With the combination of exam season and then going home for Christmas to work and frantically buy gifts for my loved ones (as well as the inevitable lack of motivation which accompanies 3pm sunsets), I must admit I was struggling for an idea for this month’s column. I haven’t eaten out in Glasgow very much this month – largely because of the countless hours spent in the library and then coming home to get into bed and watch Netflix. Nevertheless, I thought I could take something from these experiences to share what I believe to be the best food options for a full day at uni.
Firstly, having a satisfying breakfast is one of the most important parts of my morning routine – I feel like some sort of health influencer writing that, but it’s true as it stops me from immediately eating my lunch after my first lecture and keeps me focused for the first few hours of the day. Eggs are one of my favourites as they are so quick to prepare – I love having a feta fried egg in a bagel with siracha. Veggie sausages, a fried egg, and some beans with toast is also a delicious breakfast if you have a bit more time as all the protein keeps you fuller for longer. If I’m not in the mood for something savoury, porridge with cinnamon and grated apple is a go-to. I’m never awake early enough to necessitate bringing my breakfast to campus, but if you’re one of those insane people waiting outside the library for it to open… actually, I don’t have any advice for you.
Next up is lunch, which can be a tough one if you’re in back-to-back lectures and forgot to make something the night before. As most students will tell you, the on-campus food options are UofG are overpriced for what they are – but the convenience of not having to leave the library to get a sandwich leads to many buying them anyway. The Crypt Café in Wellington Church (the memorable venue of my first-year politics lectures, where Liz Truss’ resignation was announced mid-class) is maybe the most affordable on-campus option which also has a relaxed café environment – conducive to studying, or a catch up with friends in between classes. I’ve only ever had the soup there, which I can definitely recommend as it is comforting and warm, but they also do baked potatoes and toasties. The downside is that it is only open for a brief window each day, until 1:45pm, making the Crypt unsuitable for round-the-clock library sessions.
To avoid bankrupting themselves at the JMS, many students flock to the omnipresent option of a meal deal, whose dizzying array of options makes it a choice full of potential. I am an unashamed Boots meal deal advocate – it is one of the cheapest around with the 20% student discount available on their advantage card system, and has great vegetarian and vegan options, including the vegan chicken salad sandwich. Second to Boots is Sainsbury’s, who also have several nice veggie options and the option to upgrade to a £5 deal for a “premium” main. Personally, I don’t believe the upgraded main is worth the extra cost – at that point, you might as well be staying in the comfort of the library and eating one of their meagrely-filled sandwiches. The Tesco meal deal is very similar to Sainsbury’s, with only a 10p difference between them if you have a clubcard (which you should), but perhaps with slightly fewer veggie options to my taste. The falafel wrap with mango chutney and houmous is my go-to, accompanied by a fruit smoothie for health and some sort of sweet treat or crisp, depending on my mood on the day.
Of course, bringing a packed meal is the most wallet-friendly option of all. One of my constant favourites is pesto pasta, because it’s yummy hot or cold and can be customised with whatever you have in the fridge. Sundried tomatoes bring a lovely contrast to the herby pesto and olives can add some bitterness. Adding quorn ‘chicken’ pieces is also a must for me, as well as spinach or whatever vegetables I need to use up, really. Making two (or more) portions of dinner and bringing it for lunch the next day is the easiest way to prepare meals for uni and save money. The microwaves in the Fraser Building and in the JMS have quite literally been better for my academics than some lecturers because there is no way I would stay on campus after lectures if I didn’t have a Tupperware full of chickpea curry or similar to fuel my silly little essays.
While grafting on campus for an entire day is never easy, decent food options which don’t cost a fortune undoubtedly help. I’d definitely missed cooking for myself and trying new food spots in Glasgow over Christmas – at home, the most exciting place to eat is the local Costa and my dad memorably told me that I wasn’t allowed to fry an egg in ‘his’ kitchen. Since coming back, I’ve relished making fun packed lunches for myself and eating as many fried eggs as I can stomach.
By Evie McCabe
(Vegetarian Eats as a UofG Student is a monthly column by Evie McCabe, exclusive to qmunicatemagazine.co.uk. Stay tuned for more instalments!)
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