June 19: Ramen: Incredible, edible, inexpensive

Ramen is cheap, filling, simple and, surprisingly, tasty. It’s great for dorms because all you need is a bowl and a microwave. Unless you’re the adventurous type.

Personally, I like to make two packets instead of one, but use only the water needed for one recipe and only one of the seasoning packets (I prefer chicken). When it’s done, it’s more noodle-like than soupish. I also mix in some garlic powder, chili powder, salt and pepper. It’s less likely you’ll have these ingredients lying around, which is why you should know what you need to make your perfect Ramen before you go.

Web sites including www.mattfischer.com/ramen have a plethora of Ramen recipes to explore. A lot of the recipes include food you can find in any dorm room, such as Doritos, American cheese, tuna, Coke and beef jerky. You may not get sick of just noodles and the seasoning packet, but there are plenty of options if you do. Either way, you can get an entire meal for under a dollar and in less than five minutes. Not much beats that.