Picture this: You’ve been on campus for five hours. You’ve finally secured a seat in your favorite study spot, but then your stomach growls. You realize you haven’t eaten—only to remember you’ve already spent more than you’d like to admit on food this week.
As a commuter who spends hours on campus between classes, clubs, and studying, keeping yourself nourished without breaking the bank can be tricky. Now in my second year of commuting, I’ve learned that the best way to avoid overspending is by packing lunches and snacks that will actually keep me full. With the right recipes (and an insulated container), packing lunch can go from stressful to something you look forward to.
These meals aren’t just easy to make—they offer a good mix of protein, carbs, and veggies to help you power through long days on campus without relying on a midday coffee or vending machine snack.
Here are five easy, commuter-friendly lunches to try this semester:
This no-cook sandwich version of the classic caprese salad is a perfect, portable option. Simply add pesto, mozzarella, and tomato to a baguette (or whatever bread you prefer) and pop it in the oven for about five minutes for a crispy, melty finish. For a little extra flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze and add some arugula.
Bring back some childhood nostalgia with this idea. Using a sectioned container, mix and match your favorite snacks—like hard-boiled eggs, grapes, almonds, pretzels, or cheese slices. It’s perfect for the days when you don’t want to bring a full meal but still need something satisfying. Bonus: it’s super customizable, so you’ll never get bored.
Take whatever veggies you have on hand—zucchini, broccoli, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes—roast them, then toss them with pasta, olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of parmesan. The garlic and olive oil coat the pasta lightly, keeping it flavorful without feeling heavy. It’s an easy option to meal prep on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week.
- Rice Bowl
If you’re short on time (or just don’t feel like cooking raw chicken), try Trader Joe’s frozen turkey burger as a quick source of protein. Slice the burger up and pair it with rice, broccoli, and tzatziki sauce for a quick, balanced meal that tastes way fancier than it actually is.
- Overnight Oats
Oats aren’t just for breakfast, they can make a great lunch, too. The night before, mix oats and almond milk (and optionally honey or maple syrup) and keep it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, top it with your favorites like fruit, nuts, or granola. There are lots of fun combos to try too; you can do anything from chocolate strawberry or tropical mango.
Even with packing lunches, I’m guilty of the occasional on-campus food purchase. However, incorporating meal prepping into my school routine has been a small but impactful act of care that makes my week way easier. I think of it as being your own parent, making sure you’re set up for the day ahead. Getting creative with recipes, whether that’s trying seasonal produce or scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration, has made cooking and preparing meals a more enjoyable experience.
With a little prep, your midday meals can become an easy (and rewarding) part of your routine. And with your own customizations, you might even start preferring your homemade lunch over what you could buy on campus.