They're inexpensive, and many varieties only require water and margarine to prepare. Buy pizza sauce in a jar instead of spaghetti sauce. It's basically the same thing, but the size of the jar is better suited to cooking for one or two. If you have freezer room, purchase frozen vegetable mixtures to combine with sliced meats for quick stir-fries. Individual portions can be removed and the bag can be returned to the freezer for another time.
Inexpensive clothespins make great twist-ties to preserve bags of chips and frozen vegetables.
Cooking in a dorm room is challenging, so send your student back to college with a small assortment of essential utensils and appliances. After your child has settled into university life, care packages are much appreciated. Consider a culinary care package to get him or her cooking. The Augusta Chronicle . Online since 1996.