5 ways to help your teen eat well at uni

: Published: 06 July 2025

heart Lisa Cirieco

By Philippa Dobree-Carey, From High School to Uni

One of the biggest challenges young adults experience when they move to university or live independently is having to feed themselves. Without the knowledge, skills or experience, they are likely to resort to takeaways and ready meals, which are expensive and nutritionally unbalanced.

Why meal-planning matters

Nutritious meals fuel focus, energy and wellbeing. Students who plan their meals save money, waste less food, and stay healthier - both physically and mentally.

A poor diet leads to anxiety, fatigue, weight gain and difficulty concentrating. However, simple home-cooked meals can help to combat this. With a few core ingredients and a weekly plan, students can eat better, feel better and spend less.

How to set them up for success

1. Help them build a starter cupboard

Before they move out, show them the affordable, versatile and non-perishable kitchen cupboard staples that can be turned into real meals. These include:

Carbs: rice, pasta, quinoa, couscous
Proteins: eggs, tinned beans, lentils and tuna
Mixed veg: frozen spinach, broccoli and peas, tinned tomatoes
Condiments: salt, pepper, soy sauce, mixed herbs, stock cubes
Extras: cooking oil, flour, peanut butter