You asked:

I’m dying of dining hall overload. What are some cheap and delicious ways to cook for yourself and break out of the food rut on these last days of school?

Well, food costs money. But if you want to ditch the dining hall on the cheap without resorting to shrimp-flavored Ramen noodles (the worst flavor, in my opinion), here are some cheap and delicious ways to cook for yourself:

• Hit the produce stand for salad fixin’s. You’ll have to eat it quickly because a lot of fresh produce doesn’t last long, even in the fridge, but tossed salads are healthful and inexpensive meals. Throw in yummy extras like canned tuna, sunflower seeds, crumbled cheese and dried cranberries. Be creative!
• Pick up some canned goods, which are easy to store. There’s nothing as delicious as fresh produce, but if you buy too much, some of it inevitably will get thrown out … so stock up on cans. Or get individual fruit cups for convenience -- you can take these single servings anywhere.
• Skip the meat when you cook for yourself. Meat, poultry and seafood are not only expensive, but they’re hard to store, don’t cook well in a microwave and are perishable. Load pasta sauce up with vegetables, such as zucchini and mushrooms, for example. Or make meatless three-bean chili.
• Buy ready-made meals you can pop in the microwave. (We’ve even seen some decent ones in the food section and frozen case at the dollar store.) If you’re craving protein, these dinners take the guesswork and hassle out of cooking meat for yourself.
• Use manufacturer’s coupons to save big on grocery purchases. Find food coupons online or in newspaper inserts. Many supermarkets double the coupons’ value, which can add up to substantial savings, particularly on items that are already on special (check store ads). Make a list and stick to it. Buy just what you need to cook for yourself and don’t spend extra on junk food that won't sustain you when you're really hungry.
• Embrace the value menu at your favorite fast-food spot. Don’t do this too often, unless you really don’t care about your beach bod, but this is a cheap and delicious occasional option when you don’t feel like cooking for yourself. Resist the urge to order off the regular menu (this is what fast-food chains are hoping you’ll do) and instead make an affordable well-rounded meal of a burger, small fries and side salad. And have you tried the yogurt parfait at McDonald’s? Delicious, nutritious, low-fat … and only a buck!

Name: Liz Cruger
School: College of William and Mary
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology and English lit
Her deal: This is Liz’s second year as an R.A. for freshmen. She is also involved in several campus activities, including pep band and the belly dance club.

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