3 late-night meal ideas for students studying abroad

Picture this: You're in the heart of London, rushing to your last lecture of another day of your study abroad adventure, a croissant in hand. Or maybe you've ended a day of classes, cruising on a bike through the streets of New Zealand, your stomach rumbling as you glance at your textbooks snugly packed in the front basket. Sounds like supper time!

This article is the third installment in our series on study abroad kitchen hacks, where we take you through easy, affordable, and nutritious dinner recipes that are designed to fit your unique lifestyle as an overseas university student. Be sure to check out our easy meal ideas for breakfast and lunch too!

More than just a recipe guide, these tips would make the cooking process less intimidating, enjoyable and ensure that you have a well-balanced meal at the end of the day, even if it's a late-night one.

1. You're looking for a late-night meal idea that won't take up too much time

After a marathon day filled with lectures, study groups, and course projects, it's understandable that you would be seeking an easy-to-prepare yet nutritious meal. Here's where the stir-fry becomes your trusted ally. Its ease and adaptability make it an excellent dinner idea for students, especially those who need to whip up a late-night meal.

The magic of stir-fry is that it's versatile, accommodating whatever ingredients you have. Got some veggies from yesterday's grocery haul or some leftover protein? Perfect, you're all set for a hearty and healthy meal. Moreover, mastering a stir-fry equips you with essential cooking skills — chopping, sautéing, and seasoning, which form the basis of many dishes.

Above all, a home-cooked stir-fry offers a healthier alternative to ready-to-eat meals. It's an easy way to integrate a variety of nutrient-packed vegetables and lean proteins into your diet while controlling the amount of sugar and sodium by making your sauces. As such, it's more than just a meal — it's a step towards a healthier lifestyle even in the busiest of student schedules.

Ingredients

• One piece of chicken breast

• A mix of your favourite vegetables - bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, etc. (Tip: If you want to save time, look out for frozen vegetable premixes.)

• Two cloves of garlic

• One tablespoon of soy sauce

• One tablespoon of olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste (Tip: Other spices and herb pre-mixes like Cajun Seasoning or even Garlic Salt work as well if salt and pepper are too bland for your liking.)

• Cooked rice or noodles to serve

Method

STEP 1: Prep your ingredients. Dice or cut your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, chop your vegetable premix into equal sizes (for even cooking), and mince your garlic.

STEP 2: Heat the pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant.

STEP 3: Place your chicken breast chunks into the pan, season with a dash of salt and pepper or any other spices or herb pre-mixes, and cook until it's done. Remove it from the pan and set it aside.

STEP 4: In the same pan, add your vegetables and cook until they’re tender. If you find the pan is too dry, add a little more olive oil.

STEP 5: Once the vegetables are done, add your cooked chicken chunks back into the pan. Stir-fry them with soy sauce and ensure everything is well coated.

STEP 6: Serve your stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles, and enjoy a quick and nutritious meal!

This simple yet delightful stir-fry is a go-to student recipe, whether you're scrambling for a meal after late-night study sessions or seeking a nutritious dinner option.

2. Time to spare? A hearty comfort food experience awaits

With a little extra time on your hands, it's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the kitchen. Cooking a delicious, home-cooked spaghetti bolognese not only serves as a satisfying meal, it also offers a chance to sharpen your culinary skills. As a student studying abroad, creating a comforting, classic dish like this one could well be what you need after a long day on campus.

The beauty of spaghetti bolognese is in its flexibility and scalability. Whether you're preparing a meal for one or planning a student potluck, this recipe can easily be adjusted to serve just the right amount. Its universal appeal makes it an excellent idea for communal dining, ensuring every guest leaves with a satisfied palate.

Not to mention, the leftovers make a perfect quick meal for late-night study sessions. It's a gift that keeps giving — offering delicious sustenance on days when you're too swamped to cook.

So if you find yourself with a free evening, why not venture into making spaghetti bolognese? It's an ideal student recipe that perfectly balances taste, nutrition, affordability, and convenience.

Ingredients

• 500g ground beef

• One large onion, finely chopped

• Olive oil

• Two cloves of garlic, minced

• One can of diced tomatoes

• Two tablespoons of tomato paste (Tip: if it is too much effort, you can buy a bottle of bolognese sauce off the shelves of your local grocery store.)

