41 Meal Prep Ideas for College Students (Under $2 Per Serving)

Struggling to find good food on campus? I was once an undergraduate and know how hard it can be to eat healthy on a budget in college. That’s why I’ve put together these 40+ dirt-cheap college meal prep ideas. Thousands of people have used these to meal prep in college.

8 Tips for Meal Prepping in College

I know what it’s like to be trying to cook food in a dorm. It’s impossible. You have no room, no sink, and the last thing you want is to try to whip together a full meal.

1. Minimal food prep – Focus on food sources that don’t require much prep like chopping, cleaning, etc.
2. Make one pot meals – One pot meal preps are the best way to save time when you’re a busy student. Drop a bunch of ingredients into a pot and wait a few hours until it’s done!
3. Use a crockpot – Crockpots are the perfect solution for meal prepping in college. Dump a bunch of food in before class and come back 8 hours later to a week’s worth of food!
4. Buy pre-chopped veggies – In a dorm you don’t have much room to chop and prep veggies, that’s why I recommend buying pre-chopped veggies. It’s a tiny bit more expensive, but worth it.
5. Buy an air fryer – Air fryers use very little electricity which makes them very dorm-friendly. The only issue is cleaning it after you’re done.
6. Use some freezer meat – Sometimes the easiest thing is to buy some frozen chicken or beef that’s already been cooked. All you have to do is reheat it with your meal.
7. Cook in bulk – The less often you have to cook the better. Prep a big batch of food and freeze it for later to reheat in the microwave.
8. Use ground meat – Ground meat like beef or turkey doesn’t require cleaning, prepping, or trimming. This will make it much easier for you to include protein sources in your meal prepping.

41 Meal Prep Ideas for College Students (Under $2 Per Serving)     

Now enjoy my tasty selection of meal prep ideas for college students! All of these are if you’re trying to meal prep in college on a budget.

Breakfast Meal Prep Ideas for College Students

1. High-Protein Overnight Oats 

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

These healthy high-protein overnight oats are packed with protein and taste absolutely amazing! They are perfect for meal prepping and are an easy, nutritious way to start your day.

2. Keto Starbucks Egg Bites

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

This egg bites recipe is a Starbucks copycat. It is one of those meals you can make ahead and freeze for later! Unlike the store-branded breakfast egg bites that cost about $4.45 for two, mine make a budget-friendly high-protein breakfast that only costs $1.00 for two. These are one of my favorite keto breakfast meal prep ideas!

3. Healthy Breakfast Meal Prep Sandwiches

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Easy healthy breakfast meal prep sandwiches made with baked eggs and veggies, topped with crispy bacon and cheese on an English muffin. These sandwiches are delicious, packed with protein, and convenient! This easy to make recipe is also on my list of meal prep recipes for nurses!

4. Strawberry and Coconut Overnight Oats

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Strawberry overnight oats taste like strawberry shortcake, but are nutritious with fresh strawberries and oats! They’re easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and great for grabbing on the go for breakfast or a healthy dessert.

5. Banana Oat Waffles (Gluten-Free)

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Healthy + easy waffles are gluten-free, nut-free, fluffy, and freezer-friendly! If you like bananas and oats separately, you will enjoy them together in this banana-oat waffle recipe! Make a batch and freeze for busy mornings!

6. Mocha Oatmeal

Prep Time: 3 Minutes

This mocha oatmeal is a hearty way to start the day. A simple coffee and oatmeal breakfast fills you with fuel-ready to take on the day, and it tastes great too.

Lunch or Dinner College Meal Prep Ideas

7. Quinoa and Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables ($1.98 Per Serving) 

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

This quinoa and Mediterranean roasted vegetable recipe uses quinoa and roasted vegetables in a tasty and super healthy way! It’s vegan and gluten-free, packed with delicious roasted vegetables, high in healthy fats and complex carbohydrates, while still low in saturated fats. This is one of my favorite recipes with roasted vegetables!

8. Healthy Air Fryer Turkey Burger

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Air fryer turkey burgers are my go-to for a healthy and delicious burger. They are super lean, contain minimal fat, and are perfect for low-calorie meal prep. These air fry turkey burgers are freezer-friendly, making them great to cook in batches and have later in the month. They just take 10 minutes to cook!

9. Baked Feta Pasta

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Baked feta pasta is a pasta dish made with creamy, tomato-feta cheese-based sauce. This luscious, flavorful pasta dish is easy to make, uses a handful of ingredients, and comes together in under 30 minutes!

10. Vegan Sweet Potato Chili ( $1.35 Per Serving) 

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Easy vegan sweet potato chili with whole food plant-based ingredients. A healthy meal prep option with budget-friendly and straightforward ingredients. The high protein in this recipe makes it one of my favorite vegan meal prep ideas!

