Fridge staples: milk, cheese, yogurt, and a rainbow of fresh veggies like carrots, peppers, and broccoli.
Freezer magic: Frozen veggies (peas, sweetcorn) and fruit (berries) are budget-friendly lifesavers.
Where to Shop
Ok, so you’ve got your list…time to shop.
Your local supermarket is your new bestie. Stores like Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, and Asda are affordable and student-friendly. Snag a loyalty card to rack up points or discounts.
Pro tip: Big shop? Go online and share a delivery slot with housemates, it’s a time-saver.
Corner shops are great for emergencies but can be pricier. For bargain hunting, check out Poundland, Iceland, or B&M.
Shopping Smarts
Plan Meals: Make a list and stick to it.
Budget Wisely: Know your spending limits.
Eat First: Grocery shopping hungry is a rookie mistake.
Take Bags: Be sustainable and save on bag fees.
Ready, Set, Cook! 👩🍳👨🍳
With these essentials in your cupboard, you’ll be whipping up meals like a pro in no time.
Now you’re on a roll, time to think about what equipment you need and how best to set your kitchen so you can get cooking. Blog 2 coming soon…