Posted 4 days ago
Sun 21 Jun, 2026 12:06 AM
Finding the motivation to cook alongside your studies and self-care time can feel like a chore, and ordering a takeaway feels more appealing. However, there are ways to make cooking more enjoyable whilst making memories with friends:
Game-ify your cooking
The 'Chopped' Challenge 🥒
Gather whatever ingredients you have in your cupboards (e.g a tin of beans, pasta, an onion) and challenge yourself or a flatmate to make a meal out of them without going to the shop!
The Masterchef Mystery Box 🥙
Go to a supermarket with your flatmates and pick out 3 surprise ingredients each other have to cook with. It's a fun way to make different dishes from what you usually make, or you could even elevate your comfort dish with these. Either way, it makes your dinner more exciting, even if it doesn't go to plan!
Make it Social
Come Dine With Me 🥗
Take turns hosting a multi-course dinner or themed dinner party for your flatmates and friends each night of the week. You can rate each other's meals and even give a prize to the winner.
Batch Cooking Party 🎊
Cooking solo can sometimes feel unmotivating and boring, so instead, team up with a housemate to chop, prep, and batch-cook a big chilli con carne or a big pot of curry. You can split the ingredient costs, and that way, everyone can have a meal of the week or freeze it to save for later.
Treat it as entertainment
Sensory Dining 🎶
Pair your meal with a specific genre of music or a movie that matches the cuisine you are making (e.g play Italian music while making pizzas, or if you're watching a Disney film, make food that's in the movie/similar foods) - Pinterest is great for this.
Learn from Creators 📱
Follow food TikTok or YouTube accounts that specialise in realistic, fun and fast student meals. You can follow along and put your own twist on dishes.
It can be hard to find the motivation to cook after a long day on campus, but planning fun moments with friends can make cooking something to look forward to after a heavy study session ❤️