11. Chicken and Sausage Meal Prep Bowls

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Chicken sausage meal prep bowls are an excellent sheet tray recipe for meal prep! With minimal prep, these chicken sausage, brussels sprouts and sweet potato bowls can be a quick and easy hot lunch meal prep for the whole week on a few sheet trays in the oven.

12. Vegan Lasagna Soup

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

This vegan lasagna is packed with Italian flavors; this deconstructed lasagna can be made in less than 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a warm meal on those colder days.

13. Easy Beef Stroganoff

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Tender beef and a creamy mushroom gravy come together for this easy beef stroganoff I serve over buttery egg noodles. This flavorful meal uses items from your pantry; stroganoff cooks in under an hour, or you can throw it in a Crockpot before your day begins. This is one of my favorite healthy slow cooker recipes!

14. Mediterranean Bean Salad

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

This Mediterranean bean salad recipe uses savory herbs, tangy lemon, and fresh vegetables to brighten up the flavor of canned butter beans and feta cheese!

15. Green Lentil Daal

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

This green lentil daal recipe is Indian-inspired and packed full of tasty spices. It’s ready in less than 45 minutes, made in one pot, and perfect for meal prep and freezer meals. It also happens to be vegan, so it’s ideal for your meat-free Monday! This is a great side dish if you like Indian meal prep recipes.

16. Aloo Matar

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

This is a simple Potato and Pea curry that requires basic spices that can be found in any supermarket. It is a delicious curry that is ready quicker and cheaper than ordering a takeaway.

17. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Quick and easy Mediterranean chickpea salad is made with bell peppers, crisp, cool cucumber, and creamy feta, making for a fast, healthy lunch and side for meal prep.

It’s highly nutritious, rich in protein and fiber, and is gluten-free! Skip the feta cheese and use some avocado to make it vegan. This is one of my favorite mediterranean diet meal prep recipes!

18. Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese (Gluten-Free)

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

An easy keto cauliflower mac and cheese recipe with just 5 ingredients + 5 minutes prep time! Rich, cheesy low-carb mac and cheese will satisfy your cravings for macaroni. This is one of my favorite cheap keto meal prep ideas!

19. Thai Peanut Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

These tasty Thai peanut chicken meal prep bowls include a layer of simple sesame noodles topped with quickly sautéed chicken, fresh and crunchy slaw and some peanut sauce for dipping. A delicious, grab-and-go meal!

20. Vegan Burrito Bowls

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

These vegan burrito bowls are a healthy Mexican-inspired dinner or lunch containing all the best bits of a burrito in bowl form!

21. Cold Sesame Noodles (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Nut-Free, Soy-Free)

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Super simple, easy, and delicious sesame noodles made with wholesome ingredients that fit into a wide range of different health diets.

22. Shredded Chicken Tacos

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Deliciously seasoned and moist shredded chicken tacos are super easy to make! No special equipment is needed to make this chicken for tacos recipe – I’m making it right on the stovetop.

23. Greek Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

You aren’t going to believe how insanely simple it is to prepare this delicious Greek chicken recipe for meals all week long. This meal prep bowl is so good; you’ll never get bored!

24. 20-Minute Chicken and Rice

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

This meal prep chicken and rice dish is bursting with flavor! Made with zesty Jerk seasoning, this 20-minute recipe makes it easy to spice up your weekly chicken and rice meal prep routine. Meal prep helps you save time and money while still enjoying what you eat.

25. Easy Edamame Salad

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Not only is this protein-packed edamame salad inexpensive and easy to throw together, but the edamame (a.k.a. soy beans) is also a complete protein providing all of my essential amino acids.

26. Spicy Sesame Tofu Stir-fry

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

This spicy sesame tofu stir fry is a healthier homemade version of a popular Chinese restaurant take-out. Lightly pan-fried crispy tofu bites tossed with crunchy snow peas, tender mushrooms, and nutty sesame seeds – all coated in a sweet soy glaze with a punch of heat! It is hearty and delicious comfort food that only takes 30 minutes to make and uses one pan.

27. Udon Noodle Soup

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

This Japanese udon noodle soup recipe features an easy udon soup base that you can make in minutes—light, tasty and perfect as a quick lunch or dinner meal prep.

28. Bulgarian Moussaka with Lentils

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Easy Bulgarian vegetarian moussaka made with saucy tomato lentils, potatoes, and a savory egg custard that melts in your mouth! This tasty meal prep meal comes together in just 1 hour!

29. Eggplant Lentil Curry

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

This Eggplant lentil curry comes together in around 30 minutes, and it will be your new favorite weeknight dinner! It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor and plant-based protein.

Easy Meal Prep Ideas for College Students

One of the best ways to meal prep in a dorm is using a crockpot or instant pot! These tools utilize minimal electricity and usually don’t require much prep. Just dump and go! That’s why these are my favorite easy meal prep ideas for college students.

