{"id":19615,"date":"2025-09-02T13:17:04","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T12:17:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/?p=19615"},"modified":"2025-09-05T09:07:57","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T08:07:57","slug":"cook-smart-uni-edition-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide","title":{"rendered":"Cook Smart: Uni Edition Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#Easy_Affordable_Cooking_for_Freshers\" >Easy, Affordable Cooking for Freshers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#Top_Cooking_Hacks_for_Students\" >Top Cooking Hacks for Students<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#1_The_5-in-a-Pan_Principle\" >1. The 5-in-a-Pan Principle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#2_Prep_Once_Eat_Twice\" >2. Prep Once, Eat Twice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#3_Saucy_Shortcuts\" >3. Saucy Shortcuts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#4_Frozen_Is_Your_Friend\" >4. Frozen Is Your Friend<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#5_Cupboard_Heroes\" >5. Cupboard Heroes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#5_Core_Skills_to_Master_Before_Uni\" >5 Core Skills to Master Before Uni<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#Roux_the_World_Master_This_Kitchen_Classic\" >Roux the World: Master This Kitchen Classic<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#What_is_a_Roux\" >What is a Roux?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#How_to_Make_a_Roux\" >How to Make a Roux<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#10_Brain_Food_Swaps_to_Keep_You_Sharp\" >10 Brain Food Swaps to Keep You Sharp<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#10_smart_swaps_you_can_make_today\" >10 smart swaps you can make today:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#Savvy_Uni_Food_Shopping_Tips\" >Savvy Uni Food Shopping Tips<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#Budget-Friendly_Shopping_Hacks\" >Budget-Friendly Shopping Hacks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#Kitchen_Kit_Essentials\" >Kitchen Kit Essentials<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#How_to_Make_Your_Food_Shop_Last_Longer\" >How to Make Your Food Shop Last Longer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\/#Ready_to_Cook_Smart_at_Uni\" >Ready to Cook Smart at Uni?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Easy_Affordable_Cooking_for_Freshers\"><\/span>Easy, Affordable Cooking for Freshers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Starting uni? Between lectures, nights out, and everything in between, cooking can easily slip to the bottom of your list. According to a recent survey, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.savethestudent.org\/money\/surveys\/student-money-survey-2024-results.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">64% of students skip meals<\/a> to save money, and many simply don\u2019t feel confident cooking from scratch<\/p>\n<p>If this is you, you\u2019re not alone. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve pulled together the <strong>Cook Smart: Uni Edition Guide<\/strong>. A free, chef-backed toolkit to help you eat well, save money, and get kitchen-confident from day one. Think of it as your kitchen cheat sheet: a collection of simple recipes, clever hacks, and tasty ideas to help you cook smarter, stretch your budget further, and actually enjoy what\u2019s on your plate.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=&#8221;GET YOUR GOUSTO STUDENT DISCOUNT&#8221; style=&#8221;custom&#8221; custom_background=&#8221;#8193DC&#8221; custom_text=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fcook.gousto.co.uk%2Fstudentdiscount%2F&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Top_Cooking_Hacks_for_Students\"><\/span>Top Cooking Hacks for Students<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cooking at uni doesn\u2019t have to mean soggy noodles or sad beans on toast. With a handful of smart hacks, you can whip up meals that taste great, save cash, and still leave you time for study, Netflix, and a social life.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_The_5-in-a-Pan_Principle\"><\/span>1. The 5-in-a-Pan Principle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Grab one frying pan, five simple ingredients, and you can spin them into five completely different dinners. Think: smoky shakshuka with runny eggs, veggie stir-fry sizzling with soy, golden fried rice, saucy noodle bowls, or a spiced burrito bowl with beans and rice.<\/p>\n<p><b>Why it helps you:<\/b> fewer dishes to wash, less food waste, and a basket of basics that actually goes the distance.<\/p>\n<p>Here are 5 simple recipes you can make with 5 simple ingredients:<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" width=\"800\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"5\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Recipe<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Ingredient 1<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Ingredient 2<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Ingredient 3<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Ingredient 4<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Ingredient 5<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/cookbook\/vegetarian-recipes\/spiced-shakshuka-with-feta-crunchy-pitta\">Smoky Shakshuka<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Eggs<\/td>\n<td>Tinned tomatoes<\/td>\n<td>Red pepper<\/td>\n<td>Onion<\/td>\n<td>Paprika<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/cookbook\/vegan-recipes\/vegetable-balti-with-rice\">Veggie Fried Rice<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Cooked rice<\/td>\n<td>Egg<\/td>\n<td>Frozen peas<\/td>\n<td>Soy sauce<\/td>\n<td>Spring onions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/cookbook\/beef-recipes\/beef-black-bean-burrito-bowl\">Spicy Burrito Bowl<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Black beans<\/td>\n<td>Rice<\/td>\n<td>Sweetcorn<\/td>\n<td>Avocado<\/td>\n<td>Chilli powder<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/cookbook\/vegetarian-recipes\/3-cheese-veg-packed-pasta-bake\">Cheesy