College life in Chicago can be busy. Between classes, studying, internships, work, and exploring the city, it’s easy for lunch to become an afterthought. But taking time for a midday meal can help support your energy and focus.

“College students are often balancing a lot of competing demands, and basic routines like eating regular meals can be easy to overlook,” says Dr. Danielle Doucette, PsyD, CEDS-S, a licensed clinical psychologist at Midwest Counseling & Diagnostics.

Living in a dorm doesn’t mean you need a full kitchen to make a satisfying lunch. With a microwave, mini-fridge, and a few simple ingredients, you can put together quick and easy meals to help not skip this important meal!

Here are 5 easy college lunches for Chicago students.

A turkey and cheese wrap is an easy no-cook college lunch that takes just a few minutes to prepare. Add turkey, cheese, spinach, and your favorite spread to a tortilla.

A quesadilla is a quick dorm room meal that requires very little prep. Fill a tortilla with shredded cheese and beans, microwave until the cheese melts, and add salsa on top. Leftover chicken can also be added for extra protein.

For a simple lunch that works well in a dorm mini-fridge, start with Greek yogurt and add fruit, granola, nuts, seeds, or nut butter. Switch up your toppings throughout the week to keep this easy lunch interesting.

Need a quick no-cook lunch in Chicago? Fill a pita with hummus and pre-cut vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, or spinach. Add chicken, turkey, or cheese to make it more filling.

Mix canned tuna or chicken with mayo or Greek yogurt and your favorite seasonings. Serve with crackers or pita, plus some fruit or vegetables.

When you’re juggling a busy college schedule, skipping lunch can seem like an easy way to save time. However, regular meals can help provide the fuel your body and brain need throughout the day. Taking a break for lunch can also be a simple way to build more structure into a busy schedule. For students attending college in Chicago, having easy meals available can be especially helpful.

You don’t need a complicated grocery list to make easy dorm room lunches. Stock your mini-fridge and dorm with versatile staples like tortillas, cheese, Greek yogurt, fruit, vegetables, beans, hummus, crackers, and easy sources of protein.

With a little planning, you can create quick dorm room meals in Chicago that are convenient, budget-friendly, and satisfying — giving you one less thing to worry about during a busy college day.

Midwest Counseling & Diagnostics offers virtual, one-on-one nutritional counseling for college students! To learn more or set up an appointment, contact Umamah at Umamah@midwestcounseling.com