30. Crockpot Glazed Chicken Teriyaki ($1.56 Per Serving)

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

This easy crockpot chicken teriyaki is a healthier twist on a traditional teriyaki sauce so that you can enjoy a guilt-free pleasure. The chicken is slow-cooked until tender and lets all teriyaki stock infuse into the meat. It pairs well with green veggies and rice, giving you another weight loss meal prep idea.

31. Slow Cooker Chipotle Bean Chili ($1.61 Per Serving)

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

This delicious slow-cooked chipotle bean chili is so easy to make! All you need is a handful of ingredients and 5 minutes to prep. It’s high in protein, vegan, low in calories, and perfect for cooking in a big batch and meal prepping, costing just $1.61 per serving. This is one of my favorite vegetarian crockpot recipes for meal prepping!

32. Slow Cooker Bolognese ($1.65 Per Serving)

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

This slow cooker bolognese is perfect for getting started in the morning, taking just 5 minutes to prep. It’s high in protein, great for meal prepping, and is dirt cheap, costing just $1.65 per portion.

33. Slow Cooker Carnitas and Rice (Less Than $1 Per Serving)

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

This slow cooker carnitas and rice is one of the cheapest meals I have ever made that is still packed with calories, nutrition, etc. The cost per serving comes out at under $1 per serving, including the protein and carbs! This is one of my favorite cheap and healthy crockpot meals!

34. Slow Cooker Chicken Breast with Gravy

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

This slow cooker chicken breast is simmered in a flavorful garlic and herb gravy until tender. Serve your crockpot chicken breasts over mashed potatoes for a comfort food meal. This is one of my favorite high calorie meal prep recipes for bulking!

35. Instant Pot Chicken Tenders

Prep Time: 2 Minutes

Instant Pot chicken tenders are prepped in as little as two minutes. Juicy and plump, these chicken tenders are great as a main entree, on top of a salad or on a sandwich!

36. Keto Pulled Chicken

Prep Time: 2 Minutes

Keto pulled chicken is easily made in the instant pot and needs just 4 ingredients. Make a batch and use this juicy shredded chicken for meals all week long.

37. Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

This is an easy and delicious slow cooker recipe. It can be thrown together quickly and will last you all week! Get that amazing taste of chicken carnitas on a budget. This is one of my favorite cheap meals for students!

Snack Meal Prep Ideas for College Students

38. 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Made with only 3 ingredients, these peanut butter oatmeal balls are the perfect start to your morning. These energy bites are packed with nutrients and can be whipped up in 5 minutes!

39. Vegan Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Soft and chewy, these vegan applesauce chocolate chips oatmeal cookies are a great wholesome treat to have around! Easy to make, and are ready in 20 minutes. They are naturally gluten-free and oil-free too.

40. Sweetcorn Fritters

Prep Time: 6 Minutes

Make these sweetcorn fritters your new go-to recipe with ingredients you’ll always find in your kitchen. They’re vegan-friendly, too!

41. Avocado Tuna Salad

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

This avocado tuna salad is loaded with chunks of tuna, avocado and colorful veggies for a fresh and lighter take on the classic dish!

Where To Start With Meal Prep, Even If You Don’t Have A Kitchen

Start by looking for ingredients that don’t require refrigeration, like dried fruit, almonds, nut butter, jelly, oatmeal, bread, apples, avocados, cherry tomatoes,  olive oil, pears, and salt. 

Citrus fruits can last for several days when preserved at room temperature. Avoid buying ingredients that will last more than two weeks, and take advantage of the dining hall to purchase smaller quantities.

Have the Right Equipment

Invest in some sealable bags, binder clips, and plastic wrap to keep packages closed and food fresh. For meal prepping and eating, a cutting board, can opener, silverware, two plates, and a small knife will be necessary.

You may want to purchase a sponge, tub, and soap to clean things up. If your dormitory allows you to cook with heat, invest in a toaster oven, electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, or electric water kettle.

Storage 

Buy a range of quality containers to store your pre-cooked meals. The containers should be safe for microwaving and freezing to simplify reheating and storing.

How To Carry Meals Around Campus: College Meal Prep Tools and Snacking Ideas

Carrying meals around campus can be a hassle, especially when juggling classes, dormitories, and work. Here are some tips to make it easier

Purchase a Sturdy Cooler With Different Compartments

The biggest compartment can be loaded with seasoned brown rice or veggies. The other compartment stores a protein portion (turkey pepperoni bites, cheese, chicken, or egg), another compartment stores a few crunchy dill pickles, and the last has some nuts or dried fruit.

Pack Snacks That Don’t Need Refrigeration

You can load some dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, and energy bars. Also, carry lots of wraps with you for class; crackers and hummus served with sliced veggies are great. Peanut noodles are another favorite. Both can be snacked cold and on the move

Purchase a Portable Crockpot 

Cook big batches of dishes like soup and meatballs and freeze them in separate 2-cup containers. Take the frozen servings and place them in the CrockPot. 