Veg Pasta<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Pasta<\/td>\n<td>Cheddar cheese<\/td>\n<td>Spinach<\/td>\n<td>Garlic<\/td>\n<td>Olive oil<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/cookbook\/recipes\/halloumi-courgette-tray-bake\">Halloumi &amp; Courgette Stir-Fry<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Halloumi<\/td>\n<td>Courgette<\/td>\n<td>Red onion<\/td>\n<td>Cherry tomatoes<\/td>\n<td>Dried oregano<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13755&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;19648&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Prep_Once_Eat_Twice\"><\/span>2. Prep Once, Eat Twice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Cook once, eat twice (or three times). A bubbling pan of tomato sauce on Monday can become pasta bake, chilli topping, or a veggie curry base as the week goes on. Batch cooking is also a cost effective way to make, freeze, and reheat your favourite meals quickly.<\/p>\n<p><b>Why it helps you:<\/b> no boring leftovers, just flexible bases that save you time when deadlines (or nights out) hit hard.<\/p>\n<p>Here are 7 leftovers you can repurpose for two further meals:<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" width=\"800\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"5\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Cook Once (Base Meal)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Next Meal Idea 1<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Next Meal Idea 2<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Tomato Sauce<\/td>\n<td>Pasta bake<\/td>\n<td>Chilli topping for a jacket potato<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Roast Chicken<\/td>\n<td>Chicken sandwiches<\/td>\n<td>Chicken stir-fry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Cooked Rice<\/td>\n<td>Egg fried rice<\/td>\n<td>Rice pudding<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Chilli Con Carne<\/td>\n<td>Loaded nachos<\/td>\n<td>Stuffed peppers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Roast Vegetables<\/td>\n<td>Veggie wraps<\/td>\n<td>Frittata<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Curry<\/td>\n<td>Soup base<\/td>\n<td>Stuffed flatbread<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Boiled Potatoes<\/td>\n<td>Potato salad<\/td>\n<td>Home fries with eggs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>You can also browse Gousto\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/17-quick-delicious-freezable-batch-cook-recipes\">17 Batch Cooking Recipes <\/a>for easy, freezable meals to save you time and stress.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;19107&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17838&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Saucy_Shortcuts\"><\/span>3. Saucy Shortcuts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Forget the \u00a33 jars. Raid your cupboard instead. Stir peanut butter with soy sauce and hot water for instant satay. Mix yoghurt with dill and lemon for a fresh dip. Heat olive oil with garlic and chilli flakes for a pasta sauce that tastes like it came from a trattoria.<\/p>\n<p><b>Why it helps you:<\/b> you\u2019ll spend less, eat fresher, and start building the kind of kitchen confidence that makes you unstoppable.<\/p>\n<p>Here are <strong>5 no-cook sauces<\/strong> to spice up your meals:<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" width=\"800\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"5\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Sauce<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Ingredients<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Great with<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Peanut Satay Sauce<\/td>\n<td>Peanut butter, soy sauce, hot water (optional: chilli flakes, lime)<\/td>\n<td>Noodles, stir-fries, wraps<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Yoghurt &amp; Herb Dip<\/td>\n<td>Natural yoghurt, lemon juice, dried dill or mint, salt<\/td>\n<td>Falafel, pittas, roasted veg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Zesty Mustard Dressing<\/td>\n<td>Olive oil, mustard, honey\/sugar, lemon juice<\/td>\n<td>Salads, grain bowls, roasted potatoes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Spicy Sriracha Mayo<\/td>\n<td>Mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice<\/td>\n<td>Wraps, burgers, fries<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Garlic &amp; Herb Oil<\/td>\n<td>Olive oil, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt<\/td>\n<td>Pasta, bread, bruschetta<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;19644&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;19643&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Frozen_Is_Your_Friend\"><\/span>4. Frozen Is Your Friend<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Frozen peas, spinach, peppers\u2026 all as nutritious as fresh but cheaper and longer lasting. Chop onions, garlic, and ginger into ice cube trays and toss them straight into the pan when you\u2019re cooking.<\/p>\n<p><b>Why it helps you:<\/b> no food going slimy in the fridge, no tears over onions, and meals on the table in minutes.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Cupboard_Heroes\"><\/span>5. Cupboard Heroes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Always keep a few \u201chero\u201d ingredients within reach: tinned beans, tuna, nut butters, stock cubes, dried herbs, chilli sauce. They\u2019re the magic dust that turns a plain bowl of pasta or rice into a full-on feast.<\/p>\n<p><b>Why it helps you:<\/b> when your fridge is bare, you\u2019ll still have the building blocks of a satisfying, affordable dinner.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Core_Skills_to_Master_Before_Uni\"><\/span>5 Core Skills to Master Before Uni<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><i>\u201cIf you head to uni with just five core meals under your belt, you\u2019ll eat better, spend less, and avoid the week-three noodle burnout.