30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (2024)

Forget those supermarket sandwiches and make your own lunch for University with these cheap and easy student lunch ideas.

They’re great for either a quick bite at home or something to take in advance and take with you to classes or just out and about.

Vegan Hummus and Veggie Wrap Recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (1)

This quick and simple wrap recipe makes for a great vegan lunch idea. > Vegan Hummus and Veggie Wrap Recipe

Turkey Avocado and Sweetcorn Salad

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (2)

This easy Cajun turkey (or chicken) salad makes for a healthy meal that is far from boring. > Turkey Avocado and Sweetcorn Salad

Tasty One Pan Chicken Burrito Rice recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (3)

Make the evening before for lunch the next day. Great on its own or you can enjoy in a burrito. > Tasty One Pan Chicken Burrito Rice recipe

The Ultimate Tuna Salad recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (4)

This is the ultimate recipe for a quick, filling and most importantly (to me and you) tasty tuna salad with chickpeas and sweetcorn. > The Ultimate Tuna Salad recipe

Cajun Chicken & Avocado Salad Wrap Recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (5)

These delicious chicken and avocado salad wraps are super delicious and easy to make.

Loaded Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato Baked Potato Recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (6)

Combine two all time favourites with this loaded BLT baked potato.

Delicious Vegan 'Tuna' Melt Recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (7)

A vegan ‘tuna’ melt makes for a delicious and easy meal. > Delicious Vegan 'Tuna' Melt Recipe

Vegan roasted vegetables

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (8)

Cook these roasted veggies in advance and enjoy for lunch with with hummus, sliced avocado, fresh parsley or a drizzle of tahini. > Vegan roasted vegetables

Quick Tasty Halloumi Salad recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (9)

Tasty Halloumi Salad: A quick healthy halloumi salad using simple ingredients, it can be made in no time! > Quick Tasty Halloumi Salad recipe

Chicken and Spinach Ciabatta Pizzas

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (10)

These Chicken and Spinach Ciabatta Pizzas make for a take just minutes and make for a quick and tasty snack. > Chicken and Spinach Ciabatta Pizzas

Chicken and cheese quesadillas

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (11)

A yummy quick meal that will make use of leftover chicken! > Chicken and cheese quesadillas

Strawberry and chicken salad recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (12)

A healthy summery salad with chicken, bacon, avocado, blue cheese and strawberries. > Strawberry and chicken salad recipe

Scrummy Bacon Salad Recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (13)

Here’s a super quick salad recipe that’s almost completely healthy! > Scrummy Bacon Salad Recipe

Healthy Turkey Chilli

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (14)An easy one-pan Spicy and healthy turkey chilli that will last for days and makes for a tasty lunch. Get the recipe here.

Simple and quick Turkey and Avocado sandwich

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (15)

A delicious, healthy and quick open sandwich with turkey, tomato and avocado. > Simple and quick Turkey and Avocado sandwich

Delicious Vegan 'Tuna' Melt Recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (16)

A vegan ‘tuna’ melt makes for a delicious and easy meal. > Delicious Vegan 'Tuna' Melt Recipe

Tuna, Egg, Broccoli and Avocado Salad Box Recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (17)

This Tuna, Egg, Broccoli and Avocado Salad makes for a super healthy student recipe. > Tuna, Egg, Broccoli and Avocado Salad Box Recipe

‘Walking taco’

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (18)
This easy Mexican style-feast is trivial to make, requires no clean up and makes for a great lunchtime meal. Get the ‘recipe’ here.

Healthy Crispy Chicken and Avocado Wraps recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (19)

These toasted chicken and avocado wraps are not only healthy, they take just 10 minutes. > Healthy Crispy Chicken and Avocado Wraps recipe

Chicken rice and veg

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (20)
This rice with chicken and vegetables can be cooked in less than 2 minutes in the microwave. Add in some cheese if you like and take with you Uni. Full recipe here!

Fully loaded veggie burrito

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (21)

You can cook up his packed egg and veggie burrito in the morning for lunch later. > Fully loaded veggie burrito

Southern Fried Chicken Salad recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (22)

This Southern Fried Chicken Salad is totally yummy and all so simple to make. > Southern Fried Chicken Salad recipe

Tuna Mayo 'Burritos' recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (23)

These tuna and mayo ‘burritos’ are made with Italian gnocchi. > Tuna Mayo 'Burritos' recipe

Easy burger salad recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (24)

Who said burgers weren’t healthy? Still get your burger on with this tasty cheese burger salad. > Easy burger salad recipe

Chicken and fruit salad

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (25)
A spin on the classic chicken salad, this healthy lunch of grilled chicken and fruit is amazing. Get the recipe here.

Sticky BBQ chicken wrap recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (26)

Yummy slices of sticky BBQ chicken with avocado make for an awesome lunch time wrap recipe. > Sticky BBQ chicken wrap recipe

Rice and Tuna mayo

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (27)
Mix cooked rice with drained tuna and mayo for an easy and simple dish you can easily carry around with you. Add in some sweetcorn, spring onions and/or pepper for added crunch. Here’s the full recipe.

Easy Chicken Caesar salad

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (28)

This Easy Chicken Caesar salad recipe is great to prep ahead of time. > Easy Chicken Caesar salad


Stuffed picnic sandwich rolls

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (29)

Here’s a different way to make a sandwich that you’ve probably never tried before… > Stuffed picnic sandwich rolls

Bacon, Egg and Avocado Salad Sandwich Recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (30)

A yum bacon, egg and avocado salad sandwich filler recipe to spice up your lunchtime. > Bacon, Egg and Avocado Salad Sandwich Recipe

The Best BLT Sandwich Recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (31)

You really can't go wrong with this one. > The Best BLT Sandwich Recipe

Sweet Potato and Egg Salad Box Recipe

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (32)

This Sweet Potato and Egg Salad recipe is an easy dish to prep and is perfect for a quick lunch. > Sweet Potato and Egg Salad Box Recipe

Macaroni salad

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (33)
Turn classic Mac n Cheese into a lunchtime dish with this tasty macaroni salad. Here’s how to make it.