This way, you can easily transport food without fear of leakage. Then, when you find a break in your schedule, plug the Crockpot on and wait for the food to heat up. 

Recipes Without Refrigeration

Here are some of our favorite meals to eat with no fridge.

Note: Pack these foods with ice packs to double their lifespan. If food smells or looks funny, don’t eat it.

1. Veggie Burrito Bowl can make an awesome meal if you are in a hurry. You can spice it up with extra toppings such as guacamole, salsa, or cheese.
2. Basil Lime Chicken & Peach Kale Salad is bright, wonderfully satisfying, and has a lot of texture. It’s an ideal meal to carry with you when you need to have lunch without reheating.
3. Pinwheel Snack Lunches are perfect when you need to shake things up a little. Add your fruits, veggies, snacks, chocolate, dips, and wrap with garlic aioli for a truly satisfying day.

Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Preferences/Restrictions

Ingredient	Vegetarian	Vegan	Gluten-Free	Dairy-Free
Butter	Plant-based margarine or vegan butter	Plant-based margarine or vegan butter	Gluten-free margarine or coconut oil	Coconut oil or vegetable oil
Milk	Plant-based milk (e.g., almond milk, soy milk, oat milk)	Plant-based milk (e.g., almond milk, soy milk, oat milk)	Gluten-free plant-based milk (e.g., almond milk, soy milk, oat milk)	Plant-based milk (e.g., almond milk, soy milk, oat milk)
Cheese	Vegan cheese or nutritional yeast	Vegan cheese or nutritional yeast	Gluten-free vegan cheese or nutritional yeast	Vegan cheese or nutritional yeast
Eggs	Egg replacer, silken tofu, mashed bananas, applesauce	Egg replacer, silken tofu, mashed bananas, applesauce	Gluten-free egg replacer, silken tofu, mashed bananas, applesauce	Egg replacer, silken tofu, mashed bananas, applesauce
Wheat flour	All-purpose gluten-free flour, almond flour, oat flour	All-purpose gluten-free flour, almond flour, oat flour	Gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, oat flour	All-purpose gluten-free flour, almond flour, oat flour
Pasta	Gluten-free pasta (e.g., rice pasta, quinoa pasta)	Gluten-free pasta (e.g., rice pasta, quinoa pasta)	Gluten-free pasta (e.g., rice pasta, quinoa pasta)	Gluten-free pasta (e.g., rice pasta, quinoa pasta)
Soy sauce	Tamari or gluten-free soy sauce	Tamari or gluten-free soy sauce	Tamari or gluten-free soy sauce	Tamari or gluten-free soy sauce
Bread crumbs	Gluten-free bread crumbs or ground nuts	Gluten-free bread crumbs or ground nuts	Gluten-free bread crumbs or ground nuts	Gluten-free bread crumbs or ground nuts
Yogurt	Plant-based yogurt (e.g., coconut yogurt, almond yogurt)	Plant-based yogurt (e.g., coconut yogurt, almond yogurt)	Gluten-free plant-based yogurt (e.g., coconut yogurt, almond yogurt)	Plant-based yogurt (e.g., coconut yogurt, almond yogurt)
Honey	Agave nectar, maple syrup, or date syrup	Agave nectar, maple syrup, or date syrup	Agave nectar, maple syrup, or date syrup	Agave nectar, maple syrup, or date syrup
Gelatin	Agar agar or carrageenan	Agar agar or carrageenan	Agar agar or carrageenan	Agar agar or carrageenan
Sour cream	Vegan sour cream or dairy-free yogurt	Vegan sour cream or dairy-free yogurt	Gluten-free vegan sour cream or dairy-free yogurt	Vegan sour cream or dairy-free yogurt
Chicken broth	Vegetable broth or mushroom broth	Vegetable broth or mushroom broth	Gluten-free vegetable broth or mushroom broth	Vegetable broth or mushroom broth
Ground meat	Plant-based meat substitutes (e.g., tofu, tempeh, seitan, lentils, beans)	Plant-based meat substitutes (e.g., tofu, tempeh, seitan, lentils, beans)	Gluten-free plant-based meat substitutes (e.g., tofu, tempeh, seitan, lentils, beans)	Plant-based meat substitutes (e.g., tofu, tempeh, seitan, lentils, beans)

Related Questions

Final Advice on College Meal Prep

If you’re a college student trying to eat healthy on a budget, meal prepping is the answer. It’ll save you time, money, and help you avoid gaining the freshmen 15.

I hope these meal prep ideas for college students are helpful for you! Start small by picking just 1-2 recipes and testing them out before you prep a whole batch.

If you want more recipe suggestions, check out my list of easy meal prep ideas or lazy meal prep recipes.