From beans on toast to Bolognese: A Student’s Guide to Cooking with Delia

You’ve left home… Now what’s for dinner?

Leaving home for the first time is a huge milestone, there's excitement, nerves, independence, and, let’s be honest, a bit of confusion about how to survive without someone magically keeping the fridge stocked and meals appearing on the table.

Among the many “grown-up” responsibilities students suddenly find themselves juggling, laundry (sort of!) budgeting (possibly!), navigating a new city (thank goodness for smart phones!), and the one thing that often trips them up the most - cooking. For many, university is the first time they’ve had to fend for themselves in the kitchen, and the thought of going beyond toast or a packet of instant noodles can be intimidating.

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need to become the next MasterChef winner to feed yourself well. In fact, with just a little help, students can quickly go from clueless to confident in the kitchen. One of the best places to start? The Delia Online Cookery School.

Delia is always demystifying cooking, and as well as over 1,400 recipes here online, her cookery school videos are absolutely brilliant for beginners. They walk you through in an easy-to-follow way, starting with basics - like how to boil an egg (yes, really!) or make a simple omelette - just the thing for a student needing a quick, nutritious meal after a long day of lectures. Her videos aren’t flashy or filled with gimmicks; they’re clear, practical, and actually useful.

Soft-boiled Eggs

Fried Eggs

How to Make an Omelette

Once you've mastered the essentials, Delia takes you further. Want to cook a proper meal to impress your flatmates (or just treat yourself)? Her step-by-step guide to making a ragu bolognese sauce is an excellent next step. It's hearty, comforting, and a lot easier than you'd think when you break it down as Delia does. She teaches not just how to follow a recipe, but how to understand what you’re doing, which builds confidence.

Ragu Bolognese

Pasta alla Carbonara

Lasagne al Forno

Start browsing the Delia Online Cookery School

Of course there are going to be days when you come home tired, hungry, and absolutely not in the mood to simmer anything and that’s where Delia’s 'How To Cheat At Cooking' recipe collection comes in handy. Full of clever shortcuts using everyday ingredients, think pre-chopped garlic, frozen vegetables, ready-made sauces all to help you whip up tasty meals quickly without sacrificing too much flavour. It’s ideal for busy students who want to eat well but don’t have hours to spare or cupboards full of spices.

Bangers with Onions and Mustard Mash

Creole Prawns

Cincinnati 5-ways Chilli

See all the recipes from How To Cheat

Cooking for yourself might feel overwhelming at first, but with resources like Delia’s Cookery School and her handy cheat recipes, you’re never really on your own. Before long, you’ll be the one showing your flatmates how to make perfect scrambled eggs or pulling together a decent spaghetti bolognese without blinking. So head to the kitchen, and give it a go, Delia’s here to help, one omelette at a time.

SAM HOLLAND'S KITCHEN KICKSTART

Moving out, starting uni, or learning to cook? Sam Holland’s Kitchen Kickstart turns your first kitchen into a fun, tasty adventure. Packed with budget-friendly recipes for any occasion, whether it’s a quick meal between lectures, a hangover cure, a party-ready cocktail, or a last-minute cake to impress your flatmates, it’s the ultimate student cooking companion.
Simple, affordable, and delicious, it’s everything you need to eat well and enjoy every bite of student life. We have three recipes to give you a taste of the book.

Sam Holland: Thai Chicken Curry

Sausage Beans on Toast

Twin Baker Brownies