Ham and cream cheese wraps

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (34)

A quick and simple lunch time snack and that’s easy to make and great to take out with you! > Ham and cream cheese wraps

More on: Collections

30+ cheap and easy student lunch ideas for University (2024)

FAQs

What should I eat for lunch at university? ›

Easy student meals
  • Smash burgers.
  • Courgette, lemon and sausage pasta.
  • Air-fryer cheeseburger nachos.
  • Teriyaki meatball noodles.
  • Little Gem pesto pasta.
  • Air-fryer pitta pizzas.
  • Smash burgers.
  • Courgette, lemon and sausage pasta.

What is the cheapest way to eat while in college? ›

22 Cheap and Easy Meals for College Students
  • 01 of 23. Simple Macaroni and Cheese. View Recipe. ...
  • 02 of 23. Cheesy Ramen Noodles. ...
  • 03 of 23. Sloppy Joes II. ...
  • 04 of 23. Simple Macaroni and Cheese. ...
  • 05 of 23. Baked Chicken Wings. ...
  • 06 of 23. Tatertot Casserole. ...
  • 07 of 23. Shipwreck Dinner. ...
  • 08 of 23. Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole.
Feb 8, 2024

What is the cheapest packed lunch? ›

Cheap lunch ideas
  1. Red pepper & potato omelette. Omelettes are a cheap lunchtime staple, and we rate how customisable they can be. ...
  2. Harissa broccoli & flatbreads. ...
  3. Air-fryer mushrooms on toast. ...
  4. Ham, mushroom & spinach frittata. ...
  5. Smoky chickpeas on toast. ...
  6. Tomato & pasta soup. ...
  7. Pancakes. ...
  8. Mixed bean & wild rice salad.

How to eat as a poor college student? ›

These meal ideas are perfect for college students living on a budget who don't have much time to cook.
  1. 10 Cheap Meals for College Students. ...
  2. Chicken and Veggie Baking Sheet. ...
  3. Tater Tot Casserole. ...
  4. Ramen. ...
  5. Mac and Cheese. ...
  6. Two Scrambled Eggs and Toast. ...
  7. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup. ...
  8. Baked Ravioli.
Jul 8, 2022

What food should I get as a college student? ›

Sample College Student Grocery List
ProduceFresh fruits (e.g., apples, pears, oranges, bananas, grapes, etc.) Fresh vegetables (e.g., spinach, broccoli, cucumber, onions, potatoes, etc.)
DairyMilk Cheese Yogurt Butter
Grains and BreadsBread Bagels Muffins Cereal Oatmeal Rice Quinoa Lentils Pasta Tortillas
9 more rows

What food should I bring to university? ›

Plus, if you're not that into cooking, think about what's easy, tasty and good value.
  • Breakfast – cereal and milk, toast, porridge, yoghurt.
  • Bread and eggs – sandwiches, omelettes, scrambled egg on toast.
  • Pasta and rice – good with any sauce, veggies, meat or alternatives.
  • Stir fry noodles – with beansprouts and veggies.

What to buy for food as a broke college student? ›

Here are some of our favorites that are college student budget-friendly and are staple items for everyone!
  • Green Beans.
  • Corn.
  • Kidney Beans.
  • Canned Soup.
  • Black Beans.
  • Peas.
  • Carrots.
  • Chicken Breasts.
Apr 17, 2023

What is a realistic grocery budget for a college student? ›

Monthly Cost of Groceries for College Students by State;
StateCost per Month
California$265
Florida$258
Iowa$241
Oklahoma$241
47 more rows
Aug 20, 2023

How much money does a college student need for food per month? ›

On average, college students spend $670 on food per month, according to the Education Data Initiative. To break that total down further, students spend, on average, $410 a month eating off-campus and about $260 a month on groceries for cooking meals at home.

What is the least expensive meal? ›

Pasta-tively, cheap!

Pasta is on our list of cheap foods, and it is a food you can make in many ways. Generic red sauce, alfredo sauce, baked pasta, ravioli, mac and cheese, and much more. You can add any protein or veggie to your pasta dish and call it a pasta-rrific cheap meal.

Is it cheaper to buy or pack lunch? ›

Packing Lunch Saves Money

If you're looking for ways to cut expenses, follow the advice of experts who recommend saving money by not eating out. According to a Visa lunch survey, Americans who buy lunch spend almost $5 more per meal on average than those who pack lunch.

How do I plan a low cost lunch? ›

10 tips to get you started on meal planning on a budget:
  1. Make a menu. ...
  2. Plan your meals around foods that are on sale. ...
  3. Plan some plant-based meals every week. ...
  4. Check your pantry, refrigerator and freezer. ...
  5. Enjoy grains more often. ...
  6. Avoid recipes that need a special ingredient. ...
  7. Look for seasonal recipes.
Feb 22, 2023

What are college students favorite fast food? ›

McDonald's is the most popular fast food restaurant among college students, followed by Subway and Starbucks.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Last Updated:

Views: 6344

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Birthday: 1999-09-15

Address: 8416 Beatty Center, Derekfort, VA 72092-0500

Phone: +6838967160603

Job: Mining Executive

Hobby: Woodworking, Knitting, Fishing, Coffee roasting, Kayaking, Horseback riding, Kite flying

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Refugio Daniel, I am a fine, precious, encouraging, calm, glamorous, vivacious, friendly person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.