I am definitely a breakfast person. Give me the option between pancakes and bacon with warm maple syrup or a savory lunch sandwich and I will choose breakfast. Every. Single. Time. One of my favorites is oatmeal or overnight oats. It's what I look forward to every night before I go to bed, and I love mornings where I can make my own breakfast.
However, I've come into quite the predicament ever since I moved into my dorm at college. With no access to a kitchen and my dining hall being a hike away, I'm left with my small refrigerator in my room and the communal microwave down the hall (oh yes, not ideal). Morning classes are also a struggle because it leaves me little time to make a healthy breakfast without getting up at the crack of dawn.
Luckily enough, I have an easy, satiating breakfast that is sure to keep you energized until lunch and can be made ahead to store in your fridge for the week on those hectic mornings when you need a quick but delicious breakfast. All you need are a few easily accessible ingredients for these delicious overnight oats and you are good to go!
Easy Overnight Oats- College Dorm Room Approved
The base for thick and creamy overnight oats includes 1/2 cup of rolled oats or quick oats, 1/2 cup of your favorite milk ( mine is almond), 1-2 tablespoon of chia seeds, and a teaspoon of honey or any other type of natural sweetener (maple syrup or agave nectar also works great). Simply mix these ingredients in a sealable jar or bowl the night before, put them in the fridge, and enjoy delicious oats in the morning.
I love sprucing mine up by adding fruit such as bananas, strawberries, or blueberries, but feel free to add whatever fruit and toppings you like! I also add cinnamon, cacao nibs, and peanut butter to my oats for an extra flavor boost and source of protein.
Where To Get Your Ingredients
As a Fordham student, it can be hard to get your hands on quality grocery items. A few grocery store options that are college student budget friendly are Cherry Valley Marketplace located near the Walgreens, or Modern Market located on Arthur Ave. I love picking up my oats, chia seeds, and honey here, and they have a good variety of fruits and veggies. You can also find fruits and veggies in the market across from Modern, and sometimes for cheaper, too!
If you are looking for on campus options, I usually make a trip to Pod to get fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and if you're lucky, the occasional mango. Pod also has Silk Soy or Almond milk and peanut butter which is super convenient! If you live in or near O'Hare, I recommend getting the small Silk milk options from Urban Kitchen, where they also sometimes have fruit options. Quick tip: get the Chobani Greek Yogurt cups they have in the fridge to make your oats even creamier.
Bottom line is, on campus dining does not have to be boring. When you're in a pickle and need a quick yummy breakfast for on-the-go, whipping together these ingredients overnight will be sure to fuel you for the long day ahead. As long as you have the base ingredients, you can get crazy with so many different variations of oats that will satisfy your breakfast needs. Try these easy overnight oats- dorm room approved, and enjoy!