• Two teaspoons of dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, etc.)

• One cup of water or beef broth (for extra flavour)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 300g of spaghetti (Tip: if spaghetti is not to your liking, any other pasta shape would also do.)

Method

STEP 1: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, remove from the pan, and set aside.

STEP 2: In the same pan, add some olive oil, if necessary, then sauté the onion until it turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

STEP 3: Place the beef back into the pan. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried herbs, and water or broth. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until it thickens into a rich sauce. (Tip: use a bottle of bolognese sauce if you find making your sauce too time-consuming.)

STEP 4: While your sauce is simmering, cook your spaghetti or pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.

STEP 5: Serve your bolognese sauce over the spaghetti or pasta, garnish with some grated cheese if desired, and enjoy your delicious creation! (Tip: powdered cheese is an excellent substitute if you don’t have any freshly grated cheese.)

The spaghetti bolognese is a classic student recipe and a lifesaver when you're craving something filling and satisfying. It also doubles as a fantastic late-night meal idea, and the leftovers make a great lunch the next day!

3. Seeking a healthy, late-night snack or light dinner?

Craving a healthy, soul-soothing late-night snack after a long study session? Or looking for a light meal that checks all the nutrition boxes without being overly heavy? This chicken vegetable soup is your answer.

Considered one of the best late-night snacks, this soup is the ultimate soul food, perfect for student life. It's quick, easy, and packed with an abundance of nutrients to keep you going strong.

This versatile soup is not just heartening to your taste buds but is also a classic "chicken soup for the soul" that wraps you in comfort at the end of a long day. Brimming with vegetables and lean protein, it's a dream come true for those seeking healthy late-night snacks that won't disrupt your sleep or overload your system.

And what's more? It's a one-pot wonder! That's right, less cleaning and more time for your studies (or that well-deserved Netflix binge). Now, let's get to the ingredients of this chicken vegetable soup.

Ingredients

• Two chicken breasts, skinless and boneless

• Two carrots diced

• Two celery stalks, diced

• One medium onion, diced

• Two cloves of garlic, minced

• Four cups of chicken broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: a handful of fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, etc.)

Method

STEP 1: In a large pot, add your chicken breast and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked. This should take about 20 minutes.

STEP 2: Remove the chicken breast from the pot and set it aside to cool. Shred it once it's cool enough to handle. (Tip: Use gloves for hygiene purposes.)

STEP 3: Add your diced carrots, celery, and onion in the same pot as the chicken broth. Let these simmer until the vegetables are tender.

STEP 4: Add the minced garlic to the pot. Also, add the shredded chicken back into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

STEP 5: Let the soup simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes, allowing all the flavours to meld together.

STEP 6: Serve your soup hot, garnished with some fresh herbs if desired.

Chicken vegetable soup is a comforting late-night snack and a light yet satisfying dinner. It is easy to prepare, hearty, and filled with healthy ingredients. It's one of the best and easiest meal ideas for university students studying abroad, and you can customise it by adding your favourite pasta, vegetables, or spices.

The reality of studying abroad is that while it's an incredible experience, it can also mean late nights of studying or working on projects. Having a repertoire of easy, quick, and healthy recipes can make those late nights more bearable and ensure you're fuelling your body right. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Confidently prepare for your studies abroad with IDP

As an overseas student, there's no need to compromise on tasty, nourishing meals. With our straightforward dinner recipes, you'll be cooking up a storm, creating dishes that fuel your study sessions and shared moments with friends. As you master these basics in making the best late-night snacks for you, you'll soon be ready to take on more adventurous culinary challenges.

Feeling jittery about studying abroad? Don't worry; IDP is here to help you select courses that align with your career aspirations. We're also here to share essential tips. Give yourself a head start by using the IDP Live app to begin your search. As the countdown to your adventure begins, our six-month preparation checklist will ensure you're fully equipped for the journey ahead.

Start embracing international student life by booking a free consultation with IDP today. Here's to an enriching experience studying abroad, where you'll also excel in the kitchen!

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