\u201d<\/i> \u2013 <b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/author\/sophienahmad\">Sophie Nahmad<\/a>, Lead Recipe Developer<\/b><\/p>\n<p>These aren\u2019t just recipes. They\u2019re your secret weapons: meals that teach you essential cooking skills, give you confidence in the kitchen, and can be endlessly remixed with whatever you\u2019ve got on hand.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<b>1.\u00a0 One-Pot Pasta or Stir-Fry<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>Learn how to balance carbs, protein, and veg in one dish. Cook pasta with garlic and tomato, or throw noodles in a hot pan with eggs and veggies.<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Quick to cook, minimal washing up, and teaches you flavour basics.<br \/>\n\u2013 Find \u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/10-easy-one-pot-recipes\">10 One Pot Recipes<\/a>\u00a0that all take 40 minutes or less to prepare.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;12917&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17685&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<b>2. DIY Chilli or Curry<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>Nothing beats a big bubbling pot of spiced chilli or warming curry. Add hidden veg, beans, or meat and make enough to portion out for the week.<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Teaches you to layer spices, batch cook, and save money by cooking once for days of meals.<br \/>\n\u2013 Gousto\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/cookbook\/beef-recipes\/classic-chilli-con-carne\">Classic Chilli Con Carne recipe<\/a>\u00a0takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and can be adapted for 1 \u2013 5 people or portions.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<b>3. Oven Tray Bake<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>Chop up whatever veg you have, add chicken, halloumi, or tofu, drizzle with oil and spices, and roast until golden.<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 It\u2019s mostly hands-off, teaches temperature control, and makes enough for flatmate feasts or lunchboxes.<br \/>\n\u2013 This\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/cookbook\/recipes\/sausage-roasted-veg-traybake\">Sausage and Roasted Veg Tray Bake<\/a>\u00a0is tasty and simple to prepare.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;19656&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13836&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<b>4. Egg-Based Meals<br \/>\n<\/b>Eggs are your budget-friendly best friend. Try shakshuka with tomatoes and spices, a cheesy omelette stuffed with veg, or fried rice with soy sauce and peas.<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 High in protein, super versatile, and perfect for those \u201ctoo tired to cook\u201d nights.<br \/>\n\u2013 Gousto has a huge selection of delectable\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/cookbook\/egg-recipes\">egg recipes\u00a0<\/a>to keep you going all year.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<b>5. Basic Sauces from Scratch<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>Learn four essentials: tomato, yoghurt-dill, peanut, and white sauce. Each one transforms cheap carbs into something exciting.<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 You\u2019ll save on jars, boost your flavour game, and unlock endless meal variations.<br \/>\n\u2013 Gousto\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/simple-sauce-recipes\">3 Easy Cook from Scratch Sauces<\/a>\u00a0will broaden the range of meals you can cook quickly and cost-effectively.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;16642&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Roux_the_World_Master_This_Kitchen_Classic\"><\/span>Roux the World: Master This Kitchen Classic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A roux might sound fancy, but it\u2019s actually one of the simplest and most useful skills you can learn at uni and mastering it gives you a powerful cooking shortcut that can transform the most basic ingredients into proper meals.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_Roux\"><\/span>What is a Roux?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A <b>roux<\/b> (pronounced <i>roo<\/i>) is a simple mix of fat (usually butter) and flour, cooked together to form the base of many sauces, soups, and stews. Think of it as the building block that makes sauces thick, creamy, and smooth.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s the secret behind classics like b\u00e9chamel (white sauce), cheese sauce for mac and cheese, rich gravies, and velvety soups.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Make_a_Roux\"><\/span>How to Make a Roux<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Ingredients that you\u2019ll need:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>2 tbsp butter (or oil)<\/li>\n<li>2 tbsp plain flour<\/li>\n<li>About 250ml milk, stock, or other liquid (added gradually)<b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Cooking steps:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Melt the fat: Put the butter (or oil) in a pan over medium heat until melted.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Add the flour: Stir in the flour and keep stirring for 1\u20132 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Add liquid slowly: Gradually pour in milk or stock while whisking continuously. The roux will thicken into a smooth sauce base.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Season and adapt: Add salt, pepper, cheese, mustard, or spices depending on the sauce you\u2019re making.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b>Think of roux as a \u201cchoose your own adventure\u201d:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Add milk &gt; creamy b\u00e9chamel (great for lasagne).<\/li>\n<li>Add cheese &gt; mac and cheese sauce.<\/li>\n<li>Add stock &gt; thick gravy or soup base.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><\/b>For more saucy shortcuts, learn how to prepare <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/simple-sauce-recipes\">3 Easy Cook from Scratch Sauce Recipes <\/a>for tomato sauce, white bechamel sauce, and pesto.