College is a time of cheap eating, but that does not mean what you are eating cannot be delicious. 
Whether living on or off campus, many of students have access to a microwave. The great thing about having a microwave handy is there are so many things one can prepare in a small amount of time. 
Making something simple and good to eat does not have to be complicated. Besides, there are only so many times you can eat Ramen noodles before you get tired of them.
With some basic ingredients, you can turn a snack into a meal. But what does this mean? Just by adding a few extra ingredients to something, or by mixing basic ingredients together, you can have something so much better than what you did before.
So, here’s a list of recipes to help get you through the semester:
Rice

Yield: 1

Prep time: 2 minutes

Total time: 12 minutes

Ingredients
Parboiled rice – 1 cup
Butter – 2 tablespoons
Water – 2 cups
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Directions
Pour the rice into a microwavable cup or bowl. Add the water, butter and salt. Stir until the rice is submerged. Place it in the microwave, and cook for 10 minutes. Let it cool, and enjoy.
Scrambled eggs
Yield: 1
Prep time: 2 minutes
Total time: 3.5 minutes
Ingredients
Eggs – however many you want
Salt – optional, season to taste
Pepper – optional, season to taste
Cheese – optional, however much your cheesy heart desires
Directions
Crack egg(s) into microwave-safe bowl, and beat with a fork. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook for a minute and 30 seconds. Remove from microwave, and add optional ingredients. Enjoy.
Mac and Cheese
Yield: 1
Prep time: 2 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
Elbow macaroni – 1/2 cup
Water – 1/2 cup
Milk – 3 tablespoons
Salt – optional, season to taste
Pepper – optional, season to taste
Shredded Cheese – 1/4 cup
Chives – optional garnish
Directions
Mix the macaroni, water and salt in a microwaveable mug. Microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir. Add the milk, cheese, salt and pepper, and stir again. Microwave for another 30 seconds, stir and garnish with a sprinkle of chives. Enjoy!
Brownie in a Mug
Yield: 1
Prep time: 2 minutes
Total time: 4 minutes
Ingredients
Butter – 2 tablespoons
Chocolate chips – 1/4 cup
Milk – 1/4 cup
Sugar – 3 tablespoons
Cocoa powder – 2 tablespoons
Brown sugar – 1 tablespoon
Vanilla extract – 1/2 teaspoon
Self-rising flour – 2 tablespoons
Egg – 1
Directions
In a small bowl, melt the butter in a microwave. Stir in chocolate chips until melted. Microwave mixture for 10 to 15 seconds if needed. Add the egg, milk, sugar, vanilla, brown sugar and cocoa powder. Whisk until smooth. Add in flour. Pour batter into mug, making sure to only fill halfway. Microwave for 60 to 90 seconds. Let cool, and enjoy.
Oatmeal
Yield: 1
Prep time: 2 minutes
Total time: 7 minutes
Ingredients
Rolled oats – 1 cup
Milk – 1 cup
Water – 1 cup
Ground cinnamon – 1/2 teaspoon
Optional ingredients: almonds, peanut butter or fruit to taste
Directions
Combine oats, milk, water and cinnamon in a bowl. Microwave for 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool and thicken. Stir and enjoy.
Baked Potato
Yield: 1
Prep time: 2 minutes
Total time: 22 minutes
Ingredients
Russet potato – 1
Optional ingredients: butter, salt, cheese or bacon bits to taste
Directions
Wash potato with cold water and pat dry. Poke a line of holes onto the top and bottom of the potato to avoid an explosion. Put the potato on plate and microwave for 10 minutes. Flip the potato to other side and microwave for 10 more minutes. Let cool slightly. Cut open and add any optional ingredients and dig in.
Quesadilla
Yield: 1
Prep time: 1 minute
Total time: 3 minutes
Ingredients
Tortilla – one
Shredded cheese – 1/2 cup
Optional Ingredients: cooked meat, sour cream and salsa to taste
Directions
Lay a tortilla flat on a plate. Add cheese and any other optional ingredients and fold over. Microwave for one to one and a half minutes. Let cool. Enjoy.