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Whilst at university, gaining your independence and learning life skills, a very important one is how to throw a meal together. Whether you are cooking for yourself or housemates it is important to mix it up and get creative. You may even be able to impress your international housemates and make them feel at home.

Of course, searching the supermarket shelves for those yellow discount stickers is fine sometimes too, but why not get your housemates together to try cooking some traditional student meals from around the world?

Poland

A classic for Polish students is Zurek sour rye soup, made with eggs and finely chopped sausage. This will be served with deruny, which are potato cakes and stuffed cabbage rolls. This is a filling and delicious meal that will fine tune your cooking skills and be a hearty feast for your housemates.

Denmark

After that savoury feast here is something sweet. Aebleskiver are Danish pancake balls. If you can spare a bit of your student loan you can even buy a Aebleskiver pan to help you cook the perfect pancake ball. These are a great treat to have after dinner or just with a cup of tea on a Sunday after a heavy night.

Italy

This is a classic student staple in Italy but loved all over the world. Of course, it's bolognese, who doesn’t like bolognese? This Italian pasta sauce can be made in bulk and kept in the fridge or be frozen. It’s very versatile, you can have your sauce with pasta, rice, potatoes, or why not just have some on toast. There are thousands of recipes online, including vegan and vegetarian options.

Japan

Chicken yakitori is a favourite with Japanese students, these chicken skewers can be served with vegetables or a salad if you’re feeling healthy or be paired with rice and noodles for a more substantial meal. Packed full of flavour with a few simple ingredients and store cupboard staples– everyone you make these for will love them.

New Zealand

Here in the UK, we love a Sunday roast – why not give yours a twist and make braised New Zealand lamb shanks served with root vegetables. Your house will become the place to be on a Sunday with the smell of roasting lamb floating from the kitchen.

Thailand

You’ll need a dish for your vegetarian friends, take a tasty, easy meal that Thai students love and whip up a vegetable pad Thai You can add tofu to this dish. If you’ve never tried tofu, give it a go, it could become a healthy new favourite of yours.

Brazil

Now to another sweet treat – try making Brazilian pacoca, they are peanut candy squares, they only have 5 ingredients and are a favourite with Brazilian students and I’m sure after you try them, they’ll be a favourite with you too.

These different recipes will give you experience with very varied styles of cooking and help you develop a skill for life. Getting housemates and friends together for a meal is a great way to bond and create memories. Hopefully, when you cook some of these in the future, you’ll be transported back to your university days and smile.