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;14638&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;18170&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Brain_Food_Swaps_to_Keep_You_Sharp\"><\/span>10 Brain Food Swaps to Keep You Sharp<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>What you eat doesn\u2019t just fill you up, it fuels your brain. Late-night revision, early lectures, and long study sessions all demand steady energy and sharp focus, and the right foods can make a real difference. By swapping out less nourishing options for smarter snacks and meals, you\u2019ll keep your mood steady, your energy levels up, and your brain firing on all cylinders.<\/p>\n<p>Gousto Nutritionist <b>Sarah Fancourt<\/b> explains:<\/p>\n<p><i>\u201cWhat you eat shapes how you feel, focus, and even remember things. Swap a few basics and you\u2019ll notice the difference in your energy, your mood, and your study sessions.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n<p><b>Why it matters:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Whole grains<\/b> release energy slowly, meaning fewer sugar highs and mid-afternoon crashes.<\/p>\n<p><b>Protein<\/b> keeps you satisfied and helps stabilise your energy, so you\u2019re less likely to rummage for snacks.<\/p>\n<p><b>Omega-3s<\/b> (found in fish, chia seeds, walnuts) support memory and learning.<\/p>\n<p><b>Fruit and veg<\/b> are packed with antioxidants that that protect your brain and support focus over the long term.<\/p>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19552 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/gousto.gurucloud.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/f4678871200cbbb2016295c6ec516154f4e6d428-300x280.jpg\" alt=\"Close up image of a mix of vegetables including cucumber, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce with chickpeas and black rice.\" width=\"300\" height=\"280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gousto.gurucloud.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/f4678871200cbbb2016295c6ec516154f4e6d428-300x280.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gousto.gurucloud.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/f4678871200cbbb2016295c6ec516154f4e6d428-1024x956.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gousto.gurucloud.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/f4678871200cbbb2016295c6ec516154f4e6d428-768x717.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gousto.gurucloud.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/f4678871200cbbb2016295c6ec516154f4e6d428-1536x1434.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gousto.gurucloud.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/f4678871200cbbb2016295c6ec516154f4e6d428.jpg 1647w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_smart_swaps_you_can_make_today\"><\/span>10 smart swaps you can make today:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Pot noodles &gt; quick stir-fry with frozen veg<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">White bread &gt; wholegrain wraps with hummus<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Sugary cereal &gt; overnight oats with fruit and nut butter<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Energy drink &gt; iced green tea or water with lemon<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Takeaway chips &gt; crispy roasted sweet potato wedges<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Chocolate bar &gt; a few squares of dark chocolate with a handful of almonds<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Crisps &gt; air-popped popcorn or roasted chickpeas<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Milkshake &gt; banana blended with milk (or oat milk) and peanut butter<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Instant ramen packet &gt; wholewheat noodles with miso paste and frozen spinach<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Shop-bought pastry &gt; wholegrain pita stuffed with tuna and salad<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Make these swaps part of your routine and over time you\u2019ll feel sharper, steadier, and way more focused when exams roll around.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Savvy_Uni_Food_Shopping_Tips\"><\/span>Savvy Uni Food Shopping Tips<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Budget-Friendly_Shopping_Hacks\"><\/span>Budget-Friendly Shopping Hacks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Your food shop doesn\u2019t have to drain your student loan. Shop smart and you\u2019ll cut costs without cutting flavour:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Look for yellow-sticker bargains after 7 pm.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Pick supermarket own-label instead of big brands.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Buy big bags of rice, oats, or pasta and share the cost with flatmates.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Visit world food shops for affordable spices, noodles, and pulses.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Plan your meals before you shop. No more wasting food or money.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kitchen_Kit_Essentials\"><\/span>Kitchen Kit Essentials<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A tiny kitchen doesn\u2019t need a fancy kit. These basics will get you through almost anything:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">1 frying pan for stir-fries, pancakes, shakshuka.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">1 saucepan for pasta, grains, curries.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">1 baking tray for pizzas, tray bakes, roasted veg.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">A sharp knife and chopping board for safe, speedy prep.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">A measuring jug or even just a mug to portion rice, pasta, or porridge.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Optional extras if you can: a colander, wooden spoon, and a few containers for leftovers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Make_Your_Food_Shop_Last_Longer\"><\/span>How to Make Your Food Shop Last Longer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Saving the planet often saves your wallet too:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Save vegetable scraps and simmer into homemade stock.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Freeze leftovers in single portions so you\u2019ve got your own stash of ready meals.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Share bulk packs of food with flatmates to cut waste and cost.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Freeze herbs, cheese, or even milk to make them last longer.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Cook a \u201cflat dinner\u201d once a week. It\u2019s cheaper, reduces waste, and makes housemate bonds stronger.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Freeze bread slices to prevent your entire loaf going mouldy. You can toast them straight from the freezer.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Store carrots and celery in a jar of water to make them last longer and\u00a0 keep them crunchy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ready_to_Cook_Smart_at_Uni\"><\/span>Ready to Cook Smart at Uni?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cooking at uni doesn\u2019t have to mean packet noodles or endless takeaways. More and more students are choosing <b>Gousto<\/b> as a way to build kitchen confidence, discover new skills, and enjoy proper home-cooked food without the fuss.<\/p>\n<p>New to Gousto? With <strong>boxes for one person<\/strong>, with 50% off your first box, you could get 5 dinners for the week for just <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/box-prices\">\u00a317.50<\/a>. It\u2019s the easiest way to eat well on a budget, try new flavours, and make cooking something to actually look forward to.<\/p>\n<p><b>Better yet &#8211; do you have Student Discount? Click below to get 55% off your first box and tasty offers throughout your first year.<\/b>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=&#8221;GET YOUR GOUSTO STUDENT DISCOUNT&#8221; style=&#8221;custom&#8221; custom_background=&#8221;#8193DC&#8221; custom_text=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fcook.gousto.co.uk%2Fstudentdiscount%2F&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;] Easy, Affordable Cooking for Freshers Starting uni? Between lectures, nights out, and everything in between, cooking can easily slip to the bottom of your list. According to a recent survey, 64% of students skip meals to save money, and many simply don\u2019t feel confident cooking from scratch If this is you, you\u2019re not &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Cook Smart: Uni Edition Guide&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":78,"featured_media":19616,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[1059,531,543],"tags":[1057,1058],"class_list":["post-19615","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-student-hub","category-learn-to-cook","category-kitchen-hacks","tag-cook-smart","tag-students"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/gousto.gurucloud.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Front-On-Box-Retouch-1-scaled.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Hannah","author_link":"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/author\/hannahmurphy"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Cook Smart: Uni Edition Guide | Gousto Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Starting uni? 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Quick, flexible meals using batch cooking, pantry hacks &amp; more.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gousto Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/goustocooking\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-09-02T12:17:04+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-09-05T08:07:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/gousto.gurucloud.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Front-On-Box-Retouch-1-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1999\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Hannah\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Hannah\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"13 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gousto.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gousto.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Hannah\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gousto.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/0c2df408c4ee1cccad377e039a2867c0\"},\"headline\":\"Cook Smart: Uni Edition Guide\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-02T12:17:04+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-05T08:07:57+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gousto.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\"},\"wordCount\":2570,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gousto.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gousto.gurucloud.co.uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Front-On-Box-Retouch-1-scaled.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Cook Smart\",\"Students\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Student Hub\",\"How to...\",\"Cook like a pro\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gousto.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gousto.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide\",\"name\":\"Cook Smart: Uni Edition Guide | Gousto Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gousto.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gousto.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gousto.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/cook-smart-uni-edition-guide#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gousto.gurucloud.co.uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Front-On-Box-Retouch-1-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-02T12:17:04+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-05T08:07:57+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gousto.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/0c2df408c4ee1cccad377e039a2867c0\"},\"description\":\"Starting